Source: NCDA&CS, 5/22/15

Winners have been announced in several competitions held at the Got to Be N.C. Festival presented by Lowes Foods. The festival wrapped up its eighth run Sunday at the State Fairgrounds. The event features antique tractors, local food, farm animals, a carnival and live music.

“The Got to Be N.C. Festival is our annual celebration of agriculture, North Carolina’s number one industry,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We appreciate our exhibitors, vendors, sponsors, and other groups that helped make this year’s event a big success.” 

Following are competition winners from the festival:

North Carolina FFA Gator Wars
Southwestern Randolph High School in Asheboro won Gator Wars on May 15. Six FFA teams from North Carolina high schools competed in the event, presented by Quality Equipment. The goal was to see which team could correctly diagnose and repair a disabled John Deere Gator utility vehicle in the shortest amount of time. Corinth Holders High School in Wendell placed second and Richlands High School placed third.

Bluegrass Band Competition
On May 16, Nash County-based Steady Drive won the bluegrass band competition, earning $500 in prize money and a guaranteed paid spot to perform at PreddyFest 2015.

Victoria Lee and New Ground of Raleigh placed second and earned $250. Salt & Light – Moore Family Band of Swepsonville took third and $125. The competition was open to all amateur bluegrass bands from North Carolina. 

Carolina Pig Jig
Also on May 16 was the 9th Annual Masonic Carolina Pig Jig. About 40 teams of Masons from across the state competed for bragging rights and trophies. Branch Water Bath Tub Bar-B-Que, sponsored by Mount Pleasant Lodge #73 in Wilkesboro, was named Grand Champion. The team also won first place for BBQ Pork and BBQ Sauce. People’s Choice and Team Spirit awards went to Rhamkatte Lodge #827 in Raleigh. The Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Mason in North Carolina, located in Raleigh, won first place for chicken. The Carolina Pig Jig raises money for the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford