FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2008

N.C. food companies will showcase fabulous flavors
at the Got to Be NC Festival

RALEIGH – What’s a festival without great food?

There will be plenty to sample and buy at the Got to Be NC Festival June 5-8 at the State Fairgrounds. More than 75 North Carolina food companies will be showcasing their products in the Got to be NC Agriculture Food Expo in the Exposition Building. Visitors can expect to find a variety of food products, from barbecue sauces to gourmet candy apples.

“The Food Expo will give festival attendees the chance to see, taste and buy many of the great products that we produce right here in North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This is a great opportunity for residents to become familiar with the great variety of North Carolina products so that they know what to look for the next time they go shopping.”

All of the companies participating in the Food Expo are members of the Goodness Grows in North Carolina program, the official marketing program of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

“There has been a lot of enthusiasm from our members and we are looking forward to a great show,” said Jeff Jennings, Goodness Grows director.

The Food Expo will be open on Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additional food vendors will be scattered across the fairgrounds.

Live cooking demonstrations by local chefs and food enthusiasts will also take place daily in the Exposition Building. Booths for local artisans and other organizations will also be in the building.

Admission to the Got to Be NC Festival is free. In addition to the Food Expo, the festival will have antique tractor displays, carnival rides and games, the state barbecue cooking championship and more. For more information, go to www.ncagfest.com.

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