2019 Fall Guide

Festivals

43nd-annual Selma Railroad Days Festival — Set for Friday, Oct. 4 and Saturday, Oct. 5, Railroad Days includes a 5K run, parade, crafts, food, children’s area and even a large model train display at the Selma Train Depot, along with a variety of entertainment.

Wilson’s Mills Pumpkin Festival — Slated for Saturday, Oct. 12, the Pumpkin Festival features retail and craft vendors, lots of children’s activities, a costume contest, face painting, inflatable games, a dunking booth, music and much more.

Four Oaks Acorn Festival — Set for Saturday, Oct. 12, come out to Downtown Four Oaks for family fun including a children’s carnival, live entertainment, handmade and artisan market, antique car and tractor show, food trucks, business expo and much more.

Bentonville Battlefield’s Fall Festival & Living History Program — There will be demonstrations regarding life on a late 19th century farm and what women and children had to do to maintain the homestead with men away at war on Saturday, Oct. 19.

Smith’s Farm Annual Fall Festival — On Saturday, Oct. 26, you can pick your own pumpkin at the Fall Festival. With a bounce house and farm animals, this is an especially great festival for kids.

Clayton Harvest Festival — The annual festival runs from Oct. 30 through Nov. 3. The Clayton Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 Clayton Harvest Festival is fun for all ages. The Midway (carnival rides and games) sponsored by ElectriCities of NC will be open all five days of the festival. It also includes events such as

the Squealin’ on the Square BBQ competition and People’s Choice, the return of the Clayton Idol singing competition, Clayton’s largest vendor fair, a classic car show, concerts, a family movie night, a kid’s hot dog creation contest and a Latin American Festival. Learn more and check for the schedule at ClaytonHarvestFestival.com.

Eighth-annual Shindig Music Festival — For beer and bluegrass enthusiasts, Saturday, Nov. 2 will have you sipping and singing along all-day with Americana and Bluegrass genre bands performing on two stages.

Find these annual festivals, plus more events and activities, on the Johnston County Visitors Bureau calendar of events as well at johnstoncountync.org/events.

Fall Attractions

Clayton Fear Farm (Daytime) — For a bit of non-haunted fun, you can visit this facility on Loop Road near Clayton. Check out hayrides, the pumpkin patch and a 3D adventure in Seymour’s House of Dreams. For more, visit claytonfearfarm. com/daytime.

Clayton Fear Farm — When the sun goes down, things get a bit more scary. There’s a haunted hayride, Fear Farm Academy, a haunted cotton maze and much more. To learn more, visit claytonfearfarm.com/home.

Sonlight Farms — Head on over to Kenly to check out a corn maze, hayride, playground, bounce house, corn crib, 80-foot slide, pedal carts, games and concessions.

Farm Daze is set for Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and there will be farm equipment on display as well as giveaways and crafts for the kids.

The Black Out Challenge is from 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26. This event ($5 admission) gives you the chance to conquer the corn maze at night.

For more information, email sonlightfarmsnc@ gmail.com or call 252-205-5280.

Howell Woods — Experience hiking, camping, canoeing, bird watching, hunting, fishing and more at this 2,800-acre natural resource. On Oct. 30, enjoy a “spook-tacular” ride through Howell Woods and search for nocturnal animals such as bats and owls. Register by emailing t_stanforth@ johnstoncc.edu or by calling 919-938-0115. Cost is $5.

THINGS TO DO

Wednesday, October 2, 6 p.m. Mountain Heart in concert Downtown Clayton The fun starts at 6 p.m. with food trucks, a bounce house, face painting, downtown vendors and more. Deep River Brewing Company will be serving all your local favorite brews. The Clayton Downtown Development Association will be selling wine and domestic beers, so bring your ID. Coolers are not permitted.

October 4-5 Selma Model Train Display Selma Union Depot The 44th Annual Selma Railroad Days Festival is hosting the Neuse River Model Train Club. On Friday, October 4, starting at 9 a.m., the model train display will be open to the public at the Historic Union Depot in Uptown Selma. It will continue on Saturday, October 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as well. Call Selma Parks and Rec Department at 919-975-1411 with any questions.

