Greek Specialties, Candy-Coated Fruit, Bourbon Slaw Dogs and More!
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (OCT. 1, 2026)—The Carolina Classic Fair will offer a wide range of flavorful new foods and drinks for the 10-day run of the fair, which begins Friday, October 2. The Carolina Classic Fair is North Carolina’s second-largest agricultural fair and will take place in Winston-Salem October 2 through 11.
The Carolina Classic Fair will feature new flavors alongside longtime fair favorites along the food vendor area behind the main gate, at the local food stands in the brick buildings and on the Strates Shows’ carnival midway. From freshly prepared Greek specialties to colorful, candy-coated fruit, this year’s offerings give fairgoers plenty to explore between rides.
Red Carpet Amusements, owned by Stevie and Gina Ianni, continues to invest in expanding and modernizing its food concessions. Its newest addition, Acropolis, will make its Carolina Classic Fair debut this year. The Greek-themed concession serves gyros, chicken pitas, shish kebabs, Greek salads and Greek fries. Rising nearly 30 feet above the midway, Acropolis pairs a striking design with traditional Mediterranean flavors.
Benny Xie will be part of the local vendors’ area of the fairgrounds as well as on the Strates Shows Midway, where he will showcase Fresh Fruit Candy, a traditional Chinese street snack. Originating from China, Tanghulu features fresh fruit—often strawberries, grapes, kiwis, or mandarin oranges—skewered on long bamboo sticks and coated in a clear, glassy sugar shell. The fruit is dipped in hot syrup, which instantly hardens to create a beautiful, crunchy glaze that crackles with each bite while sealing in the fruit’s natural sweetness.
Bringing this authentic taste of Asia to American fairgrounds is concessionaire Benny Xie, a second-generation street vendor whose family perfected the art of Tanghulu in China. Four
years ago, Benny brought his family’s craft to America, where the combination of vibrant colors, unique texture, and theatrical preparation quickly became a crowd favorite. Each Tanghulu skewer is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes—often sparkling in the sunlight like candy jewels.
Other new foods at the 2026 Carolina Classic Fair include:
Cap’n Crunch Korean Corn Dog—Mozzarella coated in dough, rolled in Cap’n Crunch, fried and topped with cinnamon sugar. Served with a side of whipped cream for dipping sauce.
- Hot Honey & Pimento Cheese Pickle Chips (available at Chester’s)
- Bourbon Slaw Dog (available at Keepin It Fair Concessions)
- Peach Cobbler on a Stick (available at Thirst Bros)
- Fruit Shaped Ice Cream (available at Fresh Fruit Candy)
- Street Elote (available at Vic’s Grill Puerto Rican Cuisine)
For more information about the Carolina Classic Fair, please visit CarolinaClassicFair.com.
About the Carolina Classic Fair Celebrating its 144th year in 2026, the Carolina Classic Fair is proudly owned and operated by the City of Winston-Salem, having been entrusted to the City by the Winston-Salem Foundation in 1969. Each year, the fair brings together the best in music, mouthwatering food, livestock and agricultural exhibits, fine arts and crafts and a world-class carnival. With something for everyone, the Carolina Classic Fair is a can’t-miss tradition for the region. The fair will follow all current state and local health and safety protocols as of opening day.
For more information on the Carolina Classic Fair, please visit CarolinaClassicFair.com.
News media contact
Scott Carpenter 336-722-9660 or scott@capturevalue.com