National Night Out

Flowers Plantation

Downtown Clayton's free Concert Series rolls on with a lively evening at Town Square, kicking off at 6:00 PM with the show starting at 6:30 PM.

Taking the stage is All My Rowdy Friends, a high-energy tribute band from North Carolina delivering an authentic Hank Williams Jr. experience — classic country, Southern rock, and blues all wrapped in true outlaw spirit.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for a family-friendly night complete with food trucks, adult beverages, and activities for the kids. It's a summer tradition not to miss.

Clayton, North Carolina's beloved Sculpture Trail is back for its 12th year, transforming public spaces across town into an open-air gallery. The 2026–2027 edition features 17 original works by artists from eight states, including North Carolina, Michigan, Missouri, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

Organized by Clayton's Public Art Advisory Board, the trail places sculptures at landmark spots like Town Hall, Horne Square, and local roundabouts — free for anyone to explore on foot.

Artists are compensated through one-year leases and can earn an additional People's Choice Award voted on by the public, keeping the experience fresh and community-driven every season.

Beat the Lunch Rush at the Cleveland School Road Corridor

If you're grabbing lunch along the busy Cleveland School Road stretch in Clayton, aim to arrive before 11:30 a.m. or wait until after 1:15 p.m. The midday surge between those times — especially near the newer restaurant spots that have opened with the area's growth — can mean 20-plus minute waits and packed parking lots. Going slightly early also means faster service and fresher prep, since kitchens are just hitting their stride rather than scrambling to keep up.

Bonus move: use this same timing logic on Sundays after church lets out. The post-service crowd hits Clayton eateries hard between noon and 2 p.m., so either eat early or plan a late lunch and spend that window exploring downtown Clayton's Main Street instead — the shops are far less crowded then, and you'll actually be able to browse without the weekend foot traffic.

Clayton Public Library has a packed week of programming lined up for all ages, running from late July into early August.

Little ones can enjoy Toddler Read & Play, Baby Move & Play, and a Dinosaur Fun storytime, while school-age kids can craft suncatchers, paint their own squishy dinosaur, or drop into Build Club.

Teens are welcome to stop in after school to hang out, do homework, or use the Wi-Fi during Teen Time. Adults can unwind at a Cozy Coloring session with dinosaur-themed pages or sign up for a three-week Fossil Embroidery Workshop.

Every Saturday, Clayton Farm & Community Market in Clayton, North Carolina brings together local farmers and artisans at Horne Square on East Main Street.

The market runs March through December from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a winter schedule in January and February shifting to a 10 a.m. start.

Shoppers can find a variety of locally grown and crafted goods — from fresh produce and meats to coffee and more — all sourced from vendors rooted in the greater Clayton community.

Johnston County, North Carolina has mapped out a spirited adventure for craft beverage lovers. The Beer, Wine, and Shine Trail connects local breweries, wineries, and distilleries into one easy-to-follow route, complete with a downloadable brochure and a collectible passport to stamp along the way.

Visitors can pair the trail with a Sip & Stay hotel package, turning a quick outing into a full weekend of exploration — including some of the region's celebrated BBQ. Whether you're a local or planning a road trip, JoCo is making it easy to raise a glass to small-batch craftsmanship.

Clayton, North Carolina is taking a close look at how well its residents can access housing, jobs, transportation, and essential services — and it's bringing in academic firepower to help.

The Town's Economic Development Department has partnered with NC State University to launch an Economic Mobility Study, examining how everyday people experience life in a rapidly growing community.

"Economic mobility is about people and opportunity," said Economic Development Director Joe Stallings, noting the goal is to identify barriers before they deepen.

The study is already underway, with findings and next steps to be shared as the work progresses.

A rapidly growing area in Clayton is getting a new strip mall.

A fast-growing corner of Johnston County is about to get a lot busier. Tuscan Ridge Commons, a new 13,664-square-foot strip mall planned for the intersection of N.C. 42 and Tuscan Ridge Way near Flowers Plantation in Clayton, is filling up quickly — and the tenant mix tells an interesting story about modern suburban retail.

Club Pilates will anchor the fitness side of the center, joining Hotworx for a one-two wellness punch, while Domino's and Burrito Shak handle the hunger side of the equation. Real estate investor Chase Riker is steering the project through Tuscan Ridge Commons LLC, with delivery expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.

A youth softball team from Johnston County, North Carolina is heading to the Little League Softball World Series — a first in the organization's history. The Johnston County Little League 12U squad dominated their State Championship Tournament with three shutouts, outscoring opponents 22-0 before claiming the title with a 6-0 win.

Pitcher Anna-Lynn Clark was named tournament MVP after throwing a one-hit shutout with fourteen strikeouts in the championship game. The team will represent North Carolina as the host-state entry at the World Series in Greenville, NC, with their opening game broadcast live on ESPN2.

STEM Camp is coming to Archer Lodge — and there are two chances for kids to join the fun this summer!  But only one is left, so sign up immediately. The Archer Lodge Community Center is hosting back-to-back weeks of hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math adventures for rising first through fifth graders.