Friday, October 4, 4-7 p.m. Spaghetti Fundraiser and Bake Sale Clayton Center for Active Aging The Clayton Center for Active Aging is having a Spaghetti Fundraiser and Bake Sale. Each plate is $8. For tickets or more information, call Crystal at 919-553-4350.

Friday, October 4, 8 p.m. Marty Stuart in concert The Clayton Center Check out Marty Stuart in concert at The Clayton Center as he presents “The Pilgrim.” For more, visit www. theclaytoncenter.com.

Saturday, October 5, 7:30 a.m. My Kid’s Club Selma Railroad Run and Walk 5K Don’t miss a 5K, held in conjunction with Selma Railroad Days, to benefit My Kids Club. Cost is $25 in advance and $30 on race day. For more information, email info@mykidsclub.org.

Saturday, October 5, 9 a.m. Southland Car Club Fall Car & Truck Show Shelton’s Harley-Davidson, Smithfield Proceeds to benefit Southland Car Club’s High School Scholarship Program for graduating seniors in Johnston County. For more, visit www.sheltonshd.com/events.

Saturday, October 5, 11 a.m. International Food Festival St. Ann Catholic Church, Clayton Enjoy delicious food options from around the world, in addition to a flag presentation, a parade of nations and musical and dancing entertainment events throughout the day. Visit www. internationalfoodfestival.net for more information.

Saturday, October 5, 4 p.m. Clayton Rotary Park groundbreaking West Main Street, Clayton Clayton Rotary Club is holding a groundbreaking for our Clayton Rotary Park. This will be a park that will be a place for people to visit, families or organizations to rent a picnic shelter and a place for educational programs. It will have a walking trail, sculpture, fruit trees, flowers and flowering plants to attract butterflies and bees. The Groundbreaking party will have a 4 p.m. groundbreaking and a 5 p.m. park party. Cost is $25 for adults and $10 for children under 12. There will be food, music and activities. For questions, please call Clayton Rotary Club President Ian Rumbles at 234-348- 0624 or email rumbles1@gmail.com.

Saturday, October 5, 6:30 p.m. Sip + Paint — Feelin’ Witchy Wine and Design, Clayton No experience? No problem! Wine & Design provides a pre-designed canvas so you can stress less and create more and

artist instruction and supplies to create your masterpiece. BYOB, and ages 21 and up only.

Friday, October 11, 7 p.m. Glowing Disc Golf Tournament East Clayton Disc Golf Course, Glen Laurel Road Come out for this distinctive disc golf tournament, played with glowing discs in the dark. Aim for illuminated baskets as you navigate the course with a UV flashlight. All tournament proceeds go toward the new Harmony Playground. Registration is $15, and pre-registration is required at www.ClaytonParks.org/ Register.

Saturday, October 12, 4-7 p.m. Harvest Day Supper Stones Creek Advent Christian Church, Benson There will be a Harvest Day Supper on Saturday, October 12. There will be BBQ chicken plates for $8 each, eat in or take out, and the auction starts at 7 p.m.

Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m. Selma Saturdays Arts and Crafts Market Uptown Selma Gather with friends and enjoy live local entertainment and browse local artists with hand-crafted items. For complete information, contact Melissa Dooley at 919-965-9841, ext. 8003, or email her at mdooley@selma-nc.com.

Saturday, October 12, 10 a.m. Skyfest Johnston County Airport Skyfest will be a community festival with professional aerial demonstrations. This event includes parachute team jumps, flyovers, helicopter rappeling and other aerial performances. There will also be musical entertainment, special performances, static displays, food trucks, beer garden and a kids zone.

Saturday, October 12, 8 a.m. Traditional Activities: Butter Making and Candle Making Tobacco Farm Life Museum, Kenly Learn all about butter and candle making. Visit www.tobaccofarmlifemuseum.org or call 919-284-3431 for further details.

