Source: NCDA&CS, 5/17/16

The Got to Be NC Festival, presented by Lowes Foods, is at the N.C. State Fairgrounds May 20-22, and as usual, there’s a blend of the new and the traditional. This year, the festival is adding dinosaurs, pirates and bulldozers to its annual lineup of North Carolina food, animal and agricultural exhibits.

The new interactive dinosaur exhibit is called Dakota and Friends, which was developed by a former employee of the North Carolina Zoo. Another new attraction is the Shadow Players, a stage combat group that re-creates scenes from the golden age of piracy. And the Antique Caterpillar Machine Owners Club Chapter 12 will bring more than a dozen antique bulldozers and other equipment for display and demonstrations.

Agriculture will be on display throughout the festival. In the Agri-Plaza, children can learn about farm animals, watch chickens hatch and see milking demonstrations. On the midway, visitors can explore more than 1,000 pieces of antique farm equipment and watch the daily tractor parade at 1 p.m.

In the Expo Building, the Homegrown Fare will feature samples of food, wine and beer from nearly 100 North Carolina companies.

There also will be food stands, carnival rides, music and fireworks. It’s a family-friendly event that’s perfect for a spring weekend.

Festival admission and parking are free. To find festival hours and more details, click here.