Here's a look at all the new attractions at the NC State Fair

The North Carolina State Fair is quickly approaching, and this year, fairgoers have a ton of new attractions to enjoy.

The state fair has introduced two shows for those wanting an adrenaline rush from something other than a ride.

Kachunga, an American Bushman from Florida, will wrestle alligators in front of audiences with his bare hands.

The other act is the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, which will feature skills like axe-throwing and chainsaw carving. 

These lumberjacks are not just here for entertainment; they will also spread messages about issues affecting North Carolina’s forests. This show is daily and will be held close to the N.C. Forest Service area of the fair. 

For any animal lovers, the fair is producing the Canine Stars Stunt dog show. In this event, different breeds of dogs and mixes will perform tricks like dock diving, freestyle frisbee, high jumping and dog agility. 

The press release also included a list of returning popular events and new performers at these events, all with ties to North Carolina. 

Fire departments from all around North Carolina will once again host the Fire Safety Show. This show will portray fire safety information for younger visitors.

Returning acts also include the Chinese Imperial Acrobats, the Circle C Racing Pigs and Pirates of the Columbian Caribbean.

The Homegrown Music Fest is returning with more than 100 artists with ties to North Carolina. Highlights include Rhett and Link, RaeLynn with Bucky Covington, The Catalinas and American Aquarium. Jeff Robbins will also return for Jeff Robbins Mountain Music and Stories. 

Jenna Zottoli, a UNC sophomore, said she was excited about the new attractions. She and her family went as a group last year, and ever since, they want to make it an annual tradition. 

“I look forward to being with my family, eating fair food, looking at the farm animals and riding the kiddie rides with my niece,” Zottoli said.

On Sept. 22, the fair promoted the food they'll have through an event called "Taste of the State Fair." Some classics like beignets, fried pickles and Krispy Kreme burgers were available for anyone who purchased a ticket to the state fair in advance. 

The event had been in the works since July — a full four months before the fair begins. According to the fair’s press release, there were four locations in Greenville, Fayetteville, Raleigh and Durham for visitors to sample food.  

Sarah Ray, the public information officer for the fair, said they were pleased with the turnout.

"With the success of this year's event, we already have ideas to make 'Taste of the State Fair' bigger and better in 2019," Ray said in an email.

The N.C. State Fair will be held from Oct. 11 to Oct. 21. If you want to learn more about the the event, click here.

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