N.C. State Fair Concludes Successful Run
RALEIGH – The North Carolina State Fair concluded its 11-day event with mostly clear skies, high attendance figures, and a record-breaking Junior Livestock Sale of Champions. The fair drew a total of 910,584 visitors.
“It was an incredible fair,” remarked Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Everywhere I looked I saw smiling faces, families making special memories and plenty of agriculture on display. We saw strong attendance every day but the rain day, which was not unexpected. Our numbers were on par with the 2025 attendance, minus the rain day. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 State Fair. We look forward to seeing you in 2027!”
Highlights of the Fair
The fair featured an array of highlights, including a record-setting Junior Livestock Sale of Champions, which took place on the final day. This event raised an impressive $234,000 for champion and reserve champion livestock and the junior livestock scholarship initiative.
On Duke Energy Military Appreciation Day, the fair welcomed 8,427 military personnel and their guests. Additionally, during Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day, the event collected 203,783 pounds of food for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, equating to more than 170,000 meals for individuals in need, an increase of 20,000 meals compared to the previous year.
Entertainment and Competitions
The fair showcased the largest portable Ferris Wheel globally, the America 250 Wheel, which stood at 230 feet tall. This attraction featured 45 gondolas designed with presidential themes and patriotic colors, delighting fairgoers.
Participation in competitions was robust, with over 24,000 entries in general and livestock categories. The event also marked the return of the country ham competition, both commercial and amateur, as well as the amateur wine competition. New this year were the plein air and Diamond art competitions.
Among the intriguing displays was a Tromboncino squash, affectionately named “Troy,” measuring four feet and 10.9 inches in length, which is eligible for a Guinness World Record.
Significant Anniversaries and Facilities
The fair celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Village of Yesteryear and introduced the new Midway Event Center, marking the first new building addition since 2006. This facility’s completion was part of a project that spanned two fairs. The fairgrounds also saw the inauguration of the new Flower Show Building, along with renovations to the Holshouser Building and the Commercial and Education Buildings.
Agriculture was prominently featured, with 11 farm families highlighted as part of the Farm Family of the Day, sponsored by Tractor Supply Co.
Looking ahead, the 2027 N.C. State Fair is scheduled for October 14-24, coinciding with the 75th anniversary celebration of Dorton Arena.
Source: N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
