Residents of Western North Carolina still have time to submit entries for the 2025 N.C. Mountain State Fair, with the Pony Express program offering a free and simple way to participate in competitions. The initiative is a collaboration between the N.C. Mountain State Fair and the N.C. Cooperative Extension, aiming to make it easier for children, teens, and adults across more than a dozen counties to take part.
Through the Pony Express program, participants can register their entries online and drop off non-perishable items—properly packed along with entry forms—at their local county extension office. These submissions will then be transported to the fairgrounds in Fletcher for judging and display.
“We want to see the best talent showcased at this year’s fair,” said Fair Manager Sean McKeon. “By saving folks a trip to the fairgrounds, the Pony Express program helps ensure transportation doesn’t hinder anyone from entering a competition.”
All entries must be delivered to county extension offices by August 22 at 11:30 a.m. After judging, items will be returned to these offices for pickup, while any prize money will be mailed directly to winners.
The following N.C. Cooperative Extension offices are participating: Avery (828-733-8270), Burke (828-764-9480), Caldwell (828-757-1290), Cherokee (828-837-2210), Clay (828-389-6305), Cleveland (704-482-4365), EBCI (828-359-6939), Graham (828-479-7979), Haywood (828-456-3575), Jackson (828-586-4009), Macon (828-349-2046), Madison (828-649-2411), McDowell (828-652-8104), Mitchell (828-688-4811), Polk (828-894-8218), Rutherford (828-287-6010), Swain (828-488-3848), Watauga (828-264–3061) and Yancey (828–682–6186).
Competition details—including rules, guidelines, and deadlines—are available in an online catalog on the fair’s website. Entry deadlines vary by category but are approaching soon; those interested are encouraged to register early as some categories may reach capacity before deadlines.
General competition and livestock show entries close on August 22. The 2025 Mountain State Fair will take place September 5–14 at the Western N.C. Ag Center in Fletcher. Discounted admission and ride tickets can be purchased at www.wncagcenter.org.
