You Made Peach Day Great

Thank you for coming to Got to be NC Peach Day at the Farmers Market. With Got to be NC the fun never ends. These are some our favorite Peach Day photos and recipes.

Ingredients

3 only slightly ripe peaches, finely chopped and peeled

3 Tbsp chopped shallots or onions

1 jalapenos, very finely chopped

1 red sweet bell pepper, finely chopped

Juice of a lemon

2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint

Salt and black pepper to taste

How to

Mix ingredients together in a mixing bowl

Cover and let stand for an hour before serving

Serve with corn chips or fish tacos

More Got to be NC Fun: Peach Day at the Raleigh Farmers Market

Peach Day
Thursday July 14th - 11:00am – 1:00pm

•Peach Ice Cream
•Peach Dessert Contest     
•Appearance by the NC Peach Queen
•Free Recipes & Information







Sponsored by NC Peach Growers Society, NCSU, Howling Cow Ice Cream, State Farmers Market, NCDA & CS

The State Farmers Market is conveniently located on I-40 and Lake Wheeler Road, exit 297. Please call the Market for updates 919-733-7417
or contact
Monica Wood, marketing specialist: monica.wood@ncagr.gov
State Farmers Market

State Farmers Market hosts Peach Day and Dessert Contest

Thursday, July 14
RALEIGH — Children, bakers and any dessert makers can enter their favorite recipes into the peach dessert contest planned during Peach Day at the State Farmers Market Thursday, July 14.
The annual celebration, held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., also features free samples of the summer fruit and Howling Cow’s peach ice cream. In addition, there will be an appearance by the N.C. Peach Queen Katie Parsons, as well as free peach recipes and nutritional information.

The dessert contest includes $175 in total prize money and is divided into two categories, one for adults and one for children under 13. The first-place winner of the adult category will be featured in Our State magazine’s Peach Recipe Collection. Desserts can be dropped off at the State Farmers Market office between 8 and 10 a.m., with judging beginning at 10 a.m. Dishes will be judged on taste, appearance, quality and creative use of peaches. After judging, winners will be announced at the Peach Day exhibit in the Farmers Building.

All entries must be in throwaway containers and include the complete recipe with cooking instructions, along with the contestant’s name, address and telephone number. Each recipe must include at least two cups of N.C. peaches, and peaches must be one of the main ingredients.
North Carolina’s peach season runs from the end of May through September. In 2010, N.C. peach growers produced 5,500 tons of peaches. Shoppers can find local peaches at farmers markets, roadside stands and grocery stores across the state.

Peach Day is sponsored by the N.C. Peach Growers Society, Howling Cow Ice Cream, the State Farmers Market and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. For complete dessert-contest rules and more information about N.C. peaches, go to http://www.ncpeach.com/.

Wake Up with the Deep Fried Crew: Festival edition

Flying Bob and Firecracker give a rundown of the remaining activities at the Got to Be NC Festival this weekend at the N.C. State Fairgrounds. Saturday's activities includes the Masonic Carolina Pig Jig, a bluegrass band competition, the Carolina Rollergirls Roller Derby, Harley-Davidson motorcycle ride-in and tractor pull.

Sunday, be sure to come out for the FIRST robotics competition and border collie sheepherding demonstrations. You also can enjoy the best of N.C. agriculture in the food and wine expo, participate in a workshop at Carolina FiberFest, interact with animals in the Agri-Plaza and ride carnival rides all weekend.

To find more information and plan your visit, go to www.ncagfest.com.

Day one in photos

The first day of the 2011 Got to Be NC Festival has been a lot of fun. Here are some photos from today's activities. There is still plenty to eat, see and do tonight at the festival, and gates will be open until midnight. Gate admission, parking and grandstand events are free, so don't forget to come out Saturday and Sunday for even more fun. You can download a complete schedule of activities at www.ncagfest.com, and keep up with festival updates on Facebook, Twitter or the Got to Be NC Festival blog.

Sun shines on Got to Be NC Festival

Ag Commissioner Steve Troxler kicked off the 2011 Got to Be NC Festival by leading the first of three antique tractor parades this morning at the Fairgrounds. A few morning showers have turned into a warm and sunny afternoon. In addition to the large selection of antique farm equipment on display, festival-goers have enjoyed the Carolina FiberFest, Food and Wine Expo and the Raleigh Flea Market.

The Sam Rand Grandstand will be full of free activities tonight beginning with the children’s stick horse races at 5 p.m., followed by a performance by Rocky the Trick Mule, plow-horse demonstrations, draft horse pull and Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show.

There’s also plenty of food to try on the fairgrounds, so bring the entire family out for supper. The Amran Shrine will be offering plates of fresh N.C. seafood all weekend, you can get Fair favorites such as gyros and corn dogs, and also try fried butter. For dessert, there’s plenty of sweet treats, including ice cream, cotton candy and deep-fried Oreos.

