Photos

The State Fair in Raleigh is a major event. It includes everything from the typical agricultural competitions to the worst food you have ever eaten. My photo is from the garden competition.

Some highlights of State Fair History:
1853 - The first State Fair held by the State Agricultural Society at a 16-acre tract about 10 blocks east of the Capitol in Raleigh.
1894 - Photography is a popular exhibit at the fair.
1895 - Main attraction is chicken incubators.
1900 - First food booths pop up on the fairgrounds, run by churches and civic groups as fundraisers.
1936 - Earl “Lucky” Teeter and his Hell Drivers make first appearance.
1948 - Folk Festival is created as a showcase for traditional North Carolina music and dance.
1952 - The State Fair Livestock Pavilion completed, boasting the world’s first column free roof.
1970 - Century Family Farm program launched to honor families who maintain the family farm for 100 years or more.
1983 - A new horse facility was opened, housing up to 900 horses.
2000 - Fair posted an attendance record of 846,724 attendees during a 10-day period. Fair makes tickets and ride books available online at www.ncstatefair.org. Winn Dixie Stores paid a record $41,000 for the Grand Champion Steer at the Jr. Livestock Auction.