The North Carolina State Fair 2021

Safety, food, big rides, & more food! Those were the only things occupying our minds this year. It was so great to make it back to the state fair as a family.

A huge thanks to the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services for sponsoring our admission.

First & foremost, we wore masks. The only times we took them off were to eat & for quick photos. In those instances, we did our best to significantly distance ourselves from others. This is a non-negotiable for us. Of course, you do what’s best for you & your family.

Now… on to the fun stuff!

Going in, we had an Instagram tab saved with foods we wanted to try. I also always have my staples (funnel cakes & turkey legs!). Thanks to accounts like @wraloutandabout, we already had insights into some new available items. And oh-my-gosh it was allll so delicious!

CHEESY BACON FRIES & BACON WRAPPED CHICKEN - Unfortunately, I didn’t get the name of the vendor but the word bacon was written all over it. It was a hectic moment & my mouth was watering! We also purchased a (souvenir) cup of lemonade. It was large enough for my daughters & I to share & lasted quite a while.

CHICK-N-CUE & GRITS - If you like grits, imagine a bowl of cheesy ones topped with chicken-n-que, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chives, & a piece of fried chicken skin (a chicharrones) on the side. As we say in the south “Lawwwd have mercy!” My daughters & I shared a bowl. They could’ve easily eaten one of their own. The dish was that good to us.

FUNNEL CAKE - No explanation needed for this. I so enjoy having it plain & topped with powdered sugar. Next time, however, I’m going to add a topping I’ve never tried. We’ll have to see how creative the vendors get with their recipes.

SLUSHIE - We passed by the Moose Joose Slush vendor & it caught my daughters’ attention. Of course, they asked for one. We were thrilled to learn that they’d fill our lemonade cup from another place for the same price as their small slushies ($6). A great deal-especially for the fair.

As for fair rides, my daughters & I rode the Giant Wheel together ($7/person). Yes, our legs quivered a bit but that’s the norm. We’re all somewhat afraid of heights but usually find courage to push through. Get a glimpse of the ride in this reel. We planned to get on a dark ride together, too, but the one we wanted is a two-seater. I hung back & let the girls go instead.

They came out unimpressed.

The other rides for our crew were the Alpine Bobs, a spinning water tube my youngest hunts down yearly, a fun house, & bumper cars. Games were another story altogether. My girls LIVE to play games & I have no idea how many they tried.

We arrived at the fair a little after 1pm & left around 6pm. As is tradition, on the way out is when we grab cotton candy, candy apples, & turkey legs. We take those home to enjoy.

Overall, we had a blast as usual. My girls were so happy & that makes me happy. We now wait longingly for 2022.

A little info for your visit….

-It’s a lot of walking. Wear comfy shoes. I so often see people in heels. Always blows my mind.

-Security checks are at each gate. They recommend using clear bags. We didn’t but the process was simple as usual.

-Bathrooms were open & cleaner than I expected. Porta potties were also plentiful throughout the grounds but I personally avoid those at all costs.

-Most people were not wearing masks.

-Hand sanitizing stations were all around but sometimes empty. I suggest bringing your own.

-Wear sunglasses if you’re attending earlier in the day.

-Although there was a good crowd of people our entire visit, it really picked up after 4pm. Plan your trip accordingly.

-As for parking, I saw lots ranging from free, $10, & $25. Of course, the more convenient to the fair, the more expensive.

Have you attended the NC State Fair this year? Are you going to?

If you live in another state, are you planning to attend there? What are you most looking forward to?

See one of our previous fair trips here. There’s also a vlog to enjoy!