The fairgrounds will be open until midnight tonight, so come out after work and enjoy the best of North Carolina. You can plan your trip and find more information about the festival at www.ncagfest.com.

Commissioner Steve Troxler talks about the NC Got to be Festival

Click here to listen to Commissioner Steve Troxler talk about the Got to be NC Festival on the My Carolina Today Show.

Click here for a full list of things to do at the Got to be NC Festival.

Press Release - Got to Be NC Festival offers good food for a good cause

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, MAY 16, 2011

CONTACT:

Jim Knight, managerGot to Be NC Festival (919) 707-3128

Got to Be NC Festival offers good food for a good cause

RALEIGH — The motto of the Shriners is “No man stands so tall as when he bends down to help a child.” Organizers of the 2011 Got to Be NC Festival are partnering with the Amran Shrine and N.C. Masonic lodges to offer more ways for visitors to stand tall while enjoying fresh N.C. seafood and barbecue during the event at the State Fairgrounds May 20-22.

The Amran Shriners’ Fish Fry has been extended this year to all three days of the festival. During the fish fry, visitors can purchase plates of fresh N.C. catfish, shrimp or oysters. Plates cost $7 for a choice of one seafood, $8 for a choice of two, and $9 for all three. Proceeds from the fish fry will be donated to various Shriner charities.

On Saturday, May 21, visitors can support local children’s charities while sampling a variety of barbecue pork, chicken and sauces during the annual Masonic Carolina Pig Jig. The event includes 30 teams representing Masonic lodges and barbecue styles from across the state and country. More than 2 tons of pork will be prepared during the event, as teams compete for the chance to win the Grand Champions and People’s Choice awards.

Barbecue from the competition will be available for purchase from 11 a.m. until the barbecue runs out. Tickets are $10 for adults, and free for children six and under. Each ticket includes an all-you-can-sample plate of barbecue, sides, a drink and a ballot for the People’s Choice contest. All proceeds from the cook-off will be donated to the Masonic Home for Children and Central Children’s Home, both located in Oxford. Last year, the event raised $6,000 for the two residential homes that provide a stable environment for disadvantaged and neglected children and teens.

The Got to Be NC Festival, presented by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, features more than 1,000 pieces of antique farm equipment, Got to Be NC Food and Wine Expo, Carolina FiberFest, carnival rides, live music, grandstand events and more. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to midnight May 20 and 21, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. May 22. Admission and parking for the festival are free.
To find detailed schedules and more information about the Got to Be NC Festival, go to www.ncagfest.com.

-pmj-1

 

Click here for all the fun things to do at the Got to be NC Festival

Not a Silly Band---It's the Raleigh Concert Band!!!!

Check out the Raleigh Concert Band on the Community Stage in the air-conditioned Jim Graham Building on Sunday, May 22 with shows at 2 and 3:10 p.m. There will be other neat community based groups using this stage each day, so keep an eye on the daily schedule at http://www.ncagfest.com/ for more!!!

Grandstand shows FREE in 2011

Thanks to Mattress Firm, one of our sponsors, admission to ALL the grandstand shows will be free in 2011, a savings of $5 per person!!! Enjoy the Draft Horse Pull and some related entertainment on Friday evening 5/20, Tractor Pulls all day Saturday 5/21, and Border Collie Sheep Herding Demonstrations on Sunday 5/22. AND the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show will also perform in the grandstand with multiple shows daily.

Camping at the Got to be Festival!

Camping at the Got to be Festival! Load up the RV and come on down. There is plenty of camping space available at an affordable rate! The fairgrounds have 350 full-service spaces with hook-ups for just $25 a night. Throw in free Wi-Fi.

Check in is easiest at Gate 9 before six o’clock pm. For late check in please call Fairgrounds Public Safety at 919-612-6767. They will probably direct you to Gate 4. If you’re traveling with a large group or club, be sure and contact the Fairgrounds before hand at 919-821-7400, Ext. 4580 for space reservations.

Many of the spaces allow campers to enjoy a campfire, so bring the marshmallows and your own wood firewood. Small fire pits on campsites are allowed provided that the flames are contained at cooking level.

Bluegrass Bands Wanted!!!

If your bluegrass band is up to the challenge, we'll again be hosting the annual Got to be NC Festival Bluegrass Championship on Saturday, May 21 at 1 p.m. Cash prizes for the top three bands, and we're trying to get some additional stage time and maybe even some recording time for the winning band!!! Visit http://www.ncagfest.com/ and look for the bluegrass competition link to sign up. This link should be active by 3.7.11. Good luck and good pickin'.

The Pig Jig is back!

