Amran Shriners will be serving N.C. flounder and shrimp to benefit local children at the 2012 Got to Be NC Festival.

When you come to the Got to Be NC Festival at the N.C. State Fairgrounds this weekend, be sure to stop by the Amran Shriners’ mobile kitchen for a plate of N.C. flounder or shrimp. That plate will not only fuel you up for a full day of fun, it will also benefit children in need of medical care in our community.

Money raised from the fish fry will help provide free transportation and medical care to area children being treated at one of the 22 Shriners Hospitals in North America.  The hospitals specialize in the treatment of burns, spinal injuries and orthopedic conditions.

The Amran Shriners’ Fish Fry will be set up all three days of the festival to raise funds for the Shriners Hopsitals for Children. Visitors can purchase a plate with their choice of either N.C. flounder or shrimp for $8, or enjoy both flounder and shrimp for $10. All plates include slaw, hushpuppies, fries and a drink.

The Shriners raised $4,000 during the festival last year and are hoping to raise just as much this year. We spoke to Connie Altman, chairman of the Amran Shriners’ mobile kitchen (which also makes an appearance at the N.C. State Fair), about how Shriners help children in our community. Check out his response in the video below:

The Shriners’ Fish Fry is just one way you can enjoy local food at the Got to Be NC Festival May 18-20. You also can sample and purchase the best of Got to Be NC products at the Food and Wine Expo, try a variety of N.C. barbecues at the seventh annual Masonic Carolina Pig Jig and support dozens of local food vendors located throughout the fairgrounds. If you love local food, this is the festival for you. Plan your trip today at www.GotToBeNCFestival.com.

Daily tractor parades are just one of the activities at the Got to Be NC Festival.

This weekend, the fairgrounds will host the 2012 Got to Be NC Festival. The annual event is a celebration of North Carolina’s food and agricultural heritage, and there is plenty new in store this year. Consider the following five tips when making your plans:

1. New Festival Hours
The festival has new Friday hours this year. The gates will be open from noon to midnight on Friday. Hours for Saturday and Sunday remain 9 a.m. to midnight and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., respectively. For a full schedule of events, go to www.GotToBeNCFestival.com.

2. Cookbook Authors at the Food and Wine Expo
In addition to the best of N.C. foods and wine, the Got to Be NC Food and Wine Expo will also feature cookbook signings by local authors Friday from noon to 6 p.m. The authors are:

• Linda Watson, author of “Wildly Affordable Organic”
• Debbie Moose, author of “Deviled Eggs: 50 Recipes from Simple to Sassy”
• Jean Anderson, James Beard Cookbook Hall of Fame member and Raleigh native
• Andrea Reusing of Chapel Hill’s Lantern, author of “Cooking in the Moment: A Year of Seasonal Recipes”
• Foy Allen Edelman, author of “Sweet Carolina: Favorite Desserts and Candies from the Old North State”
• Bob Garner, author of “Bob Garner’s Book of Barbecue: North Carolina’s Favorite Food”

Visitors may bring cookbooks with them or purchase them at the event. Admission to the expo is just $2, and visitors will receive a sheet of 24 coupons with special offers on products available at the expo.

3. All-you-can-ride wristbands available Friday and Sunday
This year, there are two opportunities for ride lovers to purchase all-you-can-ride wristbands for $20. Wristbands will be sold at ride ticket booths Friday between noon and 5 p.m., and riders can use them until midnight. You also can purchase and use wristbands all day Sunday. Wristbands will be not be sold or accepted on Saturday.

4. Trans Jam BMX Contest Series

Fans of Keith King at the N.C. State Fair should enjoy the BMX bicycle stunt-riding competition joining the festival lineup Sunday in Dorton Arena. The second stop in the Trans Jam BMX Contest Series will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The competition will feature participants of all ages and skill levels contending for prizes and a $2,500 professional purse. The event also will feature bicycle-related exhibitors and vendors, a display of vintage bicycles and an art contest for children. Admission for spectators is free, but there is a fee for competitors. For information about competing, visit www.transjambmx.com.

The Got to Be NC Festival is May 18-20 at the State Fairgrounds. In addition to these awesome activities, they’ll be other great events including a daily tractor parade, Carolina FiberFest, Masonic Carolina Pig Jig, Shriner’s Fish Fry, grandstand events, a petting zoo, carnival rides and more. Plan your trip at www.GotToBeNCFestival.com, and be sure to follow the festival on Twitter and Facebook for updates before and during the event.

The Got to Be NC Festival is coming back to the N.C. State Fairgrounds May 18-20 for a weekend full of events celebrating N.C. food and agricultural heritage. There will be tractor parades, antique farming equipment, the Got to Be NC Food and Wine Expo, Carolina FiberFest and a whole lot of fun for the entire family.

