Got to Be NC Festival runs May 21-23 in Raleigh
The Got to Be NC Festival returns for its third year with more activities, food and family friendly fun for visitors. The three-day event will be held May 21-23 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.
Returning to the entertainment lineup is antique tractors and farm equipment, a daily tractor parade around the fairgrounds, a draft horse pull, a tractor pull, lawn mower races, a Harley Davidson drive in, classic cars, a bluegrass music competition, a fiber fair, rides and games.
“This festival showcases some of North Carolina’s rich agricultural heritage through displays of farm equipment, fiber arts, locally produced specialty products and working farm machinery,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We are looking forward to drawing more exhibitors, more competitors and even more visitors this year as this event continues to grow.”
On the food front, festival goers will find plenty of good eats – seafood, barbecue pork, deep-fried treats and North Carolina specialty products.
On May 21, the Amran Shriners will hold a fish fry from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., with all proceeds benefitting the Shriners Hospital. On May 22, Masonic lodges from across the state will compete in the N.C. Pig Jig – a pig cooking contest. Once judging is complete, the pork will be chopped and sold as sandwiches and plates. The proceeds will benefit the Masonic Home for Children and the Central Children’s Home.
In the Expo Center, North Carolina food and wine products will be featured in the N.C. Food Expo. Visitors can sample and purchase some of the state’s finest and tastiest products.
“No festival would be complete without music and we have a variety on tap this year,” said Jim Knight, festival manager. “The Bluegrass competition returns to the flower show area on May 22, while beach, country and alternative music will be featured on the Geico Triangle Stage near the Expo Center.”
The Fiber Fair will see a major expansion in 2010 with more demonstrations and products for sale.
“Also be sure to check out the NASCAR Street Tour,” Knight said. “Several tricked out Ford vehicles with big screen TVs with satelite reception will be on display near Dorton Arena.”
Following is a schedule of events for specific days:
May 21:
- Shriners Fish Fry, 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Antique and classic car display – starts at 1 p.m.
- Draft horse pull, grandstand – 6-9 p.m. ($5)
- The Charlie Albertson Band and The Barn Burners (country), Geico Triangle Stage
May 22:
- N.C. Pig Jig, serving at 11 a.m.
- Harley Davidson drive-in, noon
- Bluegrass competition, starts at 1 p.m.
- Tractor pull, grandstand, Noon-7 p.m. ($5)
- Jeanne Jolly (country), Geico Triangle Stage
May 23:
- Lawnmower racing, grand-stand, 1 p.m. ($5)
- North Tower (beach), Geico Triangle Stage
For more on the festival, go to www.NCAgFest.com.
