State Fair closes with 910,000 visits
Officials reported record livestock sales and major facility upgrades during the 11-day event in Raleigh.
By Gabriela Flores ·
The North Carolina State Fair ended Sunday, October 25, with a total attendance of 910,584 visitors across its 11-day run. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler described the event as incredible in a post-fair press release. He noted that smiling families and agricultural displays were visible throughout the grounds. Troxler said daily attendance remained strong except for a rain day, which he said was not unexpected. He added that the 2026 numbers matched the 2025 attendance once the rain day was removed.
The fair featured several record-setting activities and special events. The Junior Livestock Sale of Champions concluded on the final day with bids totaling $234,000 for champion and reserve champion animals and the scholarship program. On Military Appreciation Day, sponsored by Duke Energy, the fair hosted 8,427 military members and guests. During Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day, organizers collected 203,783 pounds of food for the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. That haul provides more than 170,000 meals, an increase of 20,000 meals compared to the previous year.
Entertainment and competition drew large crowds with over 24,000 general and livestock entries registered. The fair displayed the America 250 Wheel, a 230-foot-tall portable Ferris wheel featuring 45 presidential-themed gondolas. A guinea world record-eligible Tromboncino squash named Troy, measuring four feet and 10.9 inches, was also on display. The event marked the return of the country ham competition and the amateur wine competition, while introducing new plein air and Diamond art competitions.
Infrastructure upgrades were a central focus of this year's fair. The Midway Event Center opened as the first new building since 2006, completing a project that spanned two fairs. The fair also opened a new Flower Show Building. Renovations were completed for the Holshouser Building and the Commercial and Education Buildings. Additionally, the fair celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Village of Yesterday. Eleven farm families were recognized as Farm Family of the Day in a sponsorship by Tractor Supply Co.
Troxler thanked everyone who joined the 2026 State Fair and expressed anticipation for the next event. The 2027 North Carolina State Fair is scheduled for October 14 through October 24. That date range will mark the 75th anniversary of Dorton Arena.
Source: WPTF · original report published
