Source: NCDA&CS, 9/4/19

The wait is over as the 26th N.C. Mountain State Fair opens for its annual 10-day run Friday. Gates open at 9 a.m. with an official ribbon cutting ceremony held at noon on the Heritage Stage.

“We’re looking forward to another great year of family friendly fun,” said fair manager Matt Buchanan. “From livestock shows and giant pumpkins to carnival rides and deep-fried treats, the fair offers something for everyone.”

The opening weekend will be full of special promotions, competitions and new entertainment.

Promotions
On Friday, Sept. 6, students in grades K-12 get free admission from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. That night, thrill seekers can save with the fair’s Friday Night Frenzy promotion. For $28, fair visitors can purchase a combined ticket that includes both gate admission to the fair and unlimited rides from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. While the unlimited rides are only available after 9 p.m., visitors can purchase the Friday Night Frenzy combined ticket anytime on Friday.

Competitions
One of the highlights of the fair is the variety of livestock competitions. During opening weekend, visitors can see competitors show off their rabbits, dairy goats and beef cattle. Poultry, turkey and other livestock also will be on display. Livestock shows will be held in the Livestock Sales Arena, McGough Arena and the lower barns throughout the weekend. All competitions are open to the public.

Clogging competitions will begin Friday at 7 p.m. and will continue Saturday starting at 9 a.m. Individual acts, duos and teams will take the stage in the Got To Be NC Tent and compete in both traditional and contemporary dances. The N.C. Mountain State Fair Pageant also returns to Heritage Stage with titles being awarded for Little Miss and Mister North Carolina.

Entertainment
There is plenty of entertainment for fairgoers to enjoy during opening weekend. Returning acts include the Hogway Speedway pig races, Brad Matchett Comedy Hypnotist, Kenya Safari Acrobats and musician Leon Jacobs.

New entertainment includes the Cowboy Circus with Danny Grant, the Red Trouser acrobatic show and Pirates of the Columbian Caribbean. Grant will perform roping tricks and stroll through the fairgrounds daily. The Red Trousers duo will perform at Davis Event Center, and don’t miss the swashbuckling, high-wire show of the Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean. Look for the life-sized pirate ship.

Mountain music
           Opening weekend is also a great time to take in some dynamic musical acts. On Saturday, Sept. 7, from 6-9 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 8, from 4-6 p.m., musical acts will perform as part of the Carolina Farm Credit Music Festival. Check out the shows on the Heritage Stage. Also on Sunday, Sept. 8, the Mountain State Fair Music Jam will be held from 2-4 p.m. on the Heritage Stage.

The 2019 N.C. Mountain State Fair runs Sept. 6-15 at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online at www.mountainfair.org.