Papa’s Old-Fashioned Kettle Korn was a big hit at the Liberty Antiques Festival this year. The nice weather brought people out to shop: the warm afternoons made preparing kettle korn a little warmer, too. The distinctive aroma of kettle korn wafted along the rows of antiques all day long. The above photo was taken in the morning, when long sleeves were still needed. Seeing this kettle korn photo reminds us that the 150th North State Fair opens today and is well under way in Raleigh.

Since 1867, shortly after the Civil War, the state fair has been showcasing North Carolina’s number 1 industry- agriculture. Prices to enter range from free to $10.* It starts today with a poultry show at 9:00 am and ends on Sunday, October 22nd, with many events including a folk festival. In addition to rides, games, exhibits, and competitions, the state fair is 11 days of three stages and 118 concerts that are free with admission. Recreate, for your family and friends, a scene right out of the Andy Griffith Show. Head on over to Raleigh and make some memores… and, while you are there, treat yourself to a big bag of kettle korn! If papa is there, tell him we said hello!

*see schedule, fees, competitions, and other information, here.