Even after 143 years, the N.C. State Fair finds attendees from all over the state.
Some UNC students are veterans of the fair while others have gone or plan on going for the first time this year.
Freshman Devyn McDonald said she plans on going to the fair this weekend.
She attended the fair every year as an elementary and middle school student, but has decreased her attendance in recent years.
“My favorite part is probably the combination of petting zoos and fried food. That’s the only place those things could ever come together. It’s a beautiful harmony” McDonald said.
Senior biology major Ruchita Pillai said she enjoyed her first trip to the fair on Saturday.
She said enjoyed the fried food and fireworks that exploded behind the Ferris wheel.
“Actually, the petting zoo was pretty awesome too,” she added “There were all kinds of farm animals – pigs, cows, a couple of birds, and a goat in there, I think.”
Elizabeth Rhodes, a senior English major, said she plans on attending the fair on the Friday and hopes it won’t be too crowded.
“I have been the last two years. I have this tradition of going with my fiance” Rhodes said.
“I think a fried pickle might have been the strangest thing I’ve ever eaten,” she said.
McDonald said the food is just absurd.
She said she got a look at the Krispy Kreme Burger thanks to a picture from her friends.
“It’s disgusting,” she said. “It is made-up of a patty and lettuce sandwiched between a halved donut.”
McDonald said “I haven’t tried anything too outrageous. I keep it to funnel cakes and candy apples.”
Pillai said she watched a pig race with her friends.
“It was ridiculous. We were hoping they would stop in the middle but they actually finished,” Pillai said.
Though she enjoyed much of the fair, she said the Haunted Mansion was “super lame.”
Rhodes enjoys going on the Ferris wheel and playing the games. She said she especially likes “the one where you squirt water into the target.”
To get the day's news and headlines in your inbox each morning, sign up for our email newsletters.
