The Got to Be NC Festival has become a highly anticipated event each year, both for attendees simply looking for fun and entertainment and for participants interested in the promotion of agriculture in North Carolina. This year the festival will be held May 18-20 at the N.C. State Fairgrounds .in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Organizers expect crowds of up to 100,000 to attend over the three days of the festival. Among other events, there is a carnival, a petting zoo, FiberFest, a Food Expo and a state barbecue championship cook-off.
No matter where you go on the fairgrounds during the festival's three-day run, you'll see antique cars and antique farm trucks that stir ageless farming memories, bringing back images of the way farming used to be.
EYE TO EYE: This youngster made friends with some of the farm animals at a past Got to Be NC festival.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services notes space is still available for antique tractor equipment enthusiasts to display their equipment at the event. The exhibition of antique tractors and other farm equipment is a real draw at the festival. Tractors in working order can also take part in the daily tractor parade through the fairgrounds. Participation is free but pre-registration is required. For more information visit www.gottobencfestival.com.
Festival organizers say there are also a few spots left in the Bluegrass Band Competition slated for Saturday, May 19. Bluegrass bands are invited to compete for cash prizes and, more importantly, bragging rights. The first place winner takes home $500, second $250 and third $125. Bands can sign up at the festival website, below.
CARNIVAL THRILLS: Carnival rides at the Got To Be NC Festival add even more excitement to the agriculture-based exhibits.
In addition to the Got to Be NC attractions, the Raleigh Flea Market, a boat show in the Scott Building and events in Dorton Arena and the Hunt Horse Complex will also add to the festivities. In fact, there are always so many events at the festival that it is difficult to name them all. In the past, for example, there have been tractor pull competitions and lawnmower racing events with thrills and spills that had everybody cheering. No doubt there will be some surprises this year, too.
Applications and more information are available online. Go to www.gottobencfestival.com for the complete picture of events.