NC State Fair 2019: Deep Fried Olives, Emu Burritos On Menu

RALEIGH, NC — The 2019 North Carolina State Fair is kicking off next week at the state fairgrounds in Raleigh, bringing together rides, live stock, live music, and — of course — incredibly delicious fried festival foods.

This year, the N.C. State Fair will introduce at least 38 new foods to the menu lineup, which includes a deep fried emu burrito, pineapple Dole whip, Korean BBQ pork belly eggroll, candied apple hushpuppy with Cheerwine sugar glaze, chicken bacon ranch poutine, along with deep fried olives and garlic cheese curds.

“The Chickenator” sandwich — a concoction consisting of a fried chicken breast “nestled in a cinnamon bun, topped with pepper jack cheese and crispy bacon, drizzled with a zesty honey sauce,” will also be on the menu.

This year also marks the inclusion of the State Fair SkyGazer, a 155-foot tall ferris wheel that offers 15-mile sight lines. The ride holds 216 passengers in 36 closed gondalas for the 10-minute ride. It’s the tallest ride ever brought to the fair, say organizers.

“It’s the tallest traveling Ferris wheel in the United States and when assembled, it will tower 62 and half feet above Dorton Arena,” fair manager Kent Yelverton said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: County Fairs In North Carolina 2019: Events, Dates

How To Buy Tickets
The North Carolina State Fair runs Oct. 17 through Oct. 27. Fair visitors can buy tickets online or at the gate. Online, adult tickets are $10, and children ages 6-12 are $5. Seniors are free. At the gate, adult tickets are $13 and children are $7.

Tickets for rides, the State Fair Flyer, State Fair Stargazer ferris wheel are sold seperately.

You can find a daily schedule of events here.