Source: NCDA&CS, 9/9/13

Fairgoers can help their community and earn free admission to the N.C. Mountain State Fair during Ingles Day. On Wednesday, Sept. 11, visitors can get free admission to the fair by donating five cans of Laura Lynn brand food from Ingles at the gate.

“The fair is committed to educating the public about the farmers who grow and raise our food, but there are a lot of people out there who don’t know where they are going to get their next meal,” said fair manager Matt Buchanan. “We’re proud to be able to partner again with Ingles to support the MANNA Food Bank, and help provide hunger relief for people in our community.”

Last year, more than 15,000 pounds of food were collected during Ingles Day at the Mountain State Fair. Through the donations, MANNA Food Bank was able to provide 12,500 meals to people across 16 Western North Carolina communities.

The 20th edition of the N.C. Mountain State Fair runs through Sept. 15. Gates will be open from 3 to 11 p.m. on Ingles Day. For more information, including a complete schedule of attractions and special events at this year’s fair, go to www.mountainfair.org.