Plans under way for the Got to Be NC Festival May 15-17

The Got to Be NC Festival presented by Lowes Foods is just a month away, May 15-17 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, and preparations are well under way.

Organizers are accepting applications from tractor clubs and individuals interested in displaying equipment during the event. Clubs and owners from across the state bring rare, restored and original tractors and engines to the event. Application forms can be found online at www.gottobencfestival.com.

In addition to the horsepower these tractors bring, this year’s event will feature plenty of kids activities, a daily tractor parade, a bluegrass music contest, a tractor pull, carnival rides, a barbecue cooking contest, BMX bike shows, lumberjacks and much more.

This family-friendly event is North Carolina proud, showcasing the best food, wines and beers made in the state at the N.C. Food, Wine and Beer Expo, plus featuring talented local performers in the Got to Be NC Bluegrass Competition.

If North Carolina barbecue is more your style, you will want to plan to attend the Carolina Pig Jig on Saturday, May 16. This popular fundraiser for the Masonic Homes for Children in Oxford lets participants sample barbecue from around 40 different Masonic chapters. Chapters are competing for bragging rights, with guests voting for their favorite ‘cue.

Festival admission is free, with pay-as-you-go rides and food, and $2 admission for the Food, Wine and Beer Expo. Gates open Friday from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more, go to http://gottobencfestival.com/.