NC Co-Op Extension Promotes Pony Express for Mountain State Fair

The NC Mountain State Fair is inviting participants to showcase their talents and creativity from September 5 to September 14, 2025. The local NC Co-Op Extension, situated at 79 Carmel Lane in Columbus, is actively promoting the Pony Express program, which simplifies the entry process for residents of Polk County and surrounding areas. This initiative aims to boost participation in the fair’s exhibitions, particularly among young individuals.

The Pony Express program allows participants to submit their entries conveniently. Adults, teens, and children are encouraged to register online by the deadline of August 22. Once registered, participants can deliver their non-perishable items, securely wrapped and labeled, to their local County Extension Office by 11:30 a.m. on the deadline date.

Lindsey Edwards, a representative from the NC Co-Op Extension, highlighted the significance of the program in fostering youth involvement in the fair. “Our goal is to encourage more kids to participate,” said Edwards. She observed a noticeable lack of entries from young participants last year, particularly in categories such as canning.

Once entries are collected, they will be transported to the fair for judging and display. Items will be returned to participants through the Pony Express only if they are picked up from the Extension Office. All entries will be delivered back to local Extension Offices by September 26. Any prize money awarded will be mailed directly to winners, with specific arrangements for larger cash amounts.

The NC Mountain State Fair features a diverse array of competitive categories, including canning, arts and crafts, horticulture, and even LEGOs. Edwards encourages families to register collectively, allowing parents and children to collaborate on their submissions. “This year, it’s particularly important to get a variety of submissions from Polk County,” she remarked, emphasizing the need to populate the categories to provide more recognition and award opportunities.

Participants are advised to review the specific rules and guidelines for each category, which are detailed in the 2025 catalog available on the Mountain State Fair website at wncagcenter.org/p/mountainstatefair/exhibitors. These guidelines are crucial for ensuring entries meet competition standards, especially in categories like canning, which require adherence to specific recipes and preparation methods.

“Spots can fill up quickly, so we encourage everyone to enter as soon as possible,” Edwards cautioned. For additional details regarding the Pony Express program or the participation process, interested individuals can visit ncmsf.fairwire.com. This initiative not only makes participation easier but also fosters community engagement and highlights local talent at the fair.