Food and Fairs just go together, and the North Carolina State Fair has recognized that by making it a little easier to enjoy it all – including a grandstand appearance by Bobby Flay. In preparation for the October event, finishing touches are being placed on several construction projects – including new amenities for concessionaires and people.

A seating area will provide a space for fairgoers to sit and relax while eating their favorite fair foods, and new electrical boxes and water line hookups will help make the area safer for vendors and visitors alike. There were other grounds improvements completed over the summer, such as water and sewage line upgrades and painting and landscaping projects.

In addition, cooking is taking center stage with an appearance by celebrity chef Bobby Flay (one of a grandstand line up that includes country music stars Montgomery Gentry and Jason Aldean, and Christian music star Toby Mac). Check out the NC State Fair Web site for the complete details.

For those foodies who also appreciate sustainability, the State Fair is going green this year with its exhibit Green NC. This exhibit will introduce fairgoers to easy and economical ways to help save the environment, as well as introduce future technologies. The fairgrounds will be also expand its recycling program to include bottles and cans. Green NC is sponsored by Duke Energy and the North Carolina State Energy Office.

The N.C. State Fair will be held at the N.C. State Fairgrounds Oct. 16-26. For more information, go to www.ncstatefair.org.

Photo credits: North Carolina State Fair