NC Mountain State Fair is full of fall family fun

Sponsored content provided by the NC Mountain State Fair

One of the most exciting events in Western North Carolina is back: the Mountain State Fair, which celebrates the people, agriculture, art and traditions of WNC.

Along with dozens of rides, games, exhibits, shows, and of course delicious fair food, there’s fun for the entire family at the fair.

New this year, Got to be NC Agriculture is hosting a talent search to crown the first-ever NC Ag Star. Live auditions and semifinal events will be held throughout the state, kicking off with the first competition at the North Carolina Mountain State Fair on Sept. 16. Learn more about the competition here.

The 28th annual North Carolina Mountain State Fair sponsored by Got to Be NC is happening Sept. 9-18 at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher.

Promotions and Discount Days:

Sept. 9:

Student Day — Students grades K-12 can get free admission until 6 p.m.

Unlimited rides cost $25 (plus gate admission) from 10 a.m. to midnight.

Sept. 12:

Unlimited rides cost $20 (plus gate admission) from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Sept. 13:

Family Day — Children 12 and younger can enjoy unlimited rides from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. for $20 plus gate admission.

Sept. 14:

Ingles Day — Bring five cans of Laura Lynn brand foods and receive free admission at the gate.

Sept. 15:

Unlimited rides cost $20 (plus gate admission) from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Sept. 16:

AG Star North Carolina Home Grown Voice Talent Search Semifinal Competition.

Senior Citizens Day — Seniors ages 65 and older get free gate admission.

Student Day — Students grades K-12 can get free admission until 6 p.m.

Unlimited rides cost $25 (plus gate admission) from 10 a.m. to midnight.

Sept. 17:

North Carolina Education Lottery Day — Get a free promotional “Scratch and Win” ticket with each adult admission ticket purchase (must be at least 18 years old to play).

Hours:

Monday through Thursday — Gates and buildings open at 3 p.m.; rides open at 4 p.m. and close at 11 p.m.

Friday and Saturday — Gates and buildings open at 9 a.m.; rides open at 10 a.m. and close at midnight.

Sunday, Sept. 11 — Gates and buildings open at 9 a.m.; rides open at 10 a.m. and close at 11 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 18 — Gates and buildings open at 9 a.m.; rides, buildings and all exhibits close at 9 p.m.

Tickets:

Save big by purchasing advanced discounted tickets at $9 for adults and $5 for seniors and children. Discounted tickets are available in all western North Carolina Ingles locations and online at wncagcenter.org.

The North Carolina Mountain State Fair has announced a clear bag preference this year. Bags that should provide quicker entry include a clear backpack, clear fanny pack, clear tote, gallon bag, small purses or clutch bags and diaper bags.

For more information on the fair, click here.