N.C. State Fair alumni Third Day also will be performing Friday night in Dorton Arena. Tickets start at $22, but you can get your tickets for free all next week. That’s because they’re giving away prize packs that include 4 tickets to the Third Day concert and 4 free ride tickets good for any day at the festival.

If you want to win, be sure to follow the Got to Be NC Festival on Facebook and Twitter. Each morning at 9, they’ll post on Facebook and Twitter to let you know when they’ll be giving away the prize packs for that day and what you’ll have to do to get them. It could be anything from telling us about your favorite N.C. product to uploading a photo of you on a tractor.

Good luck! Remember, we’ll send out the first time slots Monday at 9 a.m.

Visitors enjoy the Raleigh Flea Market at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

It’s going to be fairly quiet this Mother’s Day weekend at the State Fairgrounds, so come on out to enjoy the Raleigh Flea Market. The market is open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. We’re also hosting a horse show, sports show and dog show this weekend. Read on for more details:

The N.C. Plantation Pleasure Tarheel Classic will take place Friday and Saturday at the Hunt Horse Complex. Plantation Pleasure Walking Horses are a combination of bloodlines from Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, Morgans and American Saddlebreds. Shows run daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The event is free for spectators.

In the Scott Building, more than 200 tables will be set up for the Sportscard and Sports Memorabilia Show. Vendors will be on hand to buy, sell and trade sportscards and other sports collectibles. In addition, James Spence Authentication will be authenticating autographs. Show hours are Friday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 16.

Dog lovers will enjoy the Mid-Atlantic Hound Association Dog Show in the Holshouser Building Saturday and Sunday. Come see hound breeds compete in a variety of classes daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for spectators. Please note: Baby carriages, strollers and non-competing dogs will not be allowed in the building.

Congratulations to the Shaw University Class of 2012, who will receive their diplomas in Dorton Arena on Saturday at 11 a.m. We’re proud to be a part of your special day and wish you lots of luck in the future (No public admission for this event).

That’s all for this weekend. To all the mothers out there, thank you for your love, sacrifices and strength. Happy Mother’s Day!

Next weekend, the fairgrounds hosts the Got to Be NC Festival. You can win tickets to the carnival, Third Day concert and Roller Derby all next week. Connect with the festival on Facebook and Twitter for more information.

Take a break from your usually routine this weekend at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

The mercury’s rising in Raleigh and so are the number of fun events happening this weekend at the fairgrounds. We’ve got cheer competitions, cultural events and activities for all types of collectors. Read on to see what’s happening this weekend at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

Saturday, Dorton Arena will be full of high-flying kicks, handstands and lots of cheer at the Young Champions Cheer Regional Competition. The cheer competition for ages 4-14 will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Spectator admission is free.

The Iranian Culture Society of North Carolina will host the N.C. Persian Festival in the Scott Building Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The cultural event will feature Persian dances, live music, art, food, handicrafts and more. Admission is $4 for adults and free for children under 7.

Also on Saturday, you can stop by the Holshouser Building for the Toy Train Sale and Swap Meet. More than 100 vendors will be set up selling trains, accessories, tracks and hard-to-find parts. The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and free for children under 13 with a paying adult. Click here for discount tickets and additional event information.

The Graham Building will host the quarterly Dixie Gun & Knife Classic Saturday and Sunday. Vendors will be on hand selling antique and modern guns, surplus and accessories, as well as hunting, camping and outdoor recreational equipment. Doors are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults and free for children under 12 with a paying adult. A $1 off coupon is available on the organizer’s website.

Next door, the Expo Center will host the Carolina Reptile and Exotic Animal Show. National breeders and manufacturers will be selling reptiles, birds and mammals, along with cages, food and supplies at the event. There also will be live animal shows, as well as seminars on animal breeding and care. The show is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $9 for adults, $6 for senior citizens and children 5-10, and free for children under 5.

If that’s not enough incentive to visit the fairgrounds, don’t forget about the Raleigh Flea Market. The weekly market features hundreds of vendors selling everything from 8-tracks to gun racks and a whole lot more. Vendors are set up from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The Temptations Review is coming to Dorton Arena this Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

You’ll find a lot to love at the fairgrounds this weekend, including the Southern Women’s Show, Knight Southeastern Doll & Bear Show,  horse shows and performances by The Temptations Review and The Embers, as well as hundreds of vendors at the Raleigh Flea Market. Read on for more information about these great events.

