From Staff Reports 

FLETCHER —  The 2022 N.C. Mountain State Fair, which typically draws about 180,000 people, will feature three new acts and run Sept. 9-18 at the WNC Agricultural Center, 775 Boylston Highway,  here.

On Mondays through Thursdays, the gates open at 3 p.m. On closing night (Sept. 18), rides, buildings and all exhibits will close at 9 p.m. 

The fair’s pageant will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 10.

The fair traditionally offers a plethora of live musical performances — and what are billed as “thrilling rides, engaging livestock shows, energetic clogging, mountain crafts, fun entertainment and delicious fair food to enjoy every day.”

Adjoining the grounds will be the Wild Wheels Wall of Death, a new retro motorcycle thrill show that keeps alive the traveling motorcycle show tradition.

Another show making its debut is Birds ‘n’ Beasts, which is being billed as a showcase of stunning birds of prey and shares a wildlife conservation messsage.

A third new act will be the Great Lakes Timber Show, highlighting lumberjack competitions of skill and brawn.

Among the returning favorites will be the Circle C pig races, where piglets race to the finish line for a cheese puff grand prize; and Kenya Safari Acrobats, which is billed as an energetic troup that showcases their strength, flexibility and balance.

Admission to the fair is $9 for adults and $5 for seniors ages 65 and up and for children ages six to 12. Children ages five and under will be admitted for free. 

To order tickets in advance and save $2 on gate admission, visit online at wncagcenter.org.