The first session runs July 13–16, 2026, and the second runs August 3–6, 2026, each morning from 9:00 to noon. Because every week features different activities — think roller coasters, rockets, kitchen chemistry, and candy creations — campers are encouraged to sign up for both.

Each session costs $175, including a supply fee. Registration is now open.

Archer Lodge Community Center in Clayton, North Carolina offers regular gatherings designed to keep local seniors connected and engaged. Senior Activity Mornings take place on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 10 AM to noon, with lunch to follow.

On the 4th Tuesday, a Senior Social Day runs from noon to 4 PM — neighbors are encouraged to bring a dish or snack to share. It's a simple, welcoming way to spend time with the community. For details, contact Archer Lodge Community Center directly at (919) 550-1738.

Downtown Smithfield is getting a fresh new reason to rise early. The Smithfield Signature Fresh Market launched on Saturday, May 16, 2026, bringing local produce, small businesses, and community energy to the Johnston County Courthouse parking lot every other Saturday through October 10, 2026.

Running from 8:00 AM to noon, the market is a collaboration between the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation, the JCC Small Business Center, JoCo Grows, and local farmers — all working together to support regional agriculture and a vibrant downtown.

Whether you're a shopper, a neighbor, or a farm producer looking for a vendor spot, mark your calendar and head to the corner of 2nd Street South and East Johnston Street.

Smithfield, North Carolina's Recreation and Aquatics Center (SRAC) is a full-service community hub offering something for nearly every age and interest.

From an indoor pool, splash park, and fitness room to a pottery studio, double gymnasium, and racquetball courts, the facility packs a wide range of amenities under one roof.

The center also runs summer camps, pottery classes, and group fitness programs, and its spaces can be reserved for birthday parties, reunions, and meetings. Note that the splash park is currently operating on winter hours, with limited weekly sessions available.

August 8th

This is your chance to test your boat-making skills in a race on the Neuse River! Spots are limited. Participants may pre-register at Smithfield Parks & Recreation Department (600 M Durwood Stephenson Pkway., Smithfield, NC.) If you have questions contact, 919-934-2148. You can find the rules and registration form here.

The race starts at the Boat Ramp on the Town Commons, at 295 Front Street Smithfield, and ends at the Hwy 70 Bridge.

This year if the event is rescheduled to the rain date, and then it rains on the rain date (or other conditions don’t allow the race on the river) the event will be held at the Smithfield Recreation and Aquatic Center.

Online Registration Closes on Friday July 31

Kenly Public Library in Kenly, North Carolina is your community hub for reading, learning, and connecting. Open six days a week, the library offers free library cards accepted at any Johnston County Public Library branch — just bring a photo ID and a piece of mail to get started in minutes.

Families can enjoy the Discovery Corner for children anytime the doors are open, while readers 18 and up are welcome to join the Adult Book Club. Public internet access, summer events for all ages, and monthly open Board meetings round out what this welcoming neighborhood library has to offer.

The Tobacco Farm Life Museum is wrapping up its summer series with the final installment of Curiosity Cured: Science in the Summer. This free program dives into the science of simple machines and how historic tradespeople — including blacksmiths and woodworkers — put them to work.

Live demonstrations from skilled craftspeople will be on hand, giving visitors a chance to see these traditional trades up close and ask questions. The event is free to the public, with donations welcomed.

Benson Parks and Recreation has opened registration for its 2026 Fall Youth Sports season — and signing up just got a whole lot easier.

Starting July 1, the department is using TeamSnap, a single web-based platform where families can register, check schedules, communicate with coaches, and pay fees — no more juggling multiple sites.

This fall's lineup includes Soccer (ages 5–12), Girls Volleyball (ages 9–16), Softball (ages 7–12), and Baseball (ages 7–12). Head to the Benson Parks Registration page to get your child in the game.

Johnston County Animal Services in North Carolina is actively looking for loving homes for its available pets — and now is a great time to adopt.

Throughout the entire month of July, adoption fees are completely waived for everyone, making it easier than ever to bring a new companion home. Small fees for microchipping and rabies vaccinations may still apply, bringing the typical total to $125 or less.

Visits are by appointment only, held Monday through Friday from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. Adopters must be at least 18 with a valid ID, and all pets are required to be spayed or neutered — a $100 voucher is provided to help cover that cost.

Sponsorship: That Space Above Could Be Your Business 

Sponsorship opportunities are a powerful way for businesses to get their message in front of a targeted, engaged audience.

Newsletter sponsorships in particular offer direct access to readers who have actively opted in — meaning higher attention and trust compared to traditional advertising.

Early or exclusive sponsorship deals often come at a significantly reduced rate, making them an attractive option for businesses looking to maximize their marketing budget.

If growing your local visibility is a priority, partnering with a community newsletter can be one of the most cost-effective moves you make this year.

Reach out to me at bob@claytonbuzz.com

     or call me 830-330-0524 and leave a message