Southern Women’s Show
Enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Southern Women’s Show in the Graham Building and Expo Center this Friday through Sunday. Relax with spa treatments and makeovers; shop for clothes, jewelry and gifts; sample gourmet food and wine; and learn how to improve your lifestyle.The event is open Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for adults is $10 at the door; admission for children ages 6 to 12 is $5. Information on discounted admission tickets and a detailed schedule of events are available at www.southernshows.com/wra

Knight Southeastern Doll & Bear Show
If you collect dolls or bears, make sure to stop by the Knight Southeastern Doll & Bear Show in the Scott Building Saturday. Dealers from across the region will be selling dolls and bears of all types and styles, as well as doll furniture, accessories and related items. Doors are open 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and free for children under 12. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in uniform also will receive free admission.

Triangle Wide Horseman’s Association Show
The Triangle Wide Horseman’s Association is partnering with Four Beats for Pleasure to bring the May Days in April Horse Show to the Hunt Horse Complex Saturday and Sunday. This two-day open horse show will feature Western, hunt seat and saddle seat classes. Shows start daily at 8 a.m. The event also will include a versatility class Saturday night. Spectator admission is free.

The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards with Special Guest The Embers
The smooth sounds of Motown will fill Dorton Arena Sunday night for the 2012 Spring Oldies Music Show, a fundraiser to benefit the Raleigh Professional Firefighters Association. Come see musical performances by The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards and The Embers. Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m.; doors open at 5:30. Admission to the show is $26.

In addition to these amazing events, don’t forget to mark your calendars for the following upcoming events:

May 5: North Carolina Persian Festival
May 9: Community Health Screening Day
May 12-13: Mid Atlantic Hound Association Dog Show
May 18-20: Got to Be NC Festival
May 23-26: Southern States Regional Morgan Horse Show

There's a lot in store this weekend at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

Time to prepare for another exciting weekend at the N.C. State Fairgrounds. This weekend, we’ll have brides and bridles, dinner and dancing, plus some amazing big-top performances. Plus, the largest flea market in Raleigh. Read on to see what’s in store this weekend.

Brides from across the Triangle will descend on the Jim Graham Building this weekend for the Southern Bridal Show and Expo. The showcase will have more than 150 local wedding experts and vendors, fashion shows, raffle drawings and more. Discounted tickets are available in advance. The show is open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10.

The Easter Bunny Circuit Horse Show will be held this weekend in the Hunt Horse Complex. Youth and amateur riders will compete in more than 100 divisions. Admission is free for visitors. Shows begin start daily at 8 a.m. Thursday through Sunday. For more information, visit the Eastern Quarter Horse of North Carolina website.

If you’re in the mood for a circus, step under the big top at the Cole Brothers Circus of the Stars. This annual event will be set up at the corner of Trinity and Blue Ridge roads Friday through Sunday. Come see this exciting two-hour performance, featuring tigers, elephants, clowns, human cannonballs, aerobatics and more. Showtimes are Friday at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Admission is $19 for adults and $14 for children. Additional information, including details on admission discounts and VIP seating, are available online at www.gotothecircus.com.

In the Scott Building, the Triangle Lebanese Association will host the 14th annual Lebanese Festival. Visitors can explore the food, music and cultural exhibits of Lebanon Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is $3; children under 6 are admitted free. There will also be a special event Saturday evening featuring dinner and dancing to complement the day’s activities. The evening event is open from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Admission is $10.

In addition, the Raleigh Flea Market will be open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. You never know what treasures you’ll find.

On the horizon, the Got to Be NC Festival returns to the State Fairgrounds May 18-20 with plenty of delicious food, rides, fun activities and horsepower to satisfy every attendee. Some of the highlights of the festival include, the Got to Be NC Food and Wine Expo, Carolina FiberFest, antique tractor and farm equipment displays, and barbecue competitions. You can find more information about the festival at www.GottoBeNCFestival.com.

The Raleigh Invitational Horse Show is this weekend at the Hunt Horse Complex.

If you’ve been waiting to visit the N.C. State Fairgrounds, this is the weekend to do it. We’ve got home improvement ideas, boats, horses, flowers and much, much more. So, come on out to the fairgrounds for a great time. While you’re here, enjoy the Raleigh Flea Market and other great events:

The Southern Ideal Home Show returns to the Graham Building and Expo Center Friday through Sunday. This event provides homeowners with an opportunity to shop, compare and get advice from industry experts before tackling home renovations. Doors are open Friday from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults and free for children under 16 with a paying adult. Discounts are also available online at www.southernshows.com/hsr.

The fairgrounds will also host two flower sales this weekend. The Gardeners of Wake County Azalea Sale will take place in the greenhouse, located in the Flower and Garden Show area, with 148 varieties and about 4,000 plants. The azalea sale is open Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. While you’re there, be on the lookout for Millie.

