- Mountain State Fair celebrates
the people, the traditions, and what's new in the
western Carolina area of North Carolina.
- [Derek] Starting the first Friday after Labor Day,
the Mountain State Fair has been a western North Carolina
tradition for over 20 years.
- [Ron] Agricultural fairs are the window
that people see agriculture through.
This is a first time, first opportunity for a lot of 'em
to experience hands-on agriculture exhibits.
- [Derek] So naturally,
there's a lotta farm animals to see up close.
[peaceful music]
In the Expo building,
you'll find more agricultural products on display.
[peaceful music]
In addition to local arts and crafts.
- We have a wonderful heritage crafts,
a strong heritage community here in western North Carolina.
And we'd love to show that off and display that.
- Heritage Walk is in the Virginia Boone Building,
near Gate Five.
We have 51 heritage crafts people,
who are given straying mountain crafts and skills.
It's an education, it's an opportunity to see
very, very talented people at work.
It's a chance to learn about what our heritage was.
[peaceful music]
People became very self-sufficient.
They created their own fabric for clothing.
They raised their own food, animals, produce.
They did all the crafts necessary to exist.
They bottomed chairs, they made baskets to carry things in,
made their own soap.
We're sharing it and we're trying to get the next generation
interested so these skills are not lost forever.
- [Derek] For many folks,
the fair can be a learning experience.
For most, the fair's an opportunity for good family fun.
And with over 100 acts performing at numerous venues
during the fair, there's lots of entertainment.
- The Mountain Music Stage is another wonderful tradition
we have here at the Mountain State Fair.
It kicks off at seven o'clock.
Some people feel that that's just a way to
unwind and relax, and enjoy the day,
and just watch the sun set over the mountains.
[soft rock music]
- [Derek] Whether it's the farm animals,
award-winning agricultural products,
local arts,
mountain heritage crafts,
or the twirling amusement rides.
[soft rock music]
The North Carolina Mountain State Fair
surely has something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
- What are the favorite parts of the fair?
Some people say food.
It seems like everything's deep fried.
We say don't knock it till you fry it, here at the fair.
We have over 75 food vendors, and you can find everything
from deep fried cookie dough to pineapple on a stick.
And in fact, everything seems to taste better on a stick
at the Mountain State Fair.
We invite people from all over North Carolina
to experience western Carolina this time of year.
People look forward to a western Carolina tradition,
and that's the Mountain State Fair.
- [Derek] This is Derek Long, for North Carolina Weekend.
- The North Carolina Mountain State Fair
is September 8th through the 17th,
at the Western North Carolina Agriculture Center
near the Asheville Regional Airport
on Interstate 26 East, exit 40.
For hours and ticket information,
go to wncagcenter.org.