The 2025 Mountain State Fair will be here before we know it! Now is the time to start thinking about entering some of the exciting new competitions and updated categories for this upcoming fair. Visit the fair catalog to see the complete list of new competitions and updates. Today we are highlighting two new competitions to the horticulture exhibits this year:

New this year, the youth large vegetables/fruits category has been revamped! In partnership with AgSouth Farm Credit, we have increased premiums and combined youth age groups to see who has what it takes to grow the largest pumpkin, watermelon, sunflower head, gourd, potato, and tomato. The first place premium for each of these respective categories is $100.00, second place is $45.00, and third place is $20.00. Any child from ages 6-19 can enter the competitions, with one entry limited per class per exhibitor. We look forward to seeing lots large fruits and vegetables this year! For all information on this competition, see the fair catalog on page 78.

Another competition that is new this year, has been created for school gardens in partnership with Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom North Carolina. Any public, private, or charter school in WNC is invited to participate. Each school can have one entry, and schools will have a booth to exhibit their school gardens. Booths are encouraged to be creative by having an artistic presentation (posters, storyboards, videos, etc.), inclusion of physical products from the school garden (not required), and show how the school gardens impact their community and are incorporated into student learning. There are two categories for entry, primary and elementary schools, and Middle/Jr High and Sr High schools. First place premiums for each of these categories is $250.00, second place is $200.00, and third place is $150.00. For all information related to this competition, see the fair catalog on page 20.

So how do you enter? It’s simple, registration is online and can be found here. If you are having trouble with registration, see this helpful guide or call 828-687-1414 ext. 208 with questions.

Be sure to register as quickly as possible as space fills up quickly in the exhibit hall! See below for important registration deadline information:

Deadlines

Division I: General & Special Cooking Contest

• General Exhibits – Aug. 22^nd, 2025
• Cooking Competitions – Aug. 8^th, 2025

Division II: Livestock Division

Division III: Song & Dance

• Gospel Singing Contest – Aug. 8^th, 2025
• Clogging Championship – Aug. 15^th, 2025

In Person Competitions

• Ice Cream Eating Contest – Sept. 9^th
• Mullett & Stash Show – Sept. 6^th