Saturday, October 12, 10 a.m. Harmony Playground Groundbreaking 1774 Glen Laurel Road, Clayton Join the Clayton Community Recreational Foundation, Caterpillar, Town of Clayton, playground sponsors and special guests as they celebrate this historic event.

Saturday, October 12, 11 a.m. I AM Women’s Conference and Expo Johnston County Agricultural Center InsideOut Life Development is proud to invite all women, teen girls and little princesses to its I AM ______ Women’s Conference and Expo. Come be empowered, renewed and forever changed. This event will include extraordinary speakers presenting real world knowledge on how to be a woman of legacy and live out your true calling. Tickets are just $20. For more information, visit www.insideoutlifedevelopment.org/iam-womans-registration-page.

Saturday, October 12, 5 p.m. Streatfreaks 11th Anniversary Celebration Streatfreaks Riders Club, Devil’s Racetrack Road, Four Oaks Celebrate StreatFreeks On/Off-Road Riders Club’s 11-year anniversary. The menu will be fish, chicken tenders, sides and desserts. Music by Mother Notes starts at 7 p.m. There will be corn hole, horse shoes and a pool table. Gates open at 5 with a $10 gate entry donation. A gun raffle will be held at 9 p.m. No BYOB or coolers and no children, please. Email streatfreeks@yahoo.com for more information.

Friday, October 18, 6 p.m. Movie Night in Clayton Downtown Clayton See “Coco” under the stars in Clayton. There will also be face-painting, balloon animals, a bouncy house and games for the whole family.

Saturday, October 19, 8:30 a.m. Cleveland School Rotary Club’s Ninth Annual Dodgeball Tournament Cleveland High School Not only is this event always entertaining, it also helps the Rotary Club raise funds to give back to the community via service projects, volunteering, and donating throughout the year. They will have a DJ, concession stand, and everyone who walks through the door will be able to participate in our 50/50 raffle! For team registration forms, as well as sponsorship forms, please contact Lindsey Camper at Lcamper@crmincusa.com or Tim Sims at tsimsdds@yahoo.com.

Saturday, October 19, 5 p.m. Harmony Playground Second Annual Black Tie Gala The Farm at 42, Selma Check out the Harmony Playground Second Annual Black Tie Gala fundraiser because every child deserves a chance to play. The event features Chris Archer, Deborah Holt-Noel, Chris Hendricks and keynote speaker Lauren Potter. Buy tickets and sponsorships at www. harmonyplayground.org or email info@ harmonyplayground.org for more details.

Saturday, October 19, 6:30 p.m. Movie in the Park Smithfield Community Park Watch a movie under the stars. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. popcorn and picnic-goers are welcome.

Saturday, October 19, 7 p.m. Rivermist Band in concert Rudy Theatre, Selma See the Rivermist Band in concert, live at the Rudy. Visit www.rudytheatre.com for more information.

Thursday, October 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 15th Annual Historical Ghost Walk Riverside Cemetery, Smithfield A guided tour of Smithfield’s historic Riverside Cemetery, where small groups of visitors will hear brief stories from five fascinating personalities in Johnston County’s history. Starting at the corner of S. Second and E. Church Streets, beside St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students in grades K-12.

Thursday, October 24, 6:45 p.m. Town of Smithfield Egg Haunt Smithfield Community Park Come dressed in your favorite costume. Everyone who participates will receive a hauntingly good gift. Bring a bag to collect your treasure. Ages 3-12 only.

Friday, Oct. 25, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Halloween Hayride Clayton Community Park Meet Halloween characters, play games and win prizes as you ride around the trail at Clayton Community Park. The cost is $5 per child over the age of two. Adults ride for free.

Friday, October 25, 6 p.m. Last Friday in Clayton Last Friday in Clayton’s main purpose is to showcase all the amazing things downtown Clayton has to offer. On the Last Friday of the month, from 6-10 p.m., local businesses open their doors for free events, exclusive savings and lots of fun. Neighborhood design studios, eateries and bars stay open late, put on extraordinary events and regularly offer refreshments.

