Food, fun and the future at the N.C. Mountain State Fair

The sounds of laughter, screams and the smell of fried dough and cooking onions filled the air Friday afternoon when the Western North Carolina Mountain State Fair officially opened.

Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler made a speech to kick off the fair Friday, but also gave some insight into some new projects that will be constructed on the fairgrounds.

“I also want to talk about the future of this facility,” he said. “There will be construction beginning right after the fair.”

Troxler said a $3 million arts and crafts building is among the scheduled projects.

“The building will be an 11,000-square foot log building that will be a rentable space,” he said. “This new facility will blend in with Western North Carolina’s heritage.”

In addition to the arts and crafts building, Troxler said that there will be a new $2.1 million equine and livestock barn built.

Troxler said that both of these projects are slated to be completed by this time next year.

“That’s just phase one of the planned projects,” he said. “Phase two will include spending over $7 million to close in the Davis Arena. The renovations will include putting in a floor, heating the facility and including office spaces.”

He said that this facility will also offer rental space needed for exhibits and shows.

“These improvements will only enhance what is here now,” he said. “When this is completed, it will be one of the finest facilities in Western North Carolina.”

Food and fun

In addition to Troxler’s announcement of improvements at the fairgrounds, others came to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Mountain State Fair.

Norma Jennings of Brevard was walking the fairway and taking in the scenery Friday.

“I like the fair because it’s for all ages,” she said “It has something for everybody.”

Randy Strop and a group of his friends were playing games and cutting up while enjoying the fair.

“We came today because we got in for free,” he said. “I come to ride the rides and spend time with my friends.”

Troxler said that last year, a record number of people attended the fair — 189,000 to be exact.

“We have larger goals for this year,” he said.

“I want to make this the second largest agriculture fair in North Carolina.”