Deadlines are approaching for those interested in participating in the Got to Be NC Festival, which will be held May 15-17 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The event is seeking vendors, concessionaires, suppliers, Got to Be NC members, and farm equipment hobbyists.
Got to Be NC members can apply until February 27 to join the Got to Be NC Pavilion located in the Agri Supply Exposition Center. This pavilion features products, beverages, and food samples exclusive to program members.
The application deadline for independent festival vendors, concessionaires, and suppliers is March 1. These participants will display their food and other products in the Graham Building and outdoor food area.
Organizers are also inviting collectors of antique tractors and farm equipment to participate. More than 1,000 pieces of vintage machinery are expected on display. Tractors that are operational may take part in 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 by featuring antique farm equipment displays and locally made products available for sampling and purchase at the Pavilion. Additional exhibitors will be present in the Graham Building with goods for sale alongside food vendors across the fairgrounds. The event also includes a carnival and live music performances outdoors.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services manages this event as part of its efforts to enhance quality of life through forest management and support community farming practices (https://www.ncagr.gov). The department includes specialized divisions such as the NC Forest Service focused on resource management (https://www.ncagr.gov). Agriculture and agribusiness contribute $102 billion annually to North Carolina’s economy (https://www.ncagr.gov), with major outputs including sweet potatoes and tobacco (https://www.ncagr.gov). Steve Troxler serves as commissioner of the department (https://www.ncagr.gov), which prioritizes food safety, consumer protection, and sustainable farming practices (https://www.ncagr.gov).
