RALEIGH – The 2015 Got to Be NC Festival presented by Lowes Foods will offer several opportunities to learn about North Carolina agriculture when the annual event returns to the State Fairgrounds May 15-17.
“Many kids today are at least two generations removed from the farm,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The festival is a great place for families to see barnyard animals and learn more about the hardworking men and women who contribute to our state’s top industry.”
This year’s festival features an expanded Agri-Plaza full of animals of all sizes. Visitors can see baby chickens hatch and watch ducklings slip and slide into a wading pool. In addition, they can try their hand at milking a cow and learn techniques for milking a goat. There also will be chickens, cows, yaks, sheep and alpacas on display, and farmers will share information about each animal.
In addition, the festival is a stop on the 2015 Tour D’Coop, Raleigh’s tour of backyard chicken coops. Poultry specialists from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will offer free workshops on starting and managing urban chicken houses.
Besides the livestock displays, the festival also will host its first rabbit and cavy shows. Cavy is a family of animals that includes guinea pigs.
The rabbit show is sanctioned by the American Rabbit Breeders Association and will be held Saturday and Sunday in the Rabbit Barn. As part of the show, there will be rabbit-hopping demonstrations, as well as spinning and fiber exhibits. An unsanctioned cavy show also will be held Saturday and Sunday in the Rabbit Barn.
The 2015 Got to Be NC Festival presented by Lowes Foods is a production of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Festival hours are Friday from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Gate admission and parking are free, but certain attractions have fees.
More information, including a complete schedule of events, is available at www.gottobencfestival.com.