Let’s Fix Work Episode 81
One of the crowning jewels in the life here in North Carolina is the N.C. State Fair. I’ve lived in a lot of places. I’ve bounced around a lot. I’ve even lived abroad. Up until the time I moved down to Raleigh, I had never been to a state fair. I didn’t know what I had been missing. Let me tell you, the N.C. State Fair is an interesting intersection of agriculture industry, artistry, high fat, and high fructose corn syrup food.
Today, I’m talking to Heather Overton, Assistant Director of Communications for the N.C. State Fair Press Office and our go to concierge for the N.C. State Fair. So how does this mega-event come together? What’s it all about? Why do people keep coming back? What makes the N.C. state fair so special? Heather will be helping us answer all of these questions and more. So if you like fried food, livestock competitions, or landscape exhibits and are interested in learning how it all comes together, then sit back and listen to this episode of Let’s Fix Work.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- What’s new in 2019 at the N.C. State Fair and what makes it such an important event
- The philosophy behind the Fair pivoting away from Hollywood-type acts and moving towards local entertainment instead
- The Fair as a unifying force in the community
- All about the food: what’s new, what’s exciting and what’s returning. Plus, Food Lion Hunger Relief Day
- N.C. State Fair staff, who puts it on, how it’s run and the planning cycle
- Reflecting on the Fair and how it is rooted in North Carolina’s agricultural industry and history
KEY TAKEAWAYS
WHAT IS NEW AT THE N.C. STATE FAIR IN 2019?
You can expect new fairgrounds entertainment, a giraffe and her zookeeper walking around, a steel drum band, and a stilt circus. Additionally, the fire safety show will be back again this year. This is where different fire stations from across the state come in, usually a different one every day. They draw big crowds, especially for the younger set. Of course, there will be lots of food, agriculture and fun for the entire family at the fair.
WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND THE N.C. STATE FAIR PIVOTING AWAY FROM HOLLYWOOD-TYPE ACTS AND MOVING TOWARDS LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT INSTEAD?
Heather Overton had this to say about the Fair’s philosophy, “Our philosophy is that the N.C. State Fair should showcase the best of North Carolina. And one of the ways that we reflect that is through our exhibits. Our music series also reflects North Carolina talent.”
TELL ME ABOUT THE FOOD! WHAT’S NEW AND WHAT IS RETURNING?
This year there will be several new food items. Everything from savory jerk chicken and rice balls to deep fried olives. Plus, returning favorites like Dole Whip!
HOW DOES THE FAIR BRING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER?
As described by Heather: “The majority of the visitors, staff, and vendors are from North Carolina. We do have some people that travel from around the U.S. to be here. But I really think the Fair is a reflection of people and communities that you see within the state. Mostly everybody loves the fair, and if you come out here, you might love it for different reasons.”
Resources from this episode:
Cerity – Workers’ Compensation Insurance