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Event Description

REGISTRATION FOR THE GOT TO BE NC PAVILION LOCATED IN THE DORTON ARENA DURING THE NC STATE FAIR IS OPEN.

Got to Be NC Pavilion Information: The Got to Be NC Pavilion features products that are grown, raised, caught, and made in North Carolina by members of the Got to Be NC program. Members of the Got to Be NC program (for at least one year) can apply for booth space so that they can sample and sell their products to consumers from across the state.  The Got to Be NC Pavilion will be open daily from 9:00 am to 9:45 pm.

IF YOU ARE AN EXISTING GOT TO BE NC MEMBER COMPANY CLICK HERE TO BE TAKEN TO EVENT REGISTRATION WEBSITE.

Non-Members, Concession and/or Commercial Vendors: If you are not a Got to Be NC member or you are a Concession/Commercial Vendor please do not apply on this site. Click here to be redirected to the correct website.

NC State Fair Information: Nothing ushers in fall like the annual North Carolina State Fair that will take place from Thursday, October 16, 2025, through Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, North Carolina with visitors from all over North Carolina and beyond, will gather together to celebrate what has become the ultimate family tradition.

173 years in the making, the fair offers an experience unique to North Carolina for all who attend. The NC State Fair is unparalleled, with free entertainment, thrilling rides and games, thousands of animals, endless family activities, competitions, exhibitors and creative deep-fried delights. In 2024, we greeted 998,928 fairgoers over 11 days.

Dorton Arena Information: The Got to Be NC Pavilion is located inside the historic J.S. Dorton Arena. This iconic, domed structure offers a high-traffic location and a unique setting for showcasing North Carolina products. As a central attraction during the Fair, Dorton Arena provides excellent visibility and foot traffic for participating vendors. The Dorton Arena is not climate-controlled, and the floors are concrete.

Pavilion Eligibility: To exhibit in this section of the fair, applicants must have been a Got to Be NC member for at least one year and maintain an active listing on the Got to Be NC website. Breweries and distilleries are not eligible to participate in the Got to Be NC Pavilion during the NC State Fair. Food and beverage products must be market ready. Prepared foods such as sandwiches and entrees are not eligible.

If approved for booth space, you will be required to submit a Certificate of Insurance (COI) with specific details. Depending on your product, you may also need a Wake County Temporary Food Establishment (TFE) Permit and a handwashing sink. Additionally, a Wake County Tax Report must be submitted.

Participation Requirements: Please read all the information provided thoroughly before signing up for booth space. Participating in the NC State Fair is a significant commitment that demands long hours and meticulous attention to detail. Samples and Supplies: Product sampling is required but left to the discretion of each exhibitor. Charging for samples is strictly prohibited. Exhibitors are responsible for bringing their own supplies, as there will be no supplies available for purchase onsite. Selection Procedure: Got to Be NC members must submit their application by the specified deadline, Friday, June 27, 2025. The NCDA&CS staff will review each application and confirm your Got to Be NC membership as well as your listing in the Got to Be NC Find Local Directory.

The Got to Be NC Pavilion is a juried event (not a first-come, first-served) and applying does not guarantee acceptance. To maintain a diverse and balanced selection of products, the NCDA&CS reserves the right to limit the number of exhibitors within the same product category and to decline applications that do not align with the event’s exhibit criteria.

Limited Booth Space: The Got to Be NC program has over 3,000 members and available booth space for less than 40 member companies in the Got to Be NC Pavilion, making the selection process extremely competitive.

Application Confirmation: After you submit your booth application you will receive an automated confirmation number. This number confirms that your application for booth space has been received. It does not mean you have been approved for booth space.

Approved Got to Be NC Exhibitors: If you are approved for booth space, you will be notified by mid-to-late July via email. The email will include a payment link. Be sure to check your junk/spam folder. It is highly recommended that you include a second email address on your application.

Approved exhibitors are required to submit a Certificate of Insurance (COI). Exhibitors may be subject to inspection by the NCDA&CS Food and Drug Division and may need a Temporary Food Establishment (TFE) Permit from Wake County Government Environmental Services. Exhibitors may also be liable for the Wake County One Percent Prepared Food and Beverage Tax. Additional information and contact details are linked below. It is the applicant’s responsibility to understand and comply with all inspections, permits, and tax requirements.

