Deadlines are approaching for those interested in participating in the Got to Be NC Festival, which will take place May 15-17 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The event is organized by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, an agency that works to enhance quality of life through forest management and supports community farming practices (https://www.ncagr.gov).
Got to Be NC members have until February 27 to apply for a spot in the Got to Be NC Pavilion, located in the Agri Supply Exposition Center. This area features products, beverages, and food samples from program members only.
Independent festival vendors, concessionaires, and suppliers must submit their applications by March 1. These participants will be located in the Graham Building and outdoor food areas.
Collectors of antique tractors and farm equipment are also invited to display their vintage machinery. More than 1,000 pieces are expected for exhibition. Tractors that are operational can join a daily parade through the fairgrounds. Participation is free but requires pre-registration.
Registration forms and vendor applications for concessions, commercial vendors, and the Got to Be NC Pavilion are available online at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-state-fair/got-be-nc-festival/vendorsfood.
The festival aims to highlight North Carolina agriculture, which contributes $102 billion annually to the state’s economy (https://www.ncagr.gov). Attendees can view antique farm equipment displays, sample local products at the Pavilion, shop from exhibitors in the Graham Building, enjoy food vendors across the fairgrounds, visit a carnival, and listen to live music outdoors.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services oversees this event as part of its mission to ensure food safety, protect consumers, promote sustainable farming practices (https://www.ncagr.gov), and support key agricultural sectors such as sweet potatoes and tobacco production (https://www.ncagr.gov). Commissioner Steve Troxler leads the department (https://www.ncagr.gov).
