Talk it Out NC Helps Families ‘Start the Conversation’ at 2024 North Carolina State Fair

Parents and Teens Urged to Learn More About Initiative to Prevent Underage Drinking

RALEIGH, N.C. – (October 8, 2024) – Fall is in the air, and it’s time for families to start thinking about what they plan to see at this year’s North Carolina State Fair. As usual, fairgoers can hop on thrilling rides, chow down on deep-fried delights, and take a walk through the Village of Yesteryear. Families of all ages should make sure that Safety City, an exhibit organized by the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, is also on their checklist. Anytime from October 17th through October 27th, families can visit Safety City to access important information about how to make North Carolina a safer place to live, including valuable details about Talk it Out NC, North Carolina’s initiative to prevent underage drinking.

“The Talk it Out NC team is always excited to join our community partners at the fairgrounds to provide a unique face-to-face, interactive learning opportunity with thousands of North Carolinians every year,” explains Stacy Grier, Director of Education Community Outreach for the North Carolina ABC Commission. “Our presence at Safety City enables us to connect with parents and teens on a personal level, allowing us to have open discussions about the dangers of underage drinking.”

Talk it Out NC research shows that nearly 10% of 12-year-olds and 50% of 15-year-olds have already tried alcohol. This type of behavior can put teens at risk of drunk driving, alcohol poisoning, and other harmful situations. A study on the State of Underage Drinking in North Carolina last year found 93% of students surveyed agreed it would help stop underage drinking if parents talked more about it with their children.

“At our booth in Safety City, parents and grandparents can see eye-opening research about the impact of underage drinking in our state. They can also take home the resources they need to start the conversation about underage drinking with a child of any age,” adds Grier.

While visiting the Talk it Out booth, families can also participate in several interactive educational activities including:

• Alcohol Impairment Simulation Goggles – Talk it Out NC Ambassadors will demonstrate and supervise the fatal vision goggles, which mimic the effects of intoxication. The goggles, with vision-distortion lenses, make it difficult for participants to complete even the most basic tasks like walking in a straight line, standing up from a chair, and standing on one foot. Fairgoers can even try their hand at performing recreational activities while wearing the goggles, like coloring and playing cornhole.
• Talk it Out Table – Talk it Out NC Ambassadors and staff will be on-site to share strategies for tackling underage drinking. Local representatives from ABC Boards will also discuss how they use funds derived from alcohol sales on enforcement and prevention education efforts in their communities.
• Take the Pledge – The Talk it Out Pledge Card encourages families to discuss the dangers of alcohol and how to handle peer pressure. Parents can brainstorm ways their teenagers can say “no” to peer pressure to drink alcohol and develop a game plan if their children find themselves in an uncomfortable situation.

Talk it Out NC is excited to join forces again with officials from the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, as they share important messages about their shared mission of keeping North Carolinians safe to more than 1 million fairgoers. Safety City is located at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds behind the Kerr Scott Building. The exhibit is a collaboration between state, county, and local agencies, as well as law enforcement and nonprofit organizations.

For more information about Talk it Out NC, visit TalkitOutNC.org.