《华e生活》小记者：唐泰迪（Teddy Tang）2025年10月17日
使用AI工具：ChatGPT
作为《华e生活》的记者，今年参加北卡州博览会让我体验到了意想不到的“特权”——包括VIP停车位以及快速进入展区的通道。工作人员看到我的记者证后，都非常尊重地打招呼，让我真切地感受到以记者身份近距离报道这场北卡最大的年度盛会的激动心情。
脚下的大地随着引擎的轰鸣而震动——一年一度的拖拉机比赛开始了！震耳欲聋的声音让整个身体都能感受到震动。观众们热情高涨地为选手加油助威，巨大的拖拉机在泥地赛道上疾驰，扬起尘土、震撼空气。选手们比拼谁能拉动重物走得最远、最快——而谁又会在中途停下。今年的特别比赛吸引了庞大的观众群，再次证明了州博览会的魅力永不减。
比赛结束后，我在展区中四处逛逛，琳琅满目的美食摊位令人目不暇接。从炸奥利奥到比手臂还长的玉米狗，应有尽有。但有一点让我印象深刻——价格！几乎所有东西都贵得离谱，一杯柠檬水竟然接近十美元。给未来想来逛博览会的朋友一个建议：能自带食物就带吧。不过也别太灰心，现在有些摊位如果用信用卡付款会有小额折扣，这多少算是个安慰。而且有些食物是博览会独有的，比如那烟熏火鸡腿，虽然要价20美元，但绝对值得一试。有趣的是，几年前它的价格还只有8美元呢。
了解博览会的“积分支付系统”也能帮你省不少麻烦。大多数游乐设施和游戏摊位都不收现金，而是使用充值的“积分卡”。每个积分代表一定金额，你只需刷卡即可乘坐或玩游戏。这系统很方便——有时甚至能带来意外的好运！有些提前离开的游客会把没用完的积分卡免费送人，而我就幸运地收到了一张还有18个积分的卡！
不过要注意，并不是所有项目都能用积分。比如摩天轮（Skygazer）就必须单独付费，这常常让人措手不及。除此之外，积分几乎能在所有项目上使用，从过山车到游乐游戏。我强烈推荐乘坐“Skygazer”摩天轮——这是博览会最高的游乐设施，也是全北美最大的移动摩天轮。夜晚时俯瞰整个博览会，那种震撼的景色无可比拟。
每年的北卡州博览会都会推出不同的主打比赛。去年的焦点是怪兽卡车比赛，而今年的拖拉机拉力赛成为主角，融合了力量、技巧和表演性。这正是博览会的独特魅力所在——每年都在变化，却永远充满活力。
2025年的北卡罗来纳州州博览会热闹、缤纷、令人难忘。无论是轰鸣的比赛、回荡的笑声，还是空气中飘荡的美食香气，都完美展现了北卡的活力与精神。只要记得带上你的零食，留好积分卡，也许——如果运气好的话——还会有人把他们的卡送给你。
My Thoughts and Suggestions on the 2025 State Fair
By Teddy Tang, Reporter for Hua E Life （ChatGPT)
October 17, 2025
Being a reporter for Hua E Life came with unexpected perks at this year’s North Carolina State Fair — including VIP parking and quick access to the fairgrounds. Staff members greeted me respectfully when they saw my press credentials, and I could feel the excitement of covering one of North Carolina’s biggest annual events up close.
The ground shook beneath my feet as the engines roared to life — the annual tractor race had begun. It was so loud you could feel the sound in your entire body. Crowds cheered as massive machines sped down the dirt track, kicking up dust and rattling the air. Drivers competed to see whose tractor could pull a heavy load across the entire course the fastest — and whose couldn’t make it to the finish line. This year’s special competition drew huge crowds, proving once again that the fair is never short on excitement.
After the race, I explored the endless food stands scattered across the fairgrounds. From fried Oreos to corn dogs the size of your arm, there was no shortage of tempting choices — but one thing stood out: the prices. Everything was extremely overpriced, and even a lemonade could cost nearly ten dollars. My advice to future fairgoers? Bring your own food if you can. Still, not all hope is lost for hungry visitors — some food stands now offer discounts when you pay with credit cards, which helps a little. But still, there are some foods that are exclusive to the fair. Try the smoked turkey legs. They may be $20, but it is worth a try. A fun fact is that the turkey leg used to be only $8 a few years ago.
Understanding how the fair’s credit system works can also make a big difference. Instead of paying with cash at most rides and game booths, visitors use credit cards loaded with digital “credits.” Each credit is worth a certain amount, and you simply scan your card to ride or play. The system is convenient — and sometimes surprisingly lucky. Some fairgoers who leave early hand out their unused cards for free. I was fortunate enough to receive one with 18 credits still on it!
Not everything, however, runs on credits. The Ferris wheel, for example, still requires direct payment, which often catches visitors by surprise. Aside from that, credits work for nearly everything else, from roller coasters to carnival games. I recommend going on the skygazer, the tallest ride in the fair, and North America’s largest traveling Ferris Wheel. Nothing can compare to the view you get of the whole fair at night.
Reporter Teddy and his two friends in front of the skygazer
View of the fair at the peak of the skygazer
Each year, the North Carolina State Fair showcases a different main competition. Last year it was monster truck racing , but this year’s tractor race took center stage, combining raw power, mechanical skill, and showmanship. That’s what makes the fair so special — it’s always changing, yet always full of life.
The 2025 NC State Fair was loud, colorful, and unforgettable. Between the rumble of the competitions, the laughter echoing from the rides, and the mouthwatering food aromas drifting through the air, it perfectly captured the energy and spirit of North Carolina. Just remember to pack your snacks, save your credits, and maybe — if luck’s on your side — someone will hand you theirs.