Why should anyone care about the fair?

While historically, agriculture fairs existed to bring farmers together, modern fairs are as much about agriculture education as they are about showcasing local food and agriculture. Youth and other community members can participate in the fair in several ways.

Youth and adult entries

Youth ages 5-19 can exhibit anything from flowers to photography at the fair. They are able to show off their skills by exhibiting something they made or grew and receive feedback from a judge. Adults can also exhibit at the fair. Non-livestock youth entries will be accepted on Monday, September 23rd from 12 – 5 p.m and Tuesday, September 24th from 12-5.

Entries can be picked up Monday, September 30th, from 1 PM - 5 PM.

Reserve and Decorate a Booth

4-H Clubs, non-profit organizations, and other civic groups can reserve a booth at the fair free of charge up until the week before the fair.

Commercial booths are available for $125. Contact the fair office at 828-728-7050 or visit their website.

Grow Your Knowledge at the Fair

Visiting your local fair helps you learn more about agriculture and celebrate your community. The Caldwell Agriculture Fair is not the only fair around. Consider attending the Mountain State Fair or North Carolina State Fair in 2024. If you or your child are interested in submitting entries at the Mountain State Fair, you can learn more about that. Information about submitting entries to the NC State Fair can be found here.

Fair Dates

Caldwell Agriculture Fair: September 25-28, 2024

Mountain State Fair: September 6-15, 2024

North Carolina State Fair: October 17-27, 2024

To learn more about how youth can participate in 4-H or what is currently offered locally, contact Caldwell County 4-H Agent Gabby Whorley at glwhorle@ncsu.edu. Families can also view local 4-H information online.

Caldwell County 4-H is a proud member agency of United Way. Gabby Whorley is the 4-H Youth Development Agent with Caldwell County Cooperative Extension. The Caldwell County Cooperative Extension Center, 120 Hospital Ave. NE #1 in Lenoir, provides access to resources of N.C. State University and N.C. A&T State University through educational programs and publications.