RALEIGH — The Got to Be NC Festival promises to be full of engine-powered fun May 16-18 at the State Fairgrounds.
The festival features one of the largest antique tractor and farm equipment displays in the Southeast, with organizers expecting about 1,000 pieces this year. Visitors can talk to the owners, peek under the hoods and learn how these machines transformed agriculture in the 20th century. Tractor parades around the fairgrounds will put the display in motion daily at 1 p.m.
On Sunday, more than 100 customized trucks will join the lineup. The lifted-truck drive-in is organized by Lifted Trucks USA. Trucks will be on display from noon to 6 p.m.
North Carolina FFA will host Gator Wars in Dorton Arena on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. During the event, teams representing six FFA chapters from across the state will diagnose and repair John Deere Gator utility vehicles. The first team to fix the problems, get the engine started and pass pit inspection by a John Deere-certified mechanic will win.
Dorton Arena also will be the site of the expanded Trans Jam BMX contest. Organized by N.C. State Fair favorite Keith King, the contest will feature amateur and professional BMX bikers competing in park, street, flatland and jumping contests. Park and flatland contests will be held Saturday; street and jumping contests will take place Sunday.
Another type of two-wheeled fun will appear Saturday as a throng of Harley-Davidson motorcycles descend on the fairgrounds. Dozens of bikers will ride through Gate 11 just before noon and parade to the grandstand. The Harleys will be on display near the grandstand all afternoon.
The Walmart Grandstand will feature free entertainment throughout the festival. On Saturday, an antique tractor pull will take place from 2 to 8 p.m. On Sunday, smaller machines will compete in the garden tractor and lawnmower pulls from 2 to 7 p.m.
Visitors looking to get behind the wheels of a new car will have their chance as Ford’s Go Further Tour makes a stop at the festival. The exhibit will be located between the Graham Building and Dorton Arena. Guests can see Ford cars and trucks on display, and even test drive some models on a fairgrounds course.
The Got to Be NC Festival also will feature local food and barbecue, live music and a bluegrass band competition, farm animals, racing pigs and fireworks. 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. More information, including a detailed schedule of events, is available at www.gottobencfestival.com.