This year, The Peace Times got to be part of the excitement by visiting the 2026 NC State Fair.
As we walked through the fairgrounds, something caught our attention around every corner. From the smell of freshly fried food to the colorful lights surrounding the rides, the fair offered plenty to explore. Visitors could spend their time trying different foods, playing carnival games, checking out the animals, shopping from local vendors, or hopping on one of the many rides throughout the midway.
Of course, no trip to the state fair feels complete without a look at the rides. Whether visitors wanted something exciting or just wanted to enjoy the view from above, attractions suited every level of adventure. The midway was filled with games, music, and the kind of energy that makes it hard to walk past without stopping to see what’s going on.
For The Peace Times, the visit offered a chance to break the usual campus routine and experience one of North Carolina’s most recognizable fall traditions. Beyond the attractions, it was also an opportunity to hear from people attending the fair and learn what keeps them coming back.
For some, the state fair is not just a once-a-year outing, it is a tradition that has been part of their lives for as long as they can remember.
Mayken Lynette, a first-year Peace student majoring in criminal justice with a minor in forensics, shared that she has enjoyed attending the fair throughout her life.
“I’ve been going to the fair every year for basically my entire life, and I love it!” Lynette said.
One of the things she enjoys most is spending time with family and friends while experiencing everything the fair has to offer. Even after going for so many years, she said there is always something new to see or try.
“It’s also a great way to connect with people and even make new friends,” she said.
While Lynette looks forward to the fair as a yearly tradition, other visitors have a different reason for making the trip. For some, it is all about finding their next favorite fair food.
Andrea Sara, a visitor at this year’s fair, shared that trying the food was one of the main reasons she decided to attend.
“Honestly, I only came for the food,” Sara said.
Although she described the food options as just okay overall, one particular experience stood out. Sara tried fried alligator for the first time and was pleasantly surprised by how much she enjoyed it.
“I tried fried gator for the first time, and it was sooo good!!!” she said.
Her experience reminds us that part of the fun of the fair is trying something you might not normally order. With so many different food stands and unusual options, visitors never really know what they might discover.
Between the rides, games, food, and conversations with visitors, the 2026 NC State Fair offered plenty of reasons for people to make the trip. While everyone may have their own favorite part, the experience brings people together in a way that has made the fair a yearly tradition for so many North Carolinians.
For The Peace Times, the visit was more than just an opportunity to cover a local event. It was a chance to step away from campus, experience something new, and share that experience with the William Peace University community.