A chance to toast (really) the State Fair

Oh, my. Time was, many North Carolinians, prizing the “wholesome” nature of their State Fair, would have been aghast at the prospect of spirits being sold on the grounds during the annual October ritual. Of course, some of those folks might also have wondered if there was a touch of hypocrisy in not having alcohol but allowing exotic dancers.

The dancers are long gone, but this year, when the fair commences on Oct. 12, there will be something sponsored by Our State magazine, a “Public House,” featuring beer and wine from Tar Heelia.

Some folks may object, but the fair is supposed to showcase all things North Carolina, from pigs and goats to barbecue (oops, probably shouldn’t have mentioned that right after talking about pigs) and those contests amongst the prize-winning hopefuls of the cow set to Tar Heel artists.

And now, beer and wine, homegrown beer and wine, are a part of North Carolina’s agricultural world. In fact, they’re an ever-increasing part of it. Thus, it seems appropriate to have those products showcased, and for people to be able to consume them.

Visitors should know, however, that Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, who’s done a good job with the fair in his tenure, doubtless will have plenty of law enforcement folks on site to make sure moderation rules the day. That’s fine. We shouldn’t take the risk that someone might have too much North Carolina wine and blow their money on the age-guessing booths.

This story was originally published September 1, 2017 at 8:59 AM with the headline "A chance to toast (really) the State Fair."