Source:  NCDA&CS, 10/12/21

Summary: The Got to Be NC Pavilion in Dorton Arena offers a dynamic and expanded showcase of North Carolina food products that are part of the Got to Be NC program. And for the first time, the North Carolina Public House will join the food venue to highlight North Carolina beers, wines, ciders and craft sodas all under one “Pringle-shaped” roof. The new location means fairgoers will need to head over to Dorton Arena to sample some of North Carolina’s best products and beverages.

Today’s Topic with Mike Davis at Southern Farm Network
 The N.C. State Fair gets underway in two days and we are excited to welcome fairgoers back to the state fairgrounds.
 In addition to a lot of new food vendors, one of our showcase exhibits – the Got to be NC tent that has been outside the Scott Building – has moved into Dorton Arena to give us even more room to spread out and highlight the many products, beverages and commodities grown, raised, caught and made right here in North Carolina.
 The N.C. Public House, which offers samples of beer, wine, cider and craft sodas is moving from Heritage Circle to the South Side of Dorton Arena.
 This means that all of the North Carolina food and beverage products will be together under the same roof for the first time.
 I have seen some of the display already and I think fairgoers will be impressed.
 In addition to a variety of food vendors sampling products, there will be a stage in Dorton Arena that will feature live cooking demonstrations throughout the fair. I know people love cooking shows, so this is a great addition that being in Dorton Arena will allow us to do.
 We are blessed in North Carolina to produce so many commodities that provide access to ingredients to make delicious North Carolina food and beverages.
 Vendors will have products for sampling and for sale,
so you can support North Carolina agriculture and agribusinesses with your
purchases.
 Be sure to stop by Dorton Arena and check out the Got to Be NC exhibit.
 Another exhibit I’d like to direct listeners to is the new Natural Resources Conservation Center, which houses exhibits from the North Carolina Forest Service and Soil and Water Conservation groups.
 We were fortunate to be able to add this permanent building since the last fair. Previously, the exhibits were in tents up behind Heritage Circle near the sawmill.
 The building will provide a more weather-proof space, but it also will be great for meetings and events outside of the fair. Even the walls have their own story to tell in this exhibit. There are boards from every tree species native to North Carolina covering the walls.
 We are fortunate to have the State Fair Conservation Forest presented by Enviva this year. Check out the new building and the whole area in the woods behind Heritage Circle. There are lots of interesting exhibits and activities, including a great N.C. Forest Service airplane and helicopter, like ones used to fight fires. And, of course, Smoky Bear. You’ll find working sawmill and exhibits highlighting the different soil types in North Carolina. Kids really love this interactive natural area.