There’s No Time Like Fair Time With CALS
From giant pumpkins and fancy feathered chickens to indulgent treats and creative crafts, the North Carolina State Fair showcases all things agriculture, celebrating the people, places and industries at the heart of our state. At this year’s fair, Oct. 16-26, come learn about North Carolina agriculture from students and experts from NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
By spending a little time with members of the CALS community at the following locations, we hope you’ll find that “There’s No Time Like Fair Time.”
Wolfpack Day
NC State students can kick off the start of the North Carolina State Fair on Thursday, Oct. 16, with $8 admission by showing their NC State Student ID card at the gate. The offer is only available at the gate on opening day of the fair (Oct. 16) and is valid only for students.
Milk a Cow with the NC State Animal Science Club
Join the Animal Science Club for a hands-on opportunity to learn about animal agriculture and milk one of NC State’s very own dairy cows under the guidance of trained club members. Proper hygiene and safety precautions will be in place to ensure both cow and visitor comfort. After your turn, enjoy a complimentary cup of white or chocolate milk processed right on NC State’s campus. Club merchandise and raffle opportunities with a variety of prizes will also be available. Find the Animal Science Club at the Expo Center, located near the giant pumpkin display and handwashing stations.
Hooray for Dairy
Dairy Science Club members will be selling Howling Cow milk at the NC Dairy Booth in Dorton Arena as a fundraiser for the club. Thirsty fairgoers can purchase the locally produced milk throughout the entirety of the fair.
Dairy Science Club members will also help at dairy shows, assisting judges in the ring or handing out ribbons to winners. Additionally, club members can be found at the Barnyard in the Graham Building, where they’ll answer questions about agriculture in North Carolina and help visitors complete bingo cards and win prizes.
Serving Up Smiles
The Food Science Club will once again be scooping Howling Cow ice cream at its booth between the Sam Rand Grandstand and the Warehouse. Enjoy a variety of locally produced flavors, including classics like Wolftracks and Tuffy’s Toffee, as well as this year’s special flavor, peach. All proceeds support the Food Science Club’s events, programs and scholarships.
Get Revved Up with the Pack Pullers
Come check out the Pack Pullers, NC State’s internationally recognized competition tractor team, in the Antique Farm Machinery Building. The group will have a display for the duration of the fair, including the team’s champion tractors, “Moonshiner” and “Intimidator.” You can catch the team in action at around 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Rand Grandstand, doing demonstration tractor pulls before the main tractor-pulling shows.
Celebrate Future Farmers
All things FFA will be on display during FFA Day at the State Fair on Oct. 21 with a special program taking place at 1 p.m. in the Tobacco Pavilion.
North Carolina FFA members will also be assisting throughout the run of the fair, from volunteering at exhibits to showing animals. Here are some of the places where you can find FFA members:
- FFA Children’s Barnyard, located on the Midway near the Village of Yesteryear and the Flower and Garden Show, teaches children about North Carolina’s livestock industry. Stop by to learn about a variety of farm animals from FFA members across the state.
- FFA Snack Shack, situated near the Children’s Barnyard, offers a quick bite to eat and refuel for more fair fun.
- Field of Dreams provides an immersive experience for the entire family to learn about the importance of North Carolina agriculture. FFA members will be on hand to help guide fairgoers of all ages through the farming process from harvesting produce to selling it at the market and using the money to reap the rewards of their labor with a prize pack of North Carolina products.
Dig Into 4-H
Throughout the week, 4-H’ers will be in the Education Building showcasing their projects ranging from crafts and photography to culinary creations and entomology while also sharing their 4-H experiences with fairgoers. Members will also decorate hay bales, and county 4-H programs from four Extension districts will have exhibits. Stop by to learn more and see how 4-H helps young people become Beyond Ready for the future.
Additionally, you can spot enthusiastic 4-H’ers showing their prized livestock, including winners of the NC State-sponsored Youth Market Turkey Show, in the Graham and Expo buildings.
Grow Big with the Agronomy Club
The Agronomy Club will volunteer at the NC Tobacco Growers Association (NCTGA) booth in Heritage Circle beside the Flue-Cured Tobacco Barn. Club members will be there all week selling concessions for the NCTGA, as well as Agronomy Club merchandise. Ag enthusiasts and alumni are welcome to come by and visit!
Cultivate Your Garden with Extension Master Gardeners
You’ll find NC State Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers stationed throughout the fair, including the Harnett County Master Gardeners, answering questions and offering gardening tips. On Oct. 25, the Chatham County Master Gardeners can be found at the Flower and Garden Show, guiding visitors and assisting with displays and exhibits.