NORTH CAROLINA WILL BE AT THE GREAT AMERICAN STATE FAIR!
Dr. Lorie Khatod serves as the state lead for the North Carolina Pavilion at the Great American State Fair.
Dr Khatod is a native of N.C. Dr Khatod also serves as the Chief of Staff for the United States House of Representatives.
Her words:
When I learned that Governor Stein’s office had declined to participate in the Great American State Fair, I was astonished. With more than two million visitors expected, the event offers an unparalleled opportunity to promote North Carolina, support our businesses, attract tourism, and celebrate the people and industries that make our state exceptional. To forgo that opportunity during America’s 250th birthday celebration struck me as sad, shortsighted, and, quite frankly, unpatriotic.
Today, we have a pavilion that proudly tells North Carolina’s story. Our theme is “The Spirit of North Carolina: First in Flight. Fast on the Track. Strong in the Storm.” It celebrates the ingenuity, determination, and resilience that define our state—from the Wright Brothers’ historic first flight, to North Carolina’s deep racing heritage, to the remarkable response of volunteers and organizations that stepped forward during Hurricane Helene.
The pavilion showcases North Carolina’s heritage, innovation, agriculture, workforce development, and community spirit. In addition, our trailer will proudly display North Carolina’s state motto, “First in Freedom,” a reminder of the independent spirit and love of liberty that have shaped our state since its founding.
What makes me most proud is that this pavilion was not built by government bureaucracy—it was built by North Carolinians. Businesses, nonprofits, veterans, first responders, community leaders, and private citizens came together to ensure our state would be represented before millions of visitors. That collaborative spirit is the true story of North Carolina.
It is a pavilion that I believe our fellow North Carolinians will be proud to call their own.