• Born Along the Railroad: Clayton's early growth was closely tied to the arrival of the railroad, which helped transform the small community into a commercial center.

  From Tobacco to Biotechnology: Once strongly associated with agriculture and tobacco, Clayton has developed into a growing economic center with major biotechnology and pharmaceutical operations.

  A Civil War Connection: The Clayton area was touched by the final weeks of the Civil War as Union forces moved through Johnston County in 1865.

  More Than 150 Years of History: Clayton traces its official town history to 1869, a date still proudly displayed on the town seal.

  Bigger Than the County Seat: Smithfield remains the county seat of Johnston County, but Clayton has grown into the county's largest municipality by population.

Downtown Smithfield is getting a brand-new farmers market this summer. The Smithfield Signature Fresh Market launches on Saturday, May 16, 2026, and runs every other Saturday through October 10, 2026, from 8:00 AM to noon.

Located at the Johnston County Courthouse parking lot — on the corner of 2nd Street South and East Johnston Street — the market promises fresh local produce, small-business vendors, and a lively community atmosphere right in the heart of downtown.

The market is a collaboration between the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation, the JCC Small Business Center, JoCo Grows, and local farmers. Farm producers interested in vending can apply directly through the organizers.

What really happens after "happily ever after"? Into the Woods — the beloved Stephen Sondheim musical — brings Cinderella, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, The Baker and His Wife, and more together in a fairy-tale adventure where every wish comes with unexpected consequences.

Performed by a talented cast of young artists, this award-winning show balances humor, wonder, and genuine emotional depth. The Clayton Center hosts four performances across July 23–25, with evening and matinee options featuring two rotating casts.

It's a fresh, thought-provoking take on stories you think you know — and one that's sure to linger long after you leave the woods.

Clayton, North Carolina is turning up the summer fun with Popsicles in the Park, a free community event celebrating National Park and Recreation Month.

On Thursday, July 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., families are invited to Municipal Park for free popsicles, yard games, upbeat music, and a chance to cool off at the popular Splash Pad.

Hosted by Clayton Parks and Recreation staff, the gathering is also a great opportunity to learn about year-round programs and connect with neighbors — all in the fresh summer air.

Calling all young explorers! This summer, kids in grades K–5 are invited to lace up their shoes and hit the forest trails at Clemmons Educational State Forest in Clayton, NC.

On July 22, 2026, from 3–4 PM, representatives from the NC Museum of Natural Sciences and the NC Arboretum will lead a guided walk all about bugs — part of the 2026 Summer Reading Program. Families will meet at the Picnic Shelter before heading out. Dress for the weather and get ready to unearth a story — one creepy-crawly at a time.

The Clayton Public Library has a packed schedule of free community programs coming up later this month, with something for nearly every age group.

Little ones can enjoy Toddler Read & Play, dinosaur-themed storytime, and hands-on motor-skills sessions, while older kids can make fossils, explore entomology with a museum representative, and join Build Club.

Teens can drop in for after-school hangouts or transform a blank Rubik's Cube into a piece of art. Adults aren't left out either — book clubs, fiber arts crafting, and cozy coloring.

Check the Town of Clayton's events calendar for exact dates and registration details.

The Clayton Farm & Community Market brings together local farmers and artisans every Saturday in the heart of Clayton, North Carolina. Shoppers can browse fresh produce, meats, coffee, fruit, and handcrafted goods — all sourced from the surrounding community.

The market runs its regular season from March through December, with doors open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. During the winter months of January and February, hours shift slightly to 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Find it at 348 E. Main Street in Clayton's Horne Square.

Johnston County, North Carolina is inviting visitors to explore its Beer, Wine, and Shine Trail — a self-guided tour connecting local breweries, wineries, and distilleries across the region.

An easy-to-use trail map with directions makes the experience phone-friendly, while a downloadable brochure and passport let adventurers track their stops along the way.

For those looking to make a full weekend of it, a Sip & Stay hotel package pairs the trail with local BBQ and other JoCo attractions — a perfect excuse to slow down and sip something special.

