T he town of Chapel Hill is a lovely — but insulating — home. The N.C. State Fair in Raleigh is an opportunity for those without knowledge of North Carolina’s diversity — especially out-of-state and international students — to learn more about the people and culture of the Tar Heel State.
After visitors get their fix of deep-fried carnival food, they can explore the vital role agriculture plays in North Carolina’s economy and culture.
The agricultural industry employs nearly 16 percent of the state’s workforce, according to the state’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The industry is represented at the fair by unique exhibitions of gorgeous cornucopias, majestic livestock and giant pumpkins of storybook lore.
If you aren’t already full after your fried feast, local goods are available from more than 20 vendors.
A visit to the fair would not be complete without celebrations of the state’s musical heritage — at the fair’s Folk Festival, for instance. If live music and dancing aren’t your thing, you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to watch pigs and goats race NASCAR-style.
Worried you can’t get to the fair cheaply? Triangle Transit buses are making stops in Chapel Hill with weekend service straight to the fairgrounds for roundtrip fares starting at only $2.50.
Tar Heels who hail from the state should be ambassadors to their out-of-state and international friends during a visit to the fair.
