Got to Be NC Festival runs May 16-18 in Raleigh

Fireworks, lumberjacks and lifted trucks are just a few of the new additions to the Got to Be NC Festival May 16-18 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.

The entertainment lineup brings back some of festival-goers’ favorites, including the Food, Wine and Beer Expo, the Carolina Pig Jig, antique farm equipment and daily parade of tractors, a TransJam BMX contest, tractor pulls, food, carnival rides and a bluegrass band competition.

“There are more than enough activities planned to fill a day, so adding fireworks on Friday and Saturday nights to cap things off seemed fitting,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This event continues to grow each year, and I’d invite everyone to check out this uniquely North Carolina festival.”

The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show features World Champion lumberjacks in a variety of high-energy competitions each day of the festival. The lumberjacks will showcase their skills in two-man cross-cut sawing, hot-saw racing, axe throwing, underhand chopping, chainsaw carving and log rolling. Kids of all ages will enjoy the shows. Times are to be announced.

The Food, Wine and Beer Expo in the Expo Center features some of the best North Carolina products from more than 70 vendors as of press time. Sample sauces, sweets, beverages and more from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $2, which includes a coupon sheet for discounts on products for sale.

Special Friday-only activities include:

-- an antique tractor pull from 2-8 p.m. in the Sam Rand Grandstand;

-- Gator Wars from 4-7 p.m. in Dorton Arena. This popular, second-year event challenges high school FFA teams from across the state to figure out how to get a new John Deere Gator running. Each Gator has been disabled and requires the same fixes to get it started. The first team to figure out the fixes, get the Gator started and pass a check by John Deere-certified mechanics will win the top prize, but more importantly bragging rights for another year. The competition is free for spectators.

-- Another new event features horseback presentations of the American flag. This patriotic show will be held at 5 and 9 p.m. in the Sam Rand Grandstand.

Special Saturday-only activities include:

-- the 7th Annual Lineman’s Rodeo, featuring demonstrations on live lines, changing of pole-top transformers and pole-top rescues, will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The rodeo will take place inside Gate 9.

-- the 9th Annual Carolina Pig Jig, a barbecue cook-off and fundraiser for the Masonic Homes for Children in Oxford. This mouthwatering event draws state Masonic chapters hoping to win top honors or the People’s Choice Award for best barbecue. Once official judging is finished, festival-goers can buy the barbecue and cast a vote for their favorites. Cost is $15 for ages 12 and up. Kids ages 7-11 are $5. And those 6 and under eat for free.

-- a bluegrass band competition at 11 a.m. on the Waterfall Stage near Dorton Arena. Visitors can sit back and enjoy bluegrass music as bands compete for cash prizes and the opportunity to perform at the 2014 N.C. State Fair and PreddyFest 2014.

-- the high-flying Raleigh Trans Jam BMX contest in Dorton Arena Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. This event offers flatland, dirt, park and street competitions for all levels from beginners to pros. The BMX contest returns Sunday, too. Free for spectators.

Special Sunday-only activities include:

-- a garden tractor and lawnmower pull from 2-7 p.m. in the Sam Rand Grandstand.

-- the first year for a truck drive-in featuring 100 lifted trucks. These souped-up trucks will be on display on the midway from noon to 6 p.m. and some will likely participate in the tractor parade on Sunday at 1 p.m. This display is hosted by the online show Lifted Trucks USA.

Be sure to check out the daily family-friendly activities such as the Agri-Plaza and Kids Corral, pig races and antique farm equipment displays.

Festival hours are noon to 10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Go to www.gottobencfestival.com for more.