The 2012 Got to be NC Festival, operated by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, is returning to the N.C. State Fairgrounds Friday, May 18 through Sunday, May 20. Gate admission and parking are free.
The three-day agricultural celebration features the N.C. Food and Wine Expo, where a $2 admission ticket comes with a sheet of 24 coupons good for products sold by expo vendors. Approximately 100 vendors will offer locally made commodities for sample and sale. Meet North Carolinian cookbook authors on Friday, and have your books signed by Linda Watson, Debbie Moose, Jean Anderson, Andrea Reusing, Foy Allen Edelman and Bob Garner.
Free entertainment attractions include a daily tractor parade, live music throughout the weekend from Leon Jacobs Jr., and on Saturday hear local artists vie for prizes in the Bluegrass Band Competition.
In the Jim Graham Building, the Carolina Fiberfest will feature hand-made yarns and accessories, weaving workshops and animal displays. The Festival stage will host cooking and gardening demonstrations, and you’ll find food vendors throughout the fairgrounds serving traditional and unique festival treats.
Friday in the Sam Rand Grandstand, kids can participate in a stick horse race before the draft horse pull begins. Tractor pullers take over the grandstand on Saturday in a race to the finish to see which tractor will pull the most weight. Sunday’s events will be announced soon. All grandstand events are free.
Dorton Arena will also be bustling with activities throughout out the weekend, including the Third Day Make Your Move Tour, in concert with Tenth Avenue North on Friday. A variety of ticket options are available online. On Saturday, the Carolina Roller Girls compete in the Got to be NC Roller Derby Expo. Purchase a $10 admission pass for general seating access to all six bouts throughout the day. And on Sunday, the Trans Jam BMX Series Competition makes its debut at the festival. See amateur and professional, park and flat track bicycle stunts and participate in special activities.
Other events throughout the weekend include the Chatlee Boat Show & Sale Friday through Sunday in the Scott Building. The Wake County and District 4-H horse shows will take place on Saturday and Sunday respectively at the Hunt Horse Complex. And in the Commercial and Education Building, along with dozens of outdoor locations, you’ll find Raleigh Flea Market vendors selling antique and unique wares.
For more information, visit: www.gottobencfestival.com