Here, There and Everywhere: CALS at the N.C. State Fair

Heading to the North Carolina State Fair? Keep an eye out for CALS. You’ll find us all over the fairgrounds, from the Education Building to the Flower Show — and most everywhere in between.

We’re judging contests, manning exhibits and food booths, and showing livestock. And, of course, dishing up our famous Howling Cow ice cream.

This year’s exclusive State Fair flavor — back by popular demand — is caramel apple crisp. Grab a scoop (or two) in the Howling Cow tent, next to the Hobbies & Crafts Building.

With the theme “Nothing Could Be Finer,” this year’s fair takes place Oct. 12 to 22 in Raleigh.

Here are places to catch CALS in action:

• In the Graham Building, alongside show rings where 4-H and FFA youth compete in livestock events, CALS is part of an exhibit that celebrates North Carolina agriculture. Join us there to take pictures in front of a barn backdrop with props ranging from bacon to sweet potatoes. Then, post your photos to Twitter and Instagram with the #ThankNCFarmers hashtag for a chance to win an Ag Swag Bag. If you don’t make it to the Graham Building, you can #ThankNCFarmers from anywhere at the fair!
• Outside near Gate 11, where creative 4-H hay bale exhibits from counties across the state will be displayed.
• In the Education Building, where you can visit exhibits for NC State Extension and its 4-H and family programs.
• Under the poultry tent, where the Poultry Science Club has a booth that displays images created through capstone classes developed by Lynn Worley Davis. Poultry Science Club students also helped with the Youth Market Turkey Show.
• At the Howling Cow ice cream tent, where NC State Dairy Club members will be scooping the State Fair’s exclusive flavor, caramel apple crisp, and more.
• In the Graham and Expo buildings, where 4-H’ers and FFA members will compete in livestock shows as NC State Animal Science Club members serve as ringmasters.
• In the Expo Building, where you can visit the State Fair Ark to see about 60 animals representing the state’s diverse livestock industry. Members of the Animal Science Club work around the clock there, and they also operate a nearby cow-milking booth.
• At the usually peaceful Flower and Garden Show, where you can see information booths and exhibits from Extension Master Gardener volunteers and the JC Raulston Arboretum. Also be sure to check out new Master Gardener composting displays, including a worm bin!
• Inside the Old Farm Machinery building, where members of the college’s Pack Pullers club will be with their award-winning quarter-scale tractor.