The North Carolina State Fair is an American state fair and agricultural exposition held annually in Raleigh, North Carolina. Founded in 1853, the fair is organized by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. It attracts around a million visitors over eleven days in mid-October. The fair consists of carnival rides, agricultural exhibitions and competitions, food, music, demonstrations, and garden and craft displays. The North Carolina State Fair is one of the largest and oldest state fairs in the United States.