County Fairs In North Carolina 2019: Events, Dates

NORTH CAROLINA — While summer is in full swing, it won’t be long until it's time for county fairs across the Tar Heel State, each promising their own blend of rides, barnyard animals on display, cotton candy, and deep-fried goodies.

Agricultural fairs are a long-held institution in North Carolina stretching back more than 160 years. The first such fair was in Raleigh in 1853, launched as an attempt to improve and advocate for agriculture in the state, according to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension. It was a success and fairs continue to thrive as events for agricultural education and entertainment.

This year, the North Carolina State Fair is Oct. 17 - Oct 27 at the NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.

Here's a list of county fairs planned around North Carolina, organized by their kick-off, provided by NC Find A Fair website:

AUGUST

• Haywood County Fair — Aug. 22 - Aug. 25, 2019
• Hickory American Legion Fair — Aug. 28 - Sept. 2, 2019
• Iredell County Agricultural Fair — Aug. 30 - Sept. 7, 2019
• Cumberland County Agricultural Fair — Aug. 30-Sept. 8, 2019

SEPTEMBER

• Mountain State Fair — Sept. 6 - Sept. 15, 2019
• Surry County Fair — Sept. 7 - Sept. 14, 2019
• Lee Regional Fair — Sept. 10 - Sept. 15, 2019
• Davidson County Agricultural Fair — Sept. 16 - Sept. 21, 2019
• Wilson County American Legion Show — Sept. 17 - Sept. 22, 2019
• Pitt County American Legion Agricultural Show — Sept. 17 - Sept. 22, 2019
• Cleveland County Fair — Sept. 26 - Oct. 6, 2019
• Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair — Sept. 26 - Oct. 5, 2019
• Robeson Regional Agricultural Show — Sept. 27 - Oct. 5, 2019

OCTOBER

• Wilkes County Agricultural Show — Oct. 1 - Oct. 5, 2019
• Dixie Classic Fair — Oct. 4 - Oct. 13, 2019
• Lenoir County Fair — Oct. 8 - Oct. 12, 2019
• Duplin Agribusiness Fair — Oct. 16. - Oct. 19, 2019
• NC State Fair — Oct. 17 - Oct. 27, 2019

NOVEMBER

• Cape Fear Fair & Expo — Nov. 1 - Nov. 10, 2019