Asheville’s Mountain State Fair Celebrates 30 Years of Community and Culture

Asheville’s Mountain State Fair Wraps Up Its 30th Celebration

Asheville, N.C. – What a wonderful time it has been in our charming town! After a thrilling ten days, the 30th annual North Carolina Mountain State Fair (MST) closed its gates on Sunday night, leaving behind memories that will linger long after the last ride has come to a stop. The fair, which proudly represents Western North Carolina, has become a cherished tradition for our community, showcasing our rich culture, agriculture, art, and the heartfelt traditions that make this region so special.

An Eventful Celebration

General Manager Sean McKeon of the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center and the MST shared that, despite the weather playing hard to get, the fair managed to attract approximately 146,000 attendees this year. That’s a fantastic turnout, reflecting a strong community spirit and the fair’s growing popularity!

“I think that is really indicative of just how important this fair is, how popular this fair’s become to the region, and most especially, to Western North Carolina,” McKeon noted. There’s something truly magical about experiencing the fair here, as it isn’t merely a carnival. It’s a feast for the senses that allows you to genuinely connect with the culture of our beautiful mountains.

A Heartfelt Recognition

This year marked a special milestone as McKeon introduced the Heart Award, celebrating five dedicated members of the fair family who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to making the fair an unforgettable experience. One of the esteemed recipients was Frank Stout, a retired law enforcement officer with a remarkable 40 years of experience, who has long served as the director of the fair’s security.

Receiving the Heart Award left Stout feeling incredibly honored. “To be selected as a recipient just about made me cry,” he expressed, overflowing with emotion as he reflected on the recognition. When asked how he approaches his role, Stout simply said, “When they asked me to come back, I said, ‘What do you want me to do?’ And they just said ‘Be Frank,’ and so that’s what I do.”

A Crafty Corner and Community Spirit

Visitors to the Mountain State Fair were treated to various engaging activities, including the Crafting Corner, an area bustling with creative spirits. Here, fairgoers had the chance to roll up their sleeves and dive into everything from pottery to painting, proving that there’s no age limit on creativity!

Stout, along with other honorees, was presented with a certificate and a beautiful wooden bowl as tokens of appreciation for their hard work and dedication. These gestures remind us all that it’s not just about rides and fun; it’s about the people and the community behind the scenes. “To be honored by these folks and see the other people that are going to be recipients — wow— those are special folks,” Stout said, beaming with pride.

Looking Ahead

As the fair wrapped up another successful chapter this year, it left many in Asheville already excited for next year’s event. Attendees can take home not just fond memories, but also a sense of belonging to this vibrant community that celebrates tradition, creativity, and shared joy.

So, whether you rode the Ferris wheel or took in one of the many performances, the 30th North Carolina Mountain State Fair reminded us of what truly makes our region special. Here’s to many more years of fun, laughter, and community spirit in Asheville!