More than 85,000 people attended the Got to Be NC Festival, May 20-22, at the State Fairgrounds. The festival, which highlights the best of North Carolina agriculture, featured a food and wine expo, fiber fest, antique farm equipment and animal displays.

“We are fortunate to live in such an agriculturally diverse state,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said. “It’s overwhelming to see the level of support shown for agriculture in this community.”

In addition to the agricultural exhibits, barbecue and bluegrass competitions were held during the free three-day event.

During the Masonic Carolina Pig Jig barbecue competition, more than 3,000 people tasted barbecue pork, chicken and sauces prepared by teams representing 33 Masonic lodges. This year’s Pig Jig raised $5,000 for the Central Children’s Home and Masonic Home for Children, both of Oxford.

Hiram Lodge #40 of Raleigh won the Grand Champion trophy for the second consecutive year. The Team Spirit platter was presented to Mentor Lodge #55, P.H.A., of Raleigh and Salem Lodge #289 of Winston-Salem took home the People’s Choice Award. Additional awards were presented for best barbecue pork, chicken and sauce. The winners were:

Pork
• First place: Orphan’s Lodge #761 of Oxford
• Second place: J.J. Crowder Lodge #743 of Raleigh
• Third place: Hiram Lodge #40 of Raleigh

Chicken
• First place: Spurmont Lodge #98 of Strasburg, Va.
• Second place: Hiram Lodge #40 of Raleigh
• Third place: Salem Lodge #289 of Winston-Salem

Sauce
• First place: Hiram Lodge #40 of Raleigh
• Second place: Widow’s Son #4, P.H.A. of Raleigh
• Third place: Green Level #277 of Cary

The bluegrass band awards were presented Saturday with Durham based Bethesda Bluegrass Band taking top honors. Eight amateur bands were judged on musicality, crowd appeal, vocal performance and instrument performances. Cash prizes were awarded to the top three bands, and the winner earned a chance to perform at Preddyfest in Franklinton later this year. Second and third place bands were:
• Second place: Bridgetowne of Asheboro
• Third place: Passin’ Thru of Ramseur

For more information on the festival, go to www.ncagfest.com.