October is my favorite month for a number of reasons. First of all, I love fall. Second, it is my birthday month and I LOVE my birthday. Last but certainly not least, October is also the month of the North Carolina State Fair.

Growing up, I attended the fair every year. My best friend and I ate our way through the church booths and then ate candy apples and cotton candy for dessert. Of course we rode the rides (I will never forget the first time I rode the Tilt a Wheel and how my best friend had to talk me out of getting sick…). We also made “spin art” every trip. Those are memories I will carry with me forever.

The fair has changed over the years but it remains the special event that it has always been. It is held at the NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh and this weekend is the last weekend to attend. There is a great combination of permanent and temporary structures to get you through any weather concerns so don’t let weather hold you back.

Now that my nieces and nephews are getting a little older, I am excited to take them to the fair and share the experience. This time I am going to bookmark the mobile site on my smartphone so I can easily find what we are looking for (technology is amazing, isn’t it?). We are especially interested in the cooking contests because we all love to cook.  And because they are big fans, we will probably try and get tickets to hear Kellie Pickler in Dorton Arena.

What is the best way to get there? If you live in the area, there is a bus service that can drop you off right at the front door.  If you live outside the area, try Amtrak. They have a special State Fair Train service that will drop you off at the front door too.

I can’t wait to hear what your favorite part about the fair is this year. Please let me know!

By Phyllis Brookshire (Senior Vice President)