Mountain State Fair Welcomes Over 150,000 Fairgoers In 2026
This week, the North Carolina Mountain State Fair concluded its ten-day run at the WNC Agricultural Center this Sunday. This year the fan drew over 153,260 fairgoers over the 10 days.
“The Mountain State Fair has become such a special tradition for so many families, and that was evident by the smiles you could see on people’s faces and the laughter you would hear walking around,” said fair manager Jeff Barham. “Being able to provide an opportunity for families and friends to come together, learn about agriculture, share delicious fair food and enjoy some of the music and entertainment on the grounds is one of the greatest rewards of putting on the fair each year.”
Competition entries filled the Oakwood Homes Expo Building with 5,688 entries in exhibits on display. In addition, there were 3,270 entries in livestock competitions. The horticulture competition saw the largest jump in entries, with a 66% increase over last year.
Other highlights from the 2026 Mountain State Fair include:
Guests brought 21,971 pounds of food donations on Ingles & MANNA Food Day, as the Fair continued its commitment to support the community and the food bank. The generosity of fair visitors will create more than 18,310 meals for area neighbors in need.
The Fair continued its tradition of honoring longtime livestock supporters and growing future leaders. Mark Mills, the assistant superintendent of Mountain State Fair livestock shows, and Cameron Greene, who recently retired as assistant manager of the WNC Agriculture Center, were inducted into the fair’s Livestock Hall of Fame. Adelee Grace Dillon, who is pursuing an animal science degree at the University of Tennessee, and Ellie Shuping, who is studying poultry science at NC State University, received the Edith Vanderbilt Youth Livestock Endowment.
The Moo-ternity Ward welcomed 12 calves during the fair and provided local FFA students the opportunity to apply their skills and answer questions from visitors. The momma cows on display were again provided by a local Mills River dairy.
Knitters, crocheters, and quilters from across the mountains created 1,042 caps and 140 warm covers for cancer patients through Caps & Covers for Cancer, supported by the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair and Novant Health. Yarn is provided by Asheville Radiology Associates, and the finished products are distributed to patients through Messino Cancer Center.
Planning is now underway for the 2027 N.C. Mountain State Fair, coming to the WNC Agricultural Center Sept. 10-19. Follow the Fair on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know of what’s ahead for next year.