Johnston County, N.C., is opening its very first public park — and the community has been waiting a long time for this moment. The grand opening of Johnston County Regional Park takes place Friday, July 24, at 10 a.m. on Matthews Road in the Cleveland community near Clayton. The event is free and open to all.

Phase one of the $4.3 million park debuts pickleball and basketball courts, an ADA-accessible fishing pond, a picnic shelter, and parking. Future phases promise walking trails, a splash pad, a skate park, a dog park, and an outdoor amphitheater.

The land was purchased in 2020 by local residents who wanted to protect green space before rapid growth erased the opportunity — a vision now becoming reality for generations to come.

Free Market and Community Connections 

Downtown Smithfield is getting a brand-new farmers market this summer. The Smithfield Signature Fresh Market launches on Saturday, May 16, 2026, and runs every other Saturday through October 10, 2026, from 8:00 AM to noon.

Located at the Johnston County Courthouse parking lot — on the corner of 2nd Street South and East Johnston Street — the market promises fresh local produce, small-business vendors, and a lively community atmosphere right in the heart of downtown.

The market is a collaboration between the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation, the JCC Small Business Center, JoCo Grows, and local farmers. Farm producers interested in vending can apply directly through the organizers.

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

Facilities include a pool, splash park, fitness room, indoor track, racquetball courts, double gymnasium, and even a pottery studio. Programming spans group fitness, water fitness, youth camps, and pottery classes for kids and adults alike.

The center is currently operating on winter hours for its splash park, with limited daytime and evening sessions available Monday through Friday. Memberships, rentals, and program registration are all managed through the town's online community portal.

Johnston County, North Carolina has helped permanently protect more than 800 acres of rare wilderness along the Neuse River, contributing $1.06 million toward a $4.6 million acquisition by the Triangle Land Conservancy.

Known as Neuse Islands Wilderness, the property is TLC's second-largest single land acquisition ever, featuring mature bottomland forests, wetlands, oxbow lakes, and trees more than 200 years old.

The land shelters migratory birds, fox squirrels, and several rare species — and holds striking cultural history, including a historic Black cemetery, Native American archaeological deposits, and evidence of rice cultivation over two centuries ago.

Guided public hikes are planned for this fall, though the sensitive site remains closed for now.

Kenly Public Library in Kenly, North Carolina is a welcoming community hub offering something for everyone — from a Discovery Corner for children to an adult book club for readers 18 and up.

The library is open six days a week. Free computer and internet access is also on offer for patrons.

Library cards are free and work across all Johnston County Public Libraries — just bring a photo ID and a piece of mail showing your current address. Monthly board meetings are open to the public and held on the first Tuesday of each month.

The Tobacco Farm Life Museum and the African American Heritage Commission are hosting a free virtual event, Porch Talks: Conversations with Dr. Gretchen Sorin, on July 23rd from 12:00–1:30 p.m.

Dr. Sorin, author of Driving While Black: African American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights, will discuss the Green Book and what it meant to travel in America during the Jim Crow era.

Visitors to the museum through the end of July can also explore the traveling exhibit Navigating Jim Crow: The Green Book and Oasis Spaces in North Carolina. Registration is required for the virtual talk.

A fresh country voice is heading to North Carolina this summer. Erica Rae Burke, all the way from Alabama, is set to perform at the Princeton Summer Concert Series — bringing her heartfelt songs about young love, growing up, and faith-driven resilience.

Inspired by the raw lyricism of Megan Moroney and the grounded style of Emily Ann Roberts, Burke writes especially for young women navigating heartbreak and self-discovery. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and enjoy food trucks on site. Parking is available along Center Street, Railroad Avenue, and Edwards Street.

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 for registration, schedules, coach communication, and payments processed in one place.

No more juggling multiple websites or browser tabs. Fall sports include Soccer (ages 5–12), Girls Volleyball (ages 9–16), Softball (ages 7–12