05/24/2026
This by far is the hardest post we have ever had to make.
After 76 unforgettable years at the North Carolina State Fair, this is one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to make.
Since 1949, October has been more than just a month to our family — it has been a tradition, a way of life, and a time we looked forward to every single year. What Charlie “The Hotdog Man” & Leone Barefoot, “The Original Fry Queen,” started all those years ago became something much bigger than we ever imagined.
Due to minor health issues and the reality that comes with age, we have made the heartbreaking decision that we will not be attending the 2026 NC State Fair. We have spent countless hours trying to find another way, but unfortunately, we simply cannot make it work.
Over the years, we’ve had the blessing of watching families grow in front of us — seeing 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and even 4th generations stop by our stand year after year. We’ve also felt the loss of many loyal customers and dear friends who became part of our fair family along the way. Those memories are something we will cherish forever.
Charlie, Leone, and Tommy loved the fair deeply, and so did we. The stories we could tell would last a lifetime, and every one of them holds a special place in our hearts.
We especially want to thank our wives, daughters, sons-in-laws, grandchildren, family & friends for the years of hard work, sacrifice, and love they poured into this business. None of this would have been possible without them.
And to all of you — thank you. Thank you for your support, your kindness, and for making us part of your family traditions for so many years. We will miss you more than words can ever express.
While Charlie Barefoot & Sons is coming to an end, the memories we made together will last forever. 💙
Joe & Billy Barefoot