Liability Clause: Each exhibitor is fully responsible for their products, as well as for the conduct and actions of all individuals representing their company and/or products. The NCDA&CS is not liable for any damages, losses, or additional costs incurred by the exhibitor that have not been prearranged through the department. While on-site, the NCDA&CS is only responsible for the actions of its employees in accordance with North Carolina law.

Exhibitor Rules and Regulations are subject to change and may be communicated via email prior to the start of the event. By submitting the Exhibitor Application, exhibitors acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to comply with all guidelines outlined here, as well as any additional instructions issued by the NCDA&CS. Exhibitors are also responsible for ensuring that all individuals representing them in the Got to Be NC Pavilion are informed of and comply with these Rules and Regulations.

If you have never exhibited in the Dorton Arena during the NC State Fair, be sure you understand the level of commitment required before you sign up!
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Event Details

Registration Deadline: June 27, 2025

Dates

October 16, 2025
through
October 26, 2025

Time

-

Cost

$

Location

NC State Fairgrounds
4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh

NC State Fairgrounds

4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh

Additional Information

Booth Information: Got to Be NC Pavilion

Booth Type and Cost: On February 24, 2025, the NCDA&CS Director of Marketing emailed all Got to Be NC members to announce several key changes to the Got to Be NC Pavilion at the NC State Fair. These included the elimination of single shifts, double booths, and corner booth sales, as well as updated booth pricing. There is now only one option, which is a single booth at the rate of $1,000 for the entire duration of the NC State Fair.

Booth Hours: All booths must be open and staffed during all building hours, which are 9:00 am to 9:45 pm. If an exhibitor does not adhere to this policy, they are subject to removal from the fair and may no longer be permitted to participate in future events such as the Mountain State Fair, the Got to Be NC Festival and Flavors of Carolina. No refunds will be provided.

Booth Information (What’s Included):Each draped exhibit booth space is 10’ x 10’. Each booth includes one front table, one back table, two seats, one vehicle permit, one off-site parking permit, (22) twenty-two fair admission tickets and one standard electric outlet (120/20 Amp). Additional electrical options are available for a fee and can be requested at a later date.

Additional Tables and Stools: If you wish to order additional front tables or stools, you must do so directly through Southern Exhibition Services (SES). Contact information will be provided once your exhibit space is approved. The back table is not provided by SES, and you will not be given any credit or discount if you choose not to use this table.

Additional Fair Admission Tickets: We understand that Fair days can be long and that you may require extra admission tickets. Please keep this potential expense in mind before applying. If additional tickets are needed, they must be purchased separately. Buying tickets in advance is strongly recommended, as it can help reduce costs.Additional Parking Options and Shuttles: The NC State Fair offers free off-site parking. If you need additional parking options, direct your staff to the Bandwidth Parking/Dogwood Lot and/or the HWY 54/Cardinal Lot as both lots offer complimentary parking and provide free shuttles to the fairgrounds. Shuttles will run continuously but it is recommended to allow at least thirty minutes for pick-up, security clearance at the gate, and walking to the Dorton Arena.
Booth Assignments/Booth Sharing: Booth assignments are made to ensure a variety of products in each aisle. While we strive to separate similar products, this is not always possible. Returning exhibitors are not guaranteed the same booth location as in previous years. We do not accept requests for specific booth locations or requests to change booth locations. Booth assignments will be given onsite at registration check-in. Booth sharing is not permitted.
Payment and Refund Information: Got to Be NC Pavilion

Payment Deadline: Booth payment is due within two business days of approval. All payments must be made online by credit card. Booth space will not be secured until payment is received. Failure to pay within the required timeframe will result in forfeiture of the booth.

Refund Policy: All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Refunds will not be issued unless the event is cancelled by the NCDA&CS.

Certificate of Insurance (COI) Information: Got to Be NC Pavilion
Example COI 2025 NC State Fair
Certificate of Insurance (COI): All approved exhibitors must submit a current Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI) for General Liability coverage. The policy must provide a minimum coverage of $1,000,000 Combined Single Limit per occurrence and must be issued by an insurance company licensed to operate in North Carolina. NCDA&CS must be listed as an Additional Insured on the COI. The required address to be listed on the certificate is 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh, NC 27607.
ONLY APPROVED EXHIBITORS SHOULD SUBMIT A COI. COI’s must be emailed to Sara.Lilley@ncagr.gov no later than August 1, 2025. Please ensure your COI matches the example before submitting or it will be rejected.