BY NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON

EDENTON – The magic of small-town America comes alive this week as the 79th annual Chowan County Regional Fair opens its gates in Edenton, bringing nearly eight decades of family tradition and community celebration to the heart of Chowan County.

Running through Saturday, September 27, the award-winning fair transforms the American Legion Post 40 Fairgrounds at 1317 West Queen Street into a bustling hub of entertainment, education, and hometown charm that captures the essence of North Carolina’s rich agricultural heritage. With just Friday and Saturday remaining, there’s still time to experience this beloved community tradition.

A Legacy of Family Fun

The Chowan County Regional Fair, now in its 79th year, continues its tradition as an award-winning celebration that has been bringing families together for generations. The emphasis of the fair is on education of young and old through exhibits and displays, making it much more than just an entertainment venue – it’s a learning experience that celebrates local talent and agricultural traditions.

$5 sign advertising the opportunity to feed tigers, featuring images of a Bengal tiger and a white tiger in their enclosures. — ***One attraction offers fairgoers the opportunity to feed a tiger for $5. (photo by Robert Layton)***

What to Expect This Year

Visitors can look forward to an impressive array of attractions designed to delight guests of all ages. The fair offers rides for big and small, a variety of delicious foods, exhibits of local talent, and professional entertainment. The fair will celebrate 78 seasons of family fun with thrilling midway rides and games for all ages, live music including East Wind (6 p.m. Saturday), Tiger Encounter show, a petting farm, animal barns, ensuring there’s something exciting for every member of the family.

Upon entering the fair, attendees are greeted by displays of antique farming equipment and tables manned by various agencies and organizations including the Chowan County Sheriff’s Office, NCWorks, NC Forestry Service, Feyer Ford, Mamasita’s Restaurant, American Legion Posts in Hertford and Edenton, and more.

Fairgoers then go into a building featuring other businesses and organizations before being able to go into the main fair area. While there, stop by the Chowan County Democratic or Republican Party tables to learn about local candidates or speak with the candidates directly.

Throughout the fair, both parties provided information about local elections and their candidates. The Democratic Party also offered people the opportunity to register to vote and ensure their registration is accurate and up-to-date.

Nearby, you could learn about remodeling your home through Noble Brothers, buy some maple-coated pecans, or help out the Edenton Lions Club.

As you wind your way through the building, the fairgrounds come alive with the sights and sounds of carnival rides, the aroma of classic fair foods, and the excitement of live entertainment.

Opening into the large open area, children of all ages can enjoy gentle rides and games, while thrill-seekers can test their courage on more adventurous attractions. More local organizations and businesses, including churches, also have booths set up for people to explore.

While visiting the fair on Thursday, several attendees and volunteers told the Albemarle Observer that the fair seemed to have more attractions and things to do than in previous years.

Chowan County Democratic Party members (from left) Frank Sellers, Kristy Lalonde, Cathy Grimes and Colleen Nicholas pose at their booth at the Chowan County Regional Fair. (photo by Nicole Bowman-Layton)

Special Events and Entertainment

Throughout the week, the fair features a packed schedule of special events. Saturday evening highlights include performances by The Overtime Band on the Main Stage presented by Holland Fence Company at 6 p.m., along with the crowning of the Miss Chowan County Regional Fair Queen in the Show Barn.

The educational component remains a cornerstone of the fair experience, with agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, and displays that showcase the skills and talents of local residents. Special contests, including the Giant Pumpkin Contest for 4-H youth, add an element of friendly competition that celebrates the area’s agricultural roots.

The model train set is a centerpiece in the 4-H, FFA displays. (photo by Robert Layton)

Schedule

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

One Price – Gate $8 / Armband $25

 4 p.m.: Gates and Exhibits Open
4 p.m. – closing: Mechanical Bull Ride (additional charge)
4 p.m. – closing: Antique Farm Displays
4-10 p.m.: Train Display Daily
4-9 p.m.: Jr. Fair Board Activities: Ring the Horn Ring Toss
4 p.m. – Until: Triple C Farm Party
Two shows nightly: Tiger Encounter
Two shows nightly: Contortion & Danger Show
Strolling Act: Magicman TJ Hill
5:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.: AJDC Dance School – Showcase in Show Barn
6:30 p.m. – Until: Vintage Cross on the Main Stage presented by Holland Fence Company
10 p.m.: Exhibit Buildings Close
11 p.m.: Midway Closes

  SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Active Duty Military Discount All Day

11 a.m.: Gates and Exhibits Open
11 a.m. – closing: Mechanical Bull Ride (additional charge)
11 a.m. – closing: Antique Farm Displays
11 a.m. – Until: Triple C Farm Party
11 a.m. – 10 p.m.: Train Display Daily
12 p.m.: Diaper Derby on the Main Stage
12- 8p.m.: Jr. Fair Board Activities: Cow Catastrophe
12:30 p.m.: Hog Calling Contest on the Main Stage
2 p.m.:”Little Miss” Pageant in Show Barn 
Three Shows: Tiger Encounter
Three Shows: Contortion & Danger Show
Strolling Act: Magicman TJ Hill
6 p.m. – Until: The Overtime Band on the Main Stage presented by Holland Fence Company
6 p.m.: “Miss Chowan County Regional Fair Queen” in the Show Barn
10 p.m. : Exhibit Buildings Close
12 midnight: Midway Closes