'Fairflation' hits food prices at the the North Carolina State Fair

Whether it's funnel cakes or turkey legs, your favorite fair food now comes with a side of inflation.

Many fairgoers noticed the jump in prices to enjoy some of their favorite fair foods.

Nearly every item, from gator bites to the hot dog and hamburger combo, costs around $20.

Mike Cribbs from Johnston County said he feels like the cost of food has gone up “at least 20% overall.”

WRAL News looked at how prices stacked up compared to previous years. In 2018, a two-foot-long hotdog combo cost $5.

Today, that same combo costs $10.

In 2020, a giant turkey leg at the fair cost $12. At the fair Wednesday, it costs $18, a 50% increase. The highest-priced food item WRAL News saw at the fair was a $30 steak and gravy platter.

“It’s definitely gone up,” NC State student Benjamin Holmes said, attributing the rise to inflation.

A Wall Street Journal report said prices for performances, games, movies and more have risen in what financial analysts have dubbed as“fun-flation.”

Danyelle Stillery McBride, who sells turkey legs at the fair, said various factors made prices rise, including inflation.

“The price of the meat and then napkins have gone up. Employee rates have gone up,” McBride said. “I feel bad, but we have to make some money here still too.”

People attending the North Carolina State Fair say if you’re going to make the trip, plan and know what you can safely spend.

Holmes recommends treating the fair like an all-day event and “knock it out all in one go.”

“The rides are one thing,” Cribs said. “But a lot of adults like the food, so save up.”