The Mountain State Fair is just around the corner. It is a fun way to highlight your preserving and cooking skills by entering their contests and taking the chance to bring home some blue ribbons this year. Check out the various contest they have and make plans on entering. The deadlines are approaching

First deadline up is the Cooking Contest: August 14, 2026.

Do you love to cook or bake? Have a favorite recipe that family and friends always ask you to make? Then it's your time to shine!

The NC Mountain State Fair is looking for amateur cooks and bakers of all skill levels to compete in its daily cooking contests. Whether your specialty is cakes, casseroles, or another favorite dish, there's a contest for you!

Madison County is full of incredible home cooks—let's show everyone what we can do!

Cash prizes are awarded every day and range from as much as $250 for 1st Place to $100 for 3rd Place.

And that's not all! Every contestant receives:
A FREE admission ticket to the Fair and Prime parking on the day of the contest

If you've ever thought, 'My recipe could win,' this is your chance to give it a try! The deadline to enter is August 14, so don't wait. Gather your favorite recipe, SIGN UP, and enjoy the NC Mountain State Fair when you come!

Next up are the general exhibit contests: August 28, 2026

This inclueds the food preservation contest. So, start planning now. Check out all the possible general exhibit contests at the Mountain State Fair 2026 Contest Catalog. From canned fruits and vegetables to jams and jellies, to pickles and relishes, all the way to dried herbs and other foods the food preservation contest has a category for you! Show off your expertise and creativity this year! Youth can enter as well.

If you don’t want to make the drive to the fair grounds to drop off your entries, many of the entries can be pick up at the McDowell County Cooperative Extension office and delivered through the Pony Express. See more information on the Mountain State Fair Pony Express here.