Brunswick County is getting its own county fair, complete with all of the traditional food, games, rides, and animal exhibits a fair brings to town. Stump Hill Farms, a locals’ favorite spot for seasonal fun, began a fifth year on Sept. 20 and will be open 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays through Oct. 25. Offering hayrides, gem mining, swings and slides, a jumping pillow and a pumpkin patch, this family farm is no stranger to a fun time! Adding to the fall lineup, the farm family is hosting the First Annual Brunswick County Agricultural Fair & Expo Oct. 15-19 on their property at 2030 Ash Little River Road.
A drive along our local streets, wait in line at the nearest post office, or numerous attempts to renew your driver’s license at the DMV will confirm the rapid growth and development in Brunswick County. People from the West, North and everywhere in between are moving East to the southernmost areas of North Carolina in record numbers, making Brunswick one of the fastest growing counties in the United States.
Despite the many changes to our county, the reminiscence of the rich history of local laborers and the culture of our community was what brought about the formation of the Brunswick County Fair Board and members’ collective hope of showcasing our great area in a commemorative way. Even with such a booming population and increase in newcomers, the county remains deeply rooted in farming and agriculture. Dialogue among the board members and nearby families who traveled hours away for 4H events in recent years, had the board reaching out to surrounding counties about how to begin a fair in our area. Interest in youth organizations such as 4H, FFA, Scouts and Trail Life, homesteading, gardening, crafting, hobby farming and environmental conservancy have also spiked in recent years, and the Fair board members are thrilled to have this venue offer not only rides and concessions but offer agricultural, educational and individual exhibits.
Extended kindness and fair insight from Robeson County, the Cape Fear Fair & Expo Board that remains active, and the Mountain State Fair in particular, encouraged the Brunswick Fair Board to put their heads together and get to work creating this spectacular, nonprofit event. Months of extensive research, discussion and planning have led to a five-day schedule, jam packed with something for everyone.
The fair will kick off on Wednesday, Oct. 15 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and will remain open from 4-11 pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. On Saturday the fair will be open from 10 am to 11 pm and Sunday 11 am to 6 pm. General admission is $7 per person paying with cash, $8 paying with a card, and parking is free.
Live music will begin nightly at 7 pm featuring Parker Lanier of Winnabow on Oct. 15, Phillip Page of Granite Falls on Oct. 16, Joe Coople & The Wild East Band of Wilmington on Oct. 17 and Hunter Varnum & Ethan Clewis of Varnamtown on Oct. 18. Performances by Bob Bohm’s Family Entertainment and the Victoria Circus High Wire Pirate Show will also be included with general admission along with tunes by DJ Kelz Robbins of Leland.
The animal exhibit featuring cattle, swine, goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, poultry, rabbits and ducks will be open for public viewing. The home exhibit will include field crops, horticultural crops, culinary, clothing, needlework, arts and crafts, and youth and vocational entries. Dreamland Amusements, serving the East Coast from Maine to Florida, will have approximately 25 rides ranging from kiddie and family favorites to spectacular new thrillers. Classic carnival games, prizes and concessions will be available alongside local vendors. Unlimited wristbands are $25, and tickets for amusements can be purchased at the Dreamland ticket booth.
Agricultural contests include a chicken show on Thursday at 6 pm, a goat show on Friday at 6:30 pm and a Dairy Heifer show on Saturday at 11 am. The county’s first ever Dairy Derby, where local 4H youth will teach county commissioners how to show cows, will also take place on Friday from 3-5 pm.
Brunswick County Fair is excited to offer a “Sensory-Friendly” event on Friday from 10:30 am to 1 pm. This time will provide a calmer, less stressful, fair experience. Admission during the “Sensory-Friendly” time is free for the child and their caregiver and a discounted price of $5 per person will be extended to the rest of their party. Local high school students from The Academy of Coastal Carolina will be in attendance to “buddy up” with participants and ensure an enjoyable time for all.
The Brunswick County Agricultural Fair would like to recognize and kindly thank the official fair sponsors, HEIL Heating & Cooling Dealership of Brunswick County and Capital Chevrolet of Shallotte. They would also like to thank the many stage sponsors, exhibit sponsors, ribbon sponsors, fair supporters, tv, radio and billboard advertising sponsors, fair friends and the Carolina Border Shields Retired Police for parking assistance.
So, jump in the car, crack the windows and follow the smell of funnel cakes and corn dogs as you wind down the back roads of Brunswick to the county’s first ever Agricultural Fair & Expo. October 15-19 will be an exciting time to relive childhood memories and make new ones with family and friends, and you may even experience a little “deja-moo”!
Please visit www.brunswickfair.com for the daily schedule, fair forms including rules and regulations, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities and contact information. Updates and information are also available on Brunswick Fair social media.
