Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

RALEIGH – The N.C. State Fair will be returning to the fairgrounds Oct. 17-27, so it’s time to start thinking about planning your visit. One great way to participate is by entering a competition, and the fair is currently welcoming people to show off their skills.

The State Fair offers many competition categories such as arts and photography, culinary, fruit and vegetable production, hobbies and handicrafts, flowers and more.

Over the years the fair has incorporated new technologies into their competitions and the same applies this year.

“New in handicrafts is a sculpture, 3D printed model or figure contest in adult amateur, teen and youth divisions. No AI-generated sculptures are allowed,” said John Buettner, competitive exhibits coordinator. “Additionally, our flower competition has themed floral arrangement categories that tie into the fall season, the State Fair and the Chinese Year of the Dragon.”

The State Fair also offers a variety of livestock shows, with individual classes based on the animal’s species, breed, age and weight class. Exhibitors will find both junior and open categories.

“The N.C. State Fair livestock shows are getting bigger,” said Summer Senter, livestock office manager. “We offer special events like the Supreme Drive and the Sale of Champions.”

If any of these competitions sound exciting, consider entering today. You or someone you know could be one of the next blue-ribbon winners. Only a few competitions require an entry fee.

Information on how to enter a competition can be found at the State Fair’s website, ncstatefair.org. Under the “Competitions” tab, you will find everything there is to know about categories, rules and deadlines. The deadline to enter most competitions is Sept. 15. Read the General Entries Premium Book and Livestock Entries Premium Book for detailed descriptions of events and regulations.

Online registration and paper entry forms are found under the “Forms and General Rules” tab in each department. Entrants are also required to submit digital W-9 forms to receive prize money.

Email ncsfcompetitions@ncgar.gov with additional questions or call one of the phone numbers listed under the “Questions” tab on the State Fair website.

“We hope to see you competing in the fall and wish every entrant the best of luck,” said Buettner. “Let’s make this a record year for our competitions.”