Field of Dreams

Preview: Children are invited to spend some time on the Fair’s miniature farm to learn more about the connection between the farm and the dinner table.

Kids can pick up a basket at the entrance and pick crops such as apples, strawberries and cucumbers and learn about other crops and how they turn into everyday staples, such as peanut butter and cereal. After picking the crops, children can then “sell” their harvest at the Field of Dreams Farmers Market for fair money. The money can then be spent at the Field of Dreams Grocery Store.

New features to this exhibit include a resting area for parents and a greenhouse. And don't forget to stop by the photo op site just outside of the exhibit for a great fall family photo.

Presented by the N.C. Farm Bureau and the NCDA&CS, this exhibit also includes a coloring contest, storytelling center and a photo area where families can take a snapshot from their day at the “farm.” The exhibit is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.

Got To Be NC Agriculture

The exhibit piggybacks off the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Got to Be NC campaign to draw attention to the many high-quality foods grown or made in our state. North Carolina chefs will do cooking demonstrations using N.C. products from the Butterball Kitchen Cooking Show stage. View cooking show schedule

Also, to help highlight the importance of the state’s agricultural exports, the N.C. Ports Authority will display a 1/40-scale model crane. Visitors will be able to sit in an operator’s chair and use the crane to move containers. Other features of the exhibit include free product samples, tasty food available for purchase and a giant motorized grocery cart.

 Our Land, Our Legacy

Preserving farmland and land resources is an important initiative of the NCDA&CS as commercial and residential development continues to replace productive farmlands. The Our Land, Our Legacy exhibit features organizations and programs working to promote North Carolina’s agricultural tradition. Located near Gate 11, this exhibit will educate fairgoers on agritourism, sustainable agriculture, environmental issues and farmland preservation through interactive presentations and displays.

Exhibit partners include

• One NC Naturally
• N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Air Quality Division
• N.C Horse Council
• N.C. Grange
• Sustainable Agriculture Partners
• N.C. State University College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
• American Chemical Society
• FFA
• N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' divisions:
  • Plant Industry
  • Research Stations
  • Food Distribution
  • N.C. Agricultural Fund

NC State Fair Ark

North Carolina’s diverse production of livestock is featured at the State Fair Ark, as more than 60 animals are exhibited. Fairgoers can see cattle, sheep, goats, swine and learn more about the various breeds of farm animals raised in North Carolina. The Ark’s Avenue of Champions will feature grand and reserve champions from the junior market steer, lamb, goat, turkey and barrow shows. Visitors also can milk a cow with the help of volunteers from the N.C. State University Animal Science Club. The Ark is located in the Exposition Center and will be open from 9 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.