Got To Be NC Festival? We had to be there
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- The Got to Be NC Festival is taking over the NC State Fairgrounds May 20-22 and the event hopes to highlight all the goodness of things made in the state.
We checked out the festival for you, so be sure to scroll through for the pictures and tweets.
Admission and parking for the festival are both free. It's organized by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer services to celebrate state agriculture and produce, local food, crafts and more.
"It is a little bit smaller than the State Fair, but there's still a lot of the great attractions that you would expect," said Paul Jones, a spokesperson for the festival.
"So you can see live barnyard animals, there's a food, wine and beer expo, antique tractors are on display (we have one of the largest displays in the southeast). There's daily tractor parades, pig races, carnival food and rides," Jones said.
The festival also offers $20 unlimited rides passes on Friday and Sunday.
"Agriculture is still the top industry in the state. It's a $76 billion industry, and I think, really supporting the local economy through the local food movement," Jones said.
"And supporting these local vendors, who use agricultural products from North Carolina and support their businesses," he continued, "it's a really great opportunity to really celebrate North Carolina."
"People that spend money here, of course it goes back into North Carolina's economy," Jones said.
Carol Willis and Dennis Willis are the owners of a small farm in Franklin County called Carden Farms. They're selling their crafts at the festival and said opportunities to sell at events like this one are very important to their business.
"Our main crop is blueberries and fresh eggs, so in today's economy the small farmer has to diversify. Everything that you see we make by hand." The Willises said. "We make soap, we make shaving brushes, shaving soap, beard oils, and the wood and metal folk art that you see."
We checked out the festival for you and here are some of the things we came across.
Fun activities for the kids, like robotic dinosaurs and dino rides, and a bunny petting zoo.
With the fluffiest little bunnies ...
... and a dog-sized rabbits too.
And some interesting crafts. This woman is spinning yarn from the fur shaved off the angora rabbits there.
They've also have some crafty foods ...
... and a creative new take on classic barbeque.
Multiple state wineries are offering deals and samples of their wine.
And for those looking for something extra different...
The Got to Be NC Festival is open from noon to 10 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