At the L.R. Harrill Center, located near Gate 6, the Pilot Club of Raleigh will hold its annual geranium sale Friday to Sunday. Stop by either event to pick up some beautiful flowers for your home and help out these great causes.

Dorton Arena will be fired up on Saturday night for the return of the Carolina Rollergirls. The 2012 season continues with a double-header bout. The first game starts at 3 p.m., followed by a second match at 5. Doors open at 2:30. Admission is $14 for adults, $8 for students and seniors and $7 for children. Advance tickets and special discounts are available on the Rollergirls website.

In the Scott Building, hundreds of boats will be on display at the Chatlee Boat Show and Sale. If you’re in the market for a boat, be sure to stop by Friday through Sunday. The show is open Friday from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

The Raleigh Invitational Horse Show will take place at the Hunt Horse Complex this weekend, featuring American Saddlebreds and Morgan competitions. This event is a qualifier for the World Championship Horse Show, so there are sure to be some skilled riders and horses. Sessions will be held Friday and Saturday at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Martin Building will host the Pipe and Tobacciana Expo Saturday. The event will include vendors representing distributors, collectors and pipe clubs. Pipes, cigars, humidors and custom-blended tobacco will be available. Doors are open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $2, but a coupon good for one free admission is available in the News & Observer and Technician.

There’s a lot of great stuff happening this weekend, but there’s even more in store in the coming weeks. Mark your calendars for these great upcoming events:

April 22: Southern Bridal Show & Expo
April 27-29: Southern Women’s Show
May 5: N.C. Persian Festival
May 18-20: Got to Be NC Festival

We had a lot of fun and interesting names to choose from in our name the duck contest. But we have to say congrats to Michey Creech for suggesting the name “Millie” for the duck who has nested in a hanging basket in the Flower and Garden Show. Michey suggested the name on Facebook, in part based on the nearby Old Grist Mill on the pond where Millie will bathe. We like the vintage name and the clever use of a fairgrounds location.

We’ll try to keep you up to date on what’s going on with Millie.

Michey will receive a Got to Be NC Festival prize pack, which will include lots of State Fair swag, as well as free admission to the Food and Wine Expo at the 2012 Got to Be NC Festival, which will be held at the fairgrounds May 18-20. Michey, direct message us with your address on Facebook or send an email to ncstatefair (at) gmail.com.

Millie in her hanging basket home in the Flower and Garden Show area.

Flowers are in bloom at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

Don’t be alarmed if you see a bunch of robots moving around Dorton Arena this weekend. The robots aren’t dangerous; they are part of the 2012 NC FIRST Robotics Regional. NC FIRST encourages students to pursue degrees in science and technology through hands-on experiences, such as building robots. During the tournament, high school teams from across the country will control their robots through a series of challenges. The top teams from Friday and Saturday will advance to the finals Saturday afternoon. Admission is free. Opening ceremonies take place at 8:30 a.m. on Friday and 8:45 a.m. on Saturday.

Another type of competition will take place this weekend at the Hunt Horse Complex. The 37th annual Joint NCAHA-ODAHA Dual Region Show will feature Arabian horse competitions in performance, halter, sport horse, dressage, hunter jumper and carriage driving. Admission is free, and contests begin Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m.

Saturday, the Graham Building will host the 40th annual Raleigh Hamfest. The festival is open to all amateur radio fans. Visitors can sit for their amateur radio license examination, browse through new and used radio equipment and participate in special construction projects. Admission is $8, and doors are open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Also on Saturday, the Scott Building will host the Sportscard and Sports Memorabilia Show. This event will feature nearly 75 vendors selling cards, collectibles and other merchandise from all of your favorite teams. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 16. Doors are open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Calvary Chapel Cary will hold its annual Easter service in Dorton Arena. The service will begin at 10 a.m.; doors open at 9:30. The event is free and open to the public.

Remember to stop by the Raleigh Flea Market to find last-minute gifts for your Easter baskets. The market has everything from children’s toys and reading books to kids’ clothing and cartoon classics. Market vendors will be open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If you can’t make it to the fairgrounds this weekend, mark your calendar for these great upcoming events:

April 13-15: Southern Ideal Home Show
April 22: Southern Bridal Show & Expo
April 27-29: Southern Women’s Show
May 5: N.C. Persian Festival
May 18-20: Got to Be NC Festival

And, in case you missed it, we need your help naming a duck that has made its home at the fairgrounds. We’ll be taking submissions through Monday. Go to our previous blog post for more information and to enter. The winner will receive a Got to Be NC Festival prize pack.