Supporting Local Farmers After Hurricane Helene: Insights from the NC State Fair

he North Carolina State Fair is feeling the effects of Hurricane Helene, with some growers reporting fewer submissions of certain items. However, the event saw a major highlight as a record-breaking 2,100-pound pumpkin from West Virginia took top honors at the Great Commonwealth Weigh-In. April Blazich, exhibit manager for the fair, emphasized the importance of supporting local farmers, particularly those in western North Carolina, who have been impacted by the storm. Blazich joined Bruce Ferrell to discuss how the fair is adapting and the role of community support in helping small farmers recover.