OUR OPINION: Even with the weak economy, the State Fair is a nearby source of entertainment and a North Carolina tradition.

It’s the time of year for a North Carolina tradition: the State Fair.

Fair organizers have high expectations for attendance, despite the slowing economy impacting fairgoers and vendors alike.

But the State Fair is a tradition, and students need to support both the economy and North Carolina and attend the fair.

The State Fair was originally an agricultural exposition, and as N.C. State was founded as a land-grant institution with a tradition of agricultural education, the fair is part of our history. While the University has expanded upon its original mission, the State Fair, with its agricultural roots and proximity to campus, is still an annual fall tradition.

Karlie Justus, a public affairs assistant for the N.C. Department of Agriculture and former student, said agriculture is still important to the state. Justus said agricultural production accounts for about $71 billion of North Carolina’s economic output each year.

She also said students contribute significantly to the fair.

Agriculture students are heavily involved, working at some of the agricultural exhibits and running the NCSU Ice Cream stand. Public affairs is also working with the University’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America to send several students around the fair and blog about their experiences with a unique perspective.

Yet the State Fair isn’t just next to campus and part of history — this year, the fair will host an exhibit called Green N.C., which will give North Carolinians access to ways to be eco-friendly. This ties in with the University’s “Year of Energy.”

Of course, for the casual fairgoer, there are the rides and fried food. Justus said the N.C. State Fairgrounds boasts one of the largest midways in the country, with 114 rides this year.

There’s also the fried food. Over the past few years, students have seen a number of foods being dipped in batter and fried for their enjoyment. This year, fried pecan pie and macaroni and cheese are the new fried treats students have to look forward to.

The State Fair is a symbol of North Carolina’s history of agriculture and a tradition of entertainment for students. And while the economy continues its decline, students should go to the fair, enjoy themselves and keep a tradition alive.