Residents of Western North Carolina have a convenient way to participate in the 2025 N.C. Mountain State Fair competitions through the free Pony Express program. The initiative, which is a partnership between the N.C. Mountain State Fair and the N.C. Cooperative Extension, aims to make it easier for people across more than a dozen counties to enter various fair competitions.
Participants can register their entries online and bring their non-perishable items, properly wrapped and packed, along with entry forms to their local county extension office. These submissions will then be transported to the Mountain State Fair in Fletcher for judging and display.
“We want to see the best talent showcased at this year’s fair,” said Fair Manager Sean McKeon. “By saving folks a trip to the fairgrounds, the Pony Express program helps ensure transportation doesn’t hinder anyone from entering a competition.”
Entries must be delivered to county extension offices by Aug. 22 at 11:30 a.m., after which they will be taken to the fairgrounds. After judging, items will be returned to local offices for pickup, and any prize money will be mailed directly to participants.
The program is available in several counties including Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Watauga and Yancey.
Details about competition categories—including rules and deadlines—are available online in the competition catalog. Deadlines vary by category but are approaching soon; general competitions and livestock show entries are due by Aug. 22. Organizers advise early registration as some categories may fill up before deadlines.
The 2025 Mountain State Fair will take place from September 5-14 at the Western N.C. Ag Center in Fletcher. Discounted admission and ride tickets can be purchased at www.wncagcenter.org.
