ASHEVILLE – Wrap up the summer days swinging on rides, playing for prizes on the midway and munching on the latest, unique fair foods this side of North Carolina.
From Sept. 6-15, the 2024 N.C. Mountain State Fair, presented by title sponsor Ingles Market, returns to the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher.
Days ahead of fairgrounds opening, Ellerslie McCue, marketing and communications manager of North Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Western Ag Programs said the fairgrounds come to life as rides are loaded in and vendors set up.
“It starts with the chair lift coming in which is such an iconic part of the Mountain State Fair,” McCue said. “Something we hear time and time again is it’s one of people’s favorite things because you get to see the fair spread out with all the colors and lights with the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You don’t get a better view than that.”
The fair will feature traditional aspects, like the livestock, cooking and singing competitions, and the heritage crafts market featuring items made by more than two dozen craftspeople.
New attractions for its 30th year include entertainment, rides and an expanded vendor market with more than 20 food trucks.
“Every year is a little different and this year we are celebrating 30 years of the Mountain State Fair, which is a huge milestone that we’re proud of,” McCue said. “It’s been fun over this year to talk to people who have been involved with the fair for the 30 years. We have a lot of people who work with the fair who truly built this fair.”
The N.C. Mountain State Fair’s sister event, the North Carolina State Fair, founded in 1853, will run from Oct. 17-27 in Raleigh.
“It’s a big family and we enjoy being together for 10 days and getting to put on such an amazing event for the community,” McCue said. “We believe and hope and strive that it represents the heart and soul of Western North Carolina.”
Midway and entertainment lineups
On the Midway, games will test skills and Drew Expositions’ 36 rides will offer thrills and adventures for young and older audiences, including brand-new rides making their public debut.
There will be more fun at the fair with Hillbilly Bob sharing stories and humor while rolling along in his antique, decorated “Old Ruthie” Ford Model A.
Magician T.J. Hill’s interactive and comedic performances and magic shows will wow the crowds.
“We also have an acrobatic circus that will be at the back of the fair that we’re excited about,” McCue said.
Longtime favorites are coming back, like Chase’s Racing Swimming Pigs, Sea Lion Splash, Cartoon Headquarters with popular kid characters, Brad Matchett’s Comedy Hypnotist Show and piano player Leon Jacobs.
On the Ag South Farm Credit Mountain Music stage, listen to mountain music and witness high-energy clogging at Sunday matinee shows, beginning at 2 p.m., or nightly evening performances, kicking off at 6 p.m.
“We have an amazing Mountain Music Fest that runs the 10 days of the fair and it’s local bluegrass bands and cloggers and big names, as well,” McCue said. “It’s tucked in our Heritage Circle so it’s a wonderful atmosphere. … It’s a great way to see a lot of talented musicians.”
Fair food favorites and newbies
Stop by the newly expanded Got to Be NC Pavilion ― introduced last year ― at Chevrolet Davis Arena to load up on food and beverage products from makers across the state.
Sim McIver, assistant director of the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services for the marketing division said the Got to Be NC, a statewide initiative on behalf of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, works to put local ingredients and products in stores’ shelves, in homes and on restaurant tables worldwide.
“North Carolina Agriculture is number one in the state ― we’re over $111 billion in economic impact,” McIver said. “We’re the third most diverse agriculture state in the country. We have a lot of products growing in our state and it’s a way to support local and support the businesses in your community.”
In the event center, nearly 20 retailers will sell products like fudge, hot sauces, popcorn, barbecue sauces, wine, merchandise and more.
In addition to the traditional fair food on the Midway, 22 food vendors will be parked outside the N.C. Food Truck Alley.
“Come check us out, support local,” McIver said. “If you want the best and you want it fresh. It helps your local economy so come support us.”
N.C. Mountain State Fair
Where: WNC Agricultural Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher.
When: Sept. 6-15.
Gates open at 9 a.m. Friday-Sunday and 3 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
The fair closes at Midnight Friday-Saturday and 11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday.
Info: For more, visit wncagcenter.org/p/mountainstatefair.
State Fair prices, discounts and freebies
- Adults. $12 online and at the gate.
- Seniors aged 65 and up. $5.
- Children aged 6 to 12. $5.
- Children aged 5 and under. Free.
- Unlimited rides. $35 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; and $25 Monday-Thursday.
- Sept. 6. Student Day-Free admission for K-12 students until 6 p.m.
- Sept. 11. is “We CAN Fight Hunger Day,” presented by Sheetz Convenience Stores and the N.C. Mountain State Fair, invites fairgoers to donate five canned goods for free admission. Canned goods will be collected and distributed by MANNA FoodBank.
- Sept. 13. Senior Day and Student Day. Admission is free until 6 p.m. for guests ages 65 and older and K-12 students.
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Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with asubscription to the Citizen Times.
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