If you are planning to visit the Got to Be NC Festival this weekend, take some time to visit the family-friendly agricultural exhibits in the Jim Graham building that highlight some of North Carolina’s top animal industries, including poultry.
In the Graham Building festival goers can learn a little more about one of North Carolina’s top agricultural commodities. North Carolina ranks first in the nation in poultry and egg cash receipts.A collaboration between the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Division and N.C. State University Poultry Science will have a chick hatchery and egg candling exhibit.
The egg candling shows festival goers the three weeks leading up to an egg hatching. Through the use of a special light, it will be possible to peer into the egg and see the growth.
“North Carolina is the number one broiler breeder producer in the nation,” said Dr. Reb
ecca Mansell, director of the NCDA&CS Poultry Health Programs. “We are excited to show the process of egg to baby bird.” The chick hatchery and egg candling will be on display during building hours: Friday, noon – 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Check out some of the family-friendly activities to look forward to:
Kidz Corral: A Playful Adventure for Kids
- Corn Table Play: Dig through heaps of corn kernels for a sensory-filled experience the kids will love.
- On-the-Spot Competitions and Crafts: Challenge your family to fun, hands-on activities.
- Milk Maggie the Cow: Get experience milking a cow with the model.
Lil Ducky Water Racing
Located in the Kidz Corral, this rubber ducky race is sure to be a hit. Compete with friends to see who can pump water the fastest and send their duck to the finish line first!
Germ City: The Science of Clean Hands
Curious about how clean your hands really are? Visit the Food and Drug Protection Division’s Germ City exhibit to discover the importance of washing your hands properly, especially after spending time with animals.
SouthLand Dairy Farmers Mobile Dairy Classroom
Discover how milk gets from the farm to your fridge with live demonstrations and hands-on learning about dairy farming. The Mobile Dairy Classroom will be offering shows at these times:
- Friday: Noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m., Noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m., Noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m.
Explore the North Carolina Forest Service
Stop by the North Carolina Forest Service booth to learn about the state’s forests, their role in the environment, and how they contribute to local communities.
Butterfly Barn
Take a trip to the Butterfly Barn and witness the beauty of butterflies at all stages of life.
Pig Patch Birthing Center
Experience the miracle of new life at the Pig Patch Birthing Center. Watch as sows give birth to adorable piglets each day of the festival.
There’s even more to see and do throughout the weekend at the festival, so be sure to check out the full event schedule online at www.gottobencfestival.com.