Since 1994 the North Carolina Mountain State Fair has attracted thousands of visitors from all parts of the state. Celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, the fair promises the tradition of providing joy and entertainment to all who attend. From carnival rides to livestock shows, arts and crafts, canned goods exhibits and horticulture displays, volunteers and employees of the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center have been busy making preparations in the days leading up to the September 6th opening day.
Seven N.C. Cooperative Extension, Buncombe County Center employees took part in the preparations. Holly Jordan, Director of N.C. Cooperative Extension, Buncombe County Center, Jordan English, 4-H agent, and Livestock agent Abby Whitaker, all provided time in preparing for the fair’s eight days of livestock shows.
Luke Owen, Commercial Horticulture agent, served as this year’s Horticulture Exhibit Superintendent. Together with Administrative Assistant Adam Coulter, they accepted entries, arranged displays, and presented ribbons according to the judges’ choices in various categories.
Youth Horticulture Exhibit at the 2024 NC Mountain State Fair. Photo by Adam Coulter.
Youth Horticulture Exhibit at 2024 NC Mountain State Fair. Photo by Adam Coulter.
Cathy Hohenstein, Buncombe County’s Family and Consumer Science agent, provided time as Superintendent of the Canned Goods exhibit. Assisted by EFNEP Educator Amanda Bremseth, they accepted over 200 entries into multiple categories. Nine additional Extension employees from the western part of the state served on the judges’ panel, evaluating pickles, jelly, salsa, fruits, syrups, and more.
Canned Goods and Food Preservation Exhibit at 2024 NC Mountain State Fair. Photo by Adam Coulter.
Entries were open to youth and adults with youth age groups separated into 6-8, 9-11, 12-14, and 15-19 years of age with first, second, and third place ribbons awarded to members of each category. Additional Best in Show and Judges’ Choice ribbons were assigned by the judges, further emphasizing the talent and creativity of the participants.
The North Carolina Mountain State Fair serves as a great opportunity to showcase the talent and skills of all North Carolinians whether in horticulture, canning and food preservation, livestock, arts and crafts, landscaping or a myriad of other categories, and is open to entries from residents of any county in North Carolina.
Consider submitting your works of talent in next year’s North Carolina Mountain State Fair and celebrate with all of North Carolina the talent and skill of the people that call our state home.
