Source: NCDA&CS, 7/27/21
The N.C. Mountain State Fair “Rides Again” in 2021, returning to
the WNC Ag Center in Fletcher, Sept. 10-19.“The Fair is back for 10 days of full-steam fun,” said fair manager Matt Buchanan. “Competitions are a popular attraction with fairgoers, and this year’s fair will include both new competitions and plenty of returning favorites. Showcasing the talents and skills of all those who call Western North Carolina home, is one of the best parts in celebrating our community.” New
competitions In response to requests, a youth show for llamas has been added. This includes multiple youth classes for pack, public relations, obstacles and even a costume class with the theme, “All Things Food!” Since so many youths in the area are raising their own flocks of chickens and ducks, a new Youth Poultry Egg Show sets the stage for fierce competition where judges will evaluate each dozen of white, brown or blue/green or other shelled chicken and duck eggs based on USDA standards. Fresh eggs entered must be from the exhibitor’s flock raised on their farm or homeplace. “We’re glad to bring the N.C. Mountain State Fair back this year and happy for the opportunity to have such a wide range of competitions and contests,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The experience our youth receive from competing at the Fair will benefit them their entire lives. They learn so much in raising and showing livestock, making arts and crafts, raising foods and produce, and showcasing their many other talents.” Also
new this year, during registration for general exhibit competitions each
exhibitor must sign up for a specific drop off and pick up time slot to spread
out the number of exhibitors at one time. Family or friends wanting to drop off
or pick up together must sign up for the same time slot. Registration
now open Entry
registrations are open now and online entries are being accepted. Entry
deadlines are quickly approaching for several competitions at the 2021 N.C.
Mountain State Fair. The
gospel singing contest will be held Sept. 18 with contests for solo performers
and groups. Space is limited to the first 10 solo entries and the first five
group entries in each class. The entry deadline for the gospel singing contest
and cooking competitions is Friday, Aug. 13. Cooking
contests will be held daily throughout the fair. Every contest is sponsored by
a state commodity association, including the N.C. Tomato Growers Association,
N.C. Aquaculture Association, N.C. Beef Council, N.C. Pork Council, N.C. Egg
Association, N.C. Blueberry Council, N.C. Dairy Producers Association, N.C.
Apple Growers Association and N.C. Sweet Potato Commission. The
ice cream eating competition will be in the Davis Event Center on Sept. 14 with
several categories for different age groups and even celebrities. Mills River
Creamery, a local dairy and creamery, sponsors this contest. Winners receive
trophies for being the first person in their category to eat a specified amount
of ice cream. Entry
deadlines approaching In
addition to gospel singing and cooking contests, the N.C. Mountain State Fair
is hosting competitions for livestock, clogging, art, photography, agricultural
and horticultural products, preserved foods, youth flower and garden, and more.
The following are entry deadlines for specific categories:
- Aug. 6 – Clogging Championship (First Cutoff)
- Aug. 13 – Cooking Competitions, Gospel Singing Contest
- Aug. 27 – General Exhibits, Youth Llama Show, Rabbits, Livestock, Display Livestock, Very Special Livestock Show
- Aug. 29 – N.C. Mountain State Fair Pageant
- Sept. 14 – Ice Cream Eating Contest
To
stay up to date with a full list of competitions, upcoming deadlines and rules,
visit www.wncagcenter.org/p/mountainstatefair/competitions. For questions
regarding competitions, contact entry coordinator Tamara Crain at 828-687-1414,
ext. 210. The
27th N.C. Mountain State Fair runs Sept. 10-19 at the WNC Agricultural Center
in Fletcher. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for seniors 65 and up and
children ages six to 12. Children five and under are free. Check the website
for special promotions and discount days. More information is available at www.mountainfair.org.
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