The annual NC State Fair kicks off tomorrow (Thursday, October 17th) at the Raleigh fairgrounds and will run for 11 days. Featuring inventive deep-fried foods, historical agricultural exhibits and classic carnival attractions, the festival is likely to draw about one million people.

This year, hungry fairgoers can expect new eccentric Southern-style cuisine. “We have a pork barbecue and slaw egg roll. We have Krispy Kreme Sloppy joes. Someone’s going to try fried ice cream this year. We have deep-fried pink lemonade funnel cakes,” said fair official Brian Long. There will also be double-decker candy apples.

The fair has been running since 1853, with brief pauses during the American Civil War and World War II, and has hosted speeches by three US presidents (Teddy Roosevelt, Gerald Ford and George HW Bush). Its official purpose, broadly speaking, is to showcase NC agriculture.

Organizers have promised that their production will be second to none. As someone who’s attended this fair multiple times, I highly recommend the pig races. If you end up going, let us know what you tried and how it went!

When: October 17 – 27

Where: 1025 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 2760

What: Food, carnival rides, live music and exhibits. Check out the event schedule.

Tickets: $7 for adults. Free for kids. Advance tickets available.

Follow on Twitter: @NCStateFair

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