Each have their own state fairs. And this year, we were lucky and there was a weekend where they overlapped each other, so we went to both.

We started by arriving in Charlotte, NC. It was right between the two and it was the cheaper of the destinations and options. We then drove up to Raleigh, NC and then down to Colombia, SC. And in between the state fairs, we indulged in some southern BBQ (both North and South Carolina styles). Did you know they each had their own styles? North Carolina BBQ is more vinegar-based. South Carolina BBQ is more mustard-based. We even ended up at an AYCE BBQ spot that was only $16 per person. What is this amazing price? And this place, although in South Carolina, had both types of BBQ styles. We also went to an art museum and spent some time in nature.

Okay, the first: North Carolina State Fair

Attractions:
-Opening Ceremony
-Tabacco Stringing Competition
-Hot DIGGITY Dog
-Bird Man
-Smokey the Bear
-Red Trousers
-Comedy Chef
-Brad Comedy Hypnosis Show
-Fire Arts
-Fireworks

Foods:
-Cheeseburger Corn Dog
-Fried Chicken Gizzards & Fries
-Ice Cream
-Liver Mush Sandwich
-Candied Oatmeal Pie
-Southern Red Dog
-Handmade Donut
-Cider Slushie
-Turkey Leg

The second: South Carolina State Fair

Attractions:
-Chef Landry Comedy Cooking
-Denis Lee
-Silver Starlettes
-Ron Diamond (magic & illusion)
-Swimming Pigs
-46 Counties of SC

Foods:
-Fries
-PRO Kitchen Cookies
-Fried Mushrooms
-Corn Dog
-Kettle Corn

As we attend smaller and smaller state fairs, the more they are starting to feel like, what I know as, county fairs. The food options are become a bit less. Well, maybe that’s not true. What’s becoming less is the amount of unique food offerings. Because the SC state fair was basically corn dogs, burgers, lemonade and fries. There were a few unique items but no “new” fair foods.