The N.C. State Fair concluded its 11-day event in Raleigh with a total attendance of 946,811 people. Both Monday and Tuesday saw high visitor numbers, with Monday marking the second highest attendance for that day and Tuesday the third highest.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler commented on the fair’s performance, stating, “It’s been a very strong year, and we are happy with that. A lot of attention gets focused on attendance figures, and we do want to see strong numbers, but that is not the only barometer we use to measure success. Across the fairgrounds and throughout the fair we saw a lot of smiles and a lot of happy people. And that’s what makes all the hard work worthwhile – every day and every year!”
Key events at this year’s fair included the Junior Livestock Sale of Champions on the final day, which raised $214,830 for both champion exhibitors and the junior livestock scholarship program. The competitions at the fair saw over 27,000 general and livestock entries registered. Notably, apple entries returned in full after being limited by Hurricane Helene in 2024.
A record-setting giant pumpkin was displayed at the event, weighing 2,244.5 pounds. Another entry in the giant pumpkin contest also exceeded 2,000 pounds.
Smithfield Hunger Relief Day resulted in food donations sufficient for about 150,000 meals or 16 tractor truckloads of food. These contributions will be distributed locally to support those needing assistance.
The agricultural focus continued as 11 farm families from across North Carolina were recognized as part of the Farm Family of the Day program sponsored by Tractor Supply Co.
Organizers have announced that next year’s N.C. State Fair will take place from October 15 to October 25, 2026.
