Mark your calendars! The Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair is back, September 26 through October 4. We are excited to have some of your favorite things back and some new things you will want to check out. Most importantly, our fair celebrates agriculture in Robeson County (with an economic impact of almost $650,000,000) with this family-friendly event you won’t want to miss.

Let’s start with some favorites of our fair goers, things you can expect to see each year, such as home exhibits,  hand-crafted items from talented folks in our area, farm animals, and livestock shows involving youth from around the state.  Let’s not forget everyone’s favorite rides, games, and food. You can expect to see some old-time favorites like collard sandwiches, BBQ sandwiches, hamburgers, and some new items that are likely to make you want to come back each night just to eat your way through the event.  Of course, we have some entertainment fit for the family returning like Lewee the Clown and Agri-Golf.

Some of the new things you can expect to see?  We will have new entertainment like Rafter K Rodeo and Shane Hansen’s Rock-N-Circus.  New rides, new food, new structures, and a cleaner, more streamlined fairground you will just need to see to believe.  We also have new competitions like the 4-H Lego Build Blitz and the Battle of the Drumline. North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center, and 4-H are planning a scavenger hunt as part of their fair booths – how much fun is that?

What things you may have seen or done in the past are coming back?  We have Ember Fire Arts, who is an incredible fire dancer. The King Arthur Baking contest is making a return with adults making chocolate cake and the youth making muffins for competition.  In other words, there is something for everyone at the fair.

I have several favorite foods and events at the fair. I must admit, my favorite thing to do is walk around the grounds each night and see all the smiling faces of children, parents who are exhausted and still having fun, and hearing the laughter and squeals of delight as the night sky is lit up with colorful lights from all the rides. The experience is something children will remember for a lifetime, and families are able to make memories together and without their devices.

If you are trying to decide when to come out to the fair, check  the schedule online at robesoncountyfair.com.  Also check out the daily specials to save money to get into the fair and buy ride bands. For example Car Load Night, Youth Days, Canned Food Night, and Church Bulletin Sunday to name just a few.  The fair works hard to help find ways to save and make it affordable for you to make memories enjoying something old, something new, and something that will be familiar to your family.