Hundreds of thousands of people will walk through the gates of the North Carolina State Fair this month. Few of them will see the state employees who make it possible.

This week on The SEANC View, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler talks about that behind-the-scenes work, from the Department of Agriculture staff who plan and run the fair to the employees from other agencies, like the Department of Labor’s ride inspectors, who help keep fairgoers safe. He explains how those agencies coordinate before and during the fair, and what he wants the public to understand about the people doing the work.

The conversation covers agriculture’s role in North Carolina’s economy and what first-time visitors shouldn’t miss. Commissioner Troxler also says which new fair food he’s most excited to try.

The State Fair runs from Oct. 16-25 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. Make plans now to attend. Click here to listen to the podcast.