A time-honored tradition, the North Carolina State Fair brings together families, friends and food enthusiasts to discover what makes the Tar Heel state and its people so great. At this year’s fair Oct. 17-27, here are some of the best spots to find students and experts from NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and experience agriculture at the State Fair. With these ideas, we hope you’ll find some “Home Grown Happiness.”
Hooray for Dairy
The Dairy Science Club is again 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 Friday-Sunday during both weekends 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.
And you can spot some CALS students showing NC State dairy cattle at the fair, too, as part of the dairy show team sponsored by NC State’s Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery.
Celebrate Future Farmers
All things FFA will be on display during FFA Day at the State Fair on Oct. 18 with a special program featuring N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler at the Tobacco Pavilion.
North Carolina FFA members will 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, showcases North Carolina’s livestock industry for children with an exhibit featuring a variety of farm animals, including cows, goats and chickens.
- FFA Snack Shack offers a quick bite to eat and refuel for more fair fun.
- Field of Dreams offers an immersive experience for the entire family to learn about the importance of North Carolina agriculture. FFA members will be on hand to guide you from harvesting produce to selling it at the market and using the money earned at the grocery store to pay for a prize.
Check Out the Pack Pullers
It has been a big year for NC State’s Pack Pullers. The team won the top spot in the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) International Quarter Scale Tractor Competition in May. Come check out the champion tractor, dubbed the “Intimidator,” in the Antique Farm Machinery building and chat with Pack Pullers members. The club will also participate in the Commissioner’s Tractor Parade.
Grow Big with Agronomy
The Agronomy Club will have a booth in the Pitzer Heritage Circle beside the Flue-Cured Tobacco Barn. Club members will be there daily and welcome ag enthusiasts and alumni to stop by and visit. The club also works with the Tobacco Growers Association of North Carolina to help sell concessions and Agronomy Club merchandise.
Get Excited About 4-H
Every year, 4-H participants from across the state showcase their diverse talents in art, crafts, entomology, culinary creations and photography in the Education Building. Members will also decorate hay bales, and county 4-H programs from all five Extension districts will have exhibits. Additionally, you can spot enthusiastic members showing their prized livestock, including winners of the NC State-sponsored Youth Market Turkey Show, in the Graham and Expo buildings.
Let’s Howl for Ice Cream
The Food Science Club will once again be serving Howling Cow ice cream at its booth between the Sam Rand Grandstand and the Warehouse. Enjoy a variety of locally produced flavors including the Dean’s Choice flavor, Tuffy’s Toffee, and the debut of a new flavor.
Touch a Cow with the NC State Animal Science Club
Led by the Animal Science Club, visitors have the opportunity to take a picture with and pet one of NC State’s own dairy cows. As you exit the booth, you will be given a choice between white or chocolate milk processed on NC State’s campus. There will also be opportunities to buy club merchandise and to participate in a raffle with a variety of items. You can find the Animal Science Club at the Expo Center, near the giant pumpkin display and handwashing stations.
Learn With the Extension Master Gardeners
NC State Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be stationed throughout the fair, including at the Flower and Garden Show located near the Children’s Barnyard. Wake County Master Gardener volunteers will have two booths open for the duration of the fair: one to answer questions and sell garden gloves, and a second to answer questions and provide information on composting. Both booths can be found near the Waterwise demo garden.
Johnston County Master Gardener volunteers will be at the fair to provide information on their programs and initiatives on Oct. 23. If you see any of these exceptional volunteers, be sure to say hello and ask them your questions about horticulture.
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