More than 40 chapters of Masons will gather for the The 6th Annual Masonic Carolina Pig Jig BBQ Cook-off. Will last years champs Hiram #40 Masonic Lodge win the grand prize once again? Come and decide which one is your favorite. Food will be served to the public after judging Saturday morning beginning at 11:00 am. Tickets are $10 and children 6 and under eat free. Each all-you-can-eat ticket includes one free drink! All proceeds benefit the organization’s children’s homes in Oxford, NC.

LAST POST FROM 2010!!!! SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

If you're a foodie, the State Fairgrounds is the place to be next weekend, May 21-23. The Got to be NC Festival will feature over 110 food and wine booths sampling and selling great North Carolina foods and spirits in the Exposition Building; the Dorton Triangle outdoor concession vendors will have a great mix of food, ice cream and slushes; and the carnival vendor in the midway will feature even more great NC foods at their stands!!! Don't forget admission and parking are free, but bring a few dollars to buy some of the great food, ride a few rides and maybe even go to one of the $5 grandstand shows!!! Visit http://www.ncagfest.com/ for more!

Bring the camper, bring the family, stay the weekend!!!

If you’re thinking about coming to the Got to Be NC Festival at the NC State Fairgrounds and you own a camper or RV, we’ve got some good news for you. There is plenty of camping space available at an affordable rate! The fairgrounds has 350 full-service spaces with hook-ups for water, sewer, and electric (30-50 amps) for just $25 a night. There is also free Wi-Fi.

Check in is easiest at Gate 9 before 6 pm. If you’re arriving after 6 pm, Gate 4 might be your best bet. Either way, you should call the Fairgrounds Public Safety at 919-612-6767 upon arrival. If you’re traveling with a large group or club, be sure and contact the Fairgrounds before hand at 919-821-7400, Ext. 4580 for space reservations.

Just imagine, after a long, fun-filled day at the Got to Be NC Festival, you can kick your feet up and relax without having to drive all the way home first. Then the next day, you can get a jump start on the day’s events without having to worry with traffic or travel time.

Country, Contemporary, Bluegrass or Beach???

Which music style best fits your musical ear? Take your pick at the 2010 Got to be NC Festival on two free music stages! The Geico Triangle Music Stage near Dorton arena will feature two country groups on Friday, 5/21---Look for Charlie Albertson, the singing senator who penned the now infamous song "Leave the Man Alone" about Willie Nelson after his band's run-in with law enforcement in Duplin County, and we'll close the evening with the Barn Burners. Catch bluegrass on the Heritage Stage all weekend with host band Boys from Carolina and a bluegrass band competition Saturday afternoon. Jeanne Jolly will grace the Geico Stage with four concerts on Saturday, and beach band North Tower will play four shows from that stage on Sunday!

Anyone remember Corbitt Trucks & Tractors???

Corbitt trucks and tractors were made in the early 20th century in Henderson, NC. Most of the tractors were exported to South America, so very few examples still survive. This year we'll celebrate the 100th anniversary of Corbitt at the Got to be NC Festival with more than a dozen Corbitt trucks and tractors --- that's quite a collection! Come check them out near the Holshouser (round) building May 21-23.

There's gonna be a fiber fest dude!!

Come see me and my friends at the FiberFest in Holshouser Building (the round one) during the 2010 Got to be NC Festival coming to the State Fairgrounds May 21-23. Look for weavers, spinners, crafters, artists and cool sheep and other animals, too. Admission is free!!!

One hump or Two???

When you step up to ride the camels at the 2010 Got to be NC Festival, will it be a dromedary (one hump) or bactrian (two humps)? Bet you didn't know you'd run into a biology lesson today!

Exciting news--WRAL to host Health & Fitness Expo during festival

We've just learned that WRAL will host the Health and Fitness Expo in the Graham Building on Saturday and Sunday of the festival weekend. Admission to this event will be free, too, meaning that most of the events will have free admission at the fairgrounds that weekend. Other events you ask? How about a Choplin Marine boat show in the Scott Building, a 4-H horse show in the Hunt Horse Complex, the Flea Market, a new Fiber Fest in the Holshouser Bldg as part of the Got to be NC Festival and more. The only paid admission will be the Grandstand Shows---Draft Horse Pull on Friday evening, Antique Tractor Pulls on Saturday and Lawnmower Racing on Sunday. And each grandstand show is only a $5 admission! Rides and games in the midway will of course charge, but look for special discounts to bring those prices down!

Entries are arriving!!!

Have you submitted your antique tractor/equipment registration yet? If you are a commercial exhibitor or concession vendor wanting to be part of the festival, jump in early! The forms are on-line for your convenience at www.ncagfest.com.

Have a blessed holiday season and we're looking forward to seeing you in May!