Saturday, October 26, 10 a.m. Trunk or Treat Vendor Event Clayton General Store, Hwy. 70 W., Clayton Bring the kids out in their costumes and let them trick or treat all the great vendors.

Saturday, October 26, 6-8 p.m. Boo Bash - Halloween Special Needs Dance Clayton Community Center they’ve added a special Halloween edition of our popular free dance for special needs participants in middle school, high school and adults. Come wearing your favorite costume — they just ask you wear soft-soled shoes so there’s no scuffing up the gym floor. We’re also adding games, such as limbo. Great volunteers from Clayton Youth Council and other organizations help make this possible.

Saturday, October 26, 7 p.m. Rob’s Rockabilly Revival Rudy Theatre, Selma See Rob’s Rockabilly Revival, live at the Rudy. Visit www.rudytheatre.com for more information.

Saturday, October 26, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Kids Night Spooktacular SRAC When SRAC closes, the fun begins! Drop your kids (ages 5-10) off in a safe, supervised environment that is kid friendly and parent free. Swimming, gym time, snack and other organized activities are offered throughout the night. Activities will vary. The fee is $8 for Smithfield residents in advance, $13.50 for everyone else in advance and $5 for each additional child during pre-registration. Add $2 and $3 for residents and nonresidents at the door, respectively. For more information, call 919-934-1408.

Sunday, October 27, 4 p.m. 2019 Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat FBC Smithfield, S. 4th Street Wear your costumes (young and old!) and collect candy from the Trunk or Treat, enjoy an indoor/outdoor Fall Festival and free hot dog dinner for the whole family. There will also be lots of new carnival games with prize, a (cup)cake walk, face painting, pumpkin painting and decorating stations and more. Admission is free.

Sunday, October 27, 4 p.m. Fourth Annual Pig and Pie Party Chickadee Farms, McLemore Road, Clayton Check out a premiere farm to fork event. There will be a pig picking with all the fixin’s, pie contest, music, kids crafts, farm tours and more! Tickets are available at www.chickadeefarmsnc.com.

Sunday, October 27, 5 p.m. Pumpkin Carving Party Archer Lodge Community Center Bring a pumpkin, soup and sandwiches to share, carving tools and a candle to a pumpkin carving party, sponsored by White Oak Baptist Church and the Archer Lodge Community Center.

Saturday, November 2, 9 a.m. 4th Annual Touch-A-Truck Downtown Smithfield The 4th Annual Touch-A-Truck, hosted by The Junior Women’s League of Smithfield, is a unique and interactive fundraiser that allows children to see, touch and safely explore their favorite big trucks and heavy machinery, as well as to meet the personnel who protect, serve and build Johnston County communities. This event will also include food trucks, inflatables, special guests, face painting and so much more. Admission is free, and $5 wristbands will be available to purchase for inflatables, face painting, etc. Proceeds from Touch-A-Truck will benefit My Kids Club.

Halloween Observances

Princeton — Thursday, Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m. for kids ages 12 and under.

Benson — Thursday, Oct. 31, 6 p.m.: Hallofest, Trunk or Treat on Main Street and Rivermist will perform at the Singing Grove. There will also be food trucks and kid’s games.

Smithfield — Thursday, Oct. 31, 5-8 p.m.Kenly — Thursday, Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.Four Oaks — Thursday, Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.

Clayton — Thursday, Oct. 31, 2-3:30 p.m. on Main Street and Town Square.

Selma — Monday, Oct. 28, 5 p.m.: Trunk or Treat Junction, Raiford Street.

Cleveland area — Thursday, Oct. 31, 6:30 p.m., Cleveland Fire Department.

Wilson’s Mills — Thursday, Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.Pine Level — Thursday, Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.Micro — Thursday, Oct. 31, 5-8 p.m.