Questions That Will Get Your Mouth Watering and Your Kids Screaming to Go to the NC Mountain State Fair in Asheville this September

The North Carolina Mountain State Fair returns to the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher, just south of Asheville, this September 7-16, marking the beginning of fall festivities in the Blue Ridge. And with it comes the questions we all just can't wait to answer...

How much does the Blue Ribbon Giants of the Garden Pumpkin weigh? What kind of pie will win the best recipe award? Horticultural and agricultural competitions abound, discovering the best WNC has to offer, from poultry to pork to pecans. Crafters celebrate their handiwork too, with awards for hand weaving, holiday ornaments, needlepoint, macrame... you name it. There's even a Spam Cooking Contest.

Will the Leigh Glass Band play "Mr. Thunderjeans"? This year's music line-up also includes local favorites like the Buddy K Big Band, the Sharkadelics, the Caribbean Cowboys, voted "Favorite Local Band" in Mountain Xpress' Best of WNC, and songstress Nikki Talley. Plus, Old North State from Durango, CO, make a stop on their Southern Tour, and the ever-popular Original Nuthin' Fancy Band reunites on the big stage.

Will you be able to convince your kids to leave the midway rides so you can hear some bluegrass and Appalachian music? A Family Fun Pack might be the smartest way to go, giving you an excuse to set a family limit of four rides (the deal also includes five admission tickets and vendor discounts). Traditional mountain music is performed nightly on The Heritage Music Stage, including clogging, gospel, and plenty of pickin'.

How in the world does Josh Knotts get out of that straightjacket? Extreme illusions and escape shows are the specialty of Josh Knotts and Lea, with Las Vegas-style magic acts and daring escapes. You'll also want to see Comedy hypnotist Mike Bishop make people fall out of their chairs and forget where they are.

Will the two additions to this year's entertainment line-up satisfy your craving for extreme sports? 2012 brings the excitement of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Rodeo and The Haywood Community College Timber Sports Team to the NC Mountain Fair. Get a grip on your lumberjack skills! Top-notch entertainment shows are also provided by the Kenya Safari Acrobats and the Dixie Starlight Express cowgirls.

Which little squealer will win at the Hogway Speedway? Will your timing be right to catch a live birth at the Mooternity Ward? Witness the miracles of nature with racing swine and newborn calves. The kids love a chance to meet all of the barnyard animals like llamas, goats, ducks, ponies, and piglets.

How many funnel cakes and corn dogs can you eat in one day? Don't forget the nachos, chili cheese fries, kettle corn, hot sausage, bloomin' onions, and Philly cheesesteaks. And you simply must have a BBQ sandwich with slaw. Dessert? There's still caramel apples, deep fried Twinkies, peanut butter fudge, and chocolate-covered bacon. Wash it all down with some fresh-squeezed lemonade.

Why crowd your family into a hotel room when you can experience the spacious luxury of a mountain cabin rental? Give Carolina Mornings a call when you're planning your getaway. We've got vacation rental homes in a variety of locations around Asheville, with plenty to choose from. Find the perfect cabin for your family, bring the dog, and make your trip to the fair an unforgettable Blue Ridge vacation!