Although the company bringing the rides is different this year, attendees can expect the classics during next week’s Caldwell County Agricultural Fair.
Last year, the Exhibit Hall was decorated with pumpkins and other vegetation, just in time for the beginning of autumn.
Last year’s Best of Show, draped in purple ribbons.
Some exhibit entries from last year’s 4-H Youth. The year before last, about 40 children entered. Last year, the number was closer to 250. Caldwell County 4-H youth development agent Gabby Whorley hopes that number continues to grow.
The fair is coming back to town, and with it comes horse shows, dog shows, competitions, old-school field day events, and, of course, a Ferris wheel and classic treats from local food vendors.
From Sept. 23-27, the Caldwell County Agricultural Fair will light up the Caldwell Fairgrounds on U.S. 321, offering free admission on Wednesday and free parking every day.
“What we’re really trying to do is lean into the amazing (agriculture) and arts that are here in Caldwell County,” said Moriah Montalbano, treasurer of the Caldwell County Ag Fair board. “There’s so much resurgence of interest in the traditional activities and arts. That’s why we’re harkening back to field day and the cake walk. We’re having to explain to all the kids what a cake walk is.”
Last year, about 5,500 people attended the fair, but Montalbano hopes to push those numbers a little higher this year.
Exhibits cover just about anything people can enter, from flowers and vegetables to baked goods and handmade crafts like art, needlework, and woodworking.
While field day competitions — such as a three-legged race, a sack race, and a tug-of-war — are first-come, first-served, the exhibits require registration ahead of time, which can be found at caldwellagfair.com/ag-fair/.
Montalbano took home first place last year with her heirloom butternut squash, and this year she’ll be entering butternut squash, garlic, and homemade jam.
“I always bring jam because that’s what I’m known for in my family,” Montalbano said. “Everybody gets jam for Christmas.”
On top of the exhibitions, there will be a free senior lunch from noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, a truck show on Saturday at 3 p.m., and livestock shows on Wednesday at 4 p.m., Thursday at 4 p.m., and Sunday at 10 a.m. — separate from the dog and horse shows hosted by Caldwell County 4-H.
“My favorite is the cows,” Montalbano said. “They look like giant, walking stuffed animals because they’re clean and fluffy. It’s not like a cow in the field, right? … Coming to the livestock show to see the horses, the goats, the sheep, the cattle, it’s a really special treat because we’re not like the state fair, where it’s a big, huge arena and you can’t get (close) — you are right there!”
Live music will also fill the fairgrounds, with a performance by Zeb Spencer on Thursday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and a Hosstyle Dieselz-sponsored performance by Lonesome Sound on Saturday starting at 7:30 p.m.
4-H Youth
Among the events over the weekend, Caldwell County 4-H will be hosting a dog show and a horse show, both organized by children in the program.
4-H is a voluntary educational nonprofit run through North Carolina State University for children between 5 and 18 years old, and it focuses on STEM and agriculture, healthy living, and civic engagement.
The Saddle Club horse shows are open to any age, and will be on Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 9:30 a.m. From walking patterns to barrel racing, competitors can show off their equestrian skills for the $10 class entry fee and take home half the pot — should they win.
The dog competition will be more laid back, open only to kids ages 5 to 18 from around the county, and highlighting qualities such as the cutest, the fluffiest, and even pinning a ribbon for animals in human costumes.
“It’s nothing like your typical, strict dog show,” said Gabby Whorley, the 4-H youth development agent for Caldwell County. “This is mainly just for fun, and for kids that love their dog. It just kind of highlights responsibility and the relationship they have with their dog.”
