Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, MAY 16, 2011

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.