From Staff Reports 

FLETCHER, N.C. — The 2026 NC Mountain State Fair — running Sept. 11-20 — once again will celebrate Western North Carolina’s agriculture, heritage and family entertainment with livestock shows, local crafts, carnival rides, food and fun at theWNC Agricultural Center at 1301 Fanning Bridge Road here.

New features this year will include, among others, flying cow cars, a spookhouse and a comedy juggler.

Between 150,000 and 180,000 people attend the 10-day fair.

On opening day, activities will run from 10 a.m. Sept. 11 through 1 a.m. Sept. 12.

 In general, the fair will open its gates at 9 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and at 3 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays. 

Admission tickets for the fair cost $9 in advance for adults (ages 13–64) and $10 to $12 at the gate. 

Advance ticket discount pricing is available online by visiting www.Etix.com until midnight Sept. 10.

From Staff Reports  

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. —The 2006 N.C. Apple Festival will be held Sept. 4-7 on Main Street in downtown Hendersonville, usually drawing between 200,000 and 250,000 people over its four-day Labor Day weekend event

The festival will open 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sept. 4. The street fair will run from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 4-6. 

On Sept. 7, the street fair will be held from 10 a.m. until the parade concludes. The King Apple Parade will roll at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 7. The parade marks the grand finalé of the festival. 

Headliners in the festival’s musical lineup include the Buddy K Big Band, performing from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 4; The Big Throwback (featuring Blake Ellege), 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 5; and The Mighty Kicks, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 6. The headliners’ concerts will be held on the stage in front of the Historic Courthouse on Main Street downtown. Admission is free.