By admin 
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The Got to be NC Festival is happening this weekend at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. The festival is about drawing attention to North Carolina growers and producers.
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From Friday through Sunday, the public can explore the best of the state’s food, farming, and agriculture business.
Agriculture and agribusiness contribute $102 million to the state’s economy — which makes it the top industry in the state.
Inside the Got to be NC Pavilion, about 100 North Carolina-based vendors are waiting for visitors. Guests can sip, sample, and shop for food made either in North Carolina or made with North Carolina ingredients.
Visitors can meet local business owners to learn about the farm-to-table process.
The items inside the pavilion range from sweet to savory and everything in between, with products including hot sauces, wine, and tea. Visitors can also find the makers of the Brightleaf Dogs, Carolina Packers.
The idea is to show off the range of products made in the Tar Heel State. It’s also a way for companies to get their name in front of consumers.
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“Events like this are kind of a kick starter for a lot of fledgling companies that are trying to get a foothold in not only the food side of things but anything agriculture,” said Jake Sharp with Tidewater Grains, an heirloom rice producer in Pamlico County.
For Visit NC Farms, the weekend is an opportunity to see all the businesses they support in one place.
“When you finally get to see them all under one pavilion and throughout the festival, it’s just nice to see them and talk about what they’re making and have to offer,” said Erica Calderon with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The Got to be NC pavilion is open until 8 pm Friday, until 8 p.m. Saturday, and 6 p.m. Sunday, with a $3 fee for access. Click here for a list of pavilion vendors.
The festival as a whole, however, is free. Parking is free as well. Click here for daily information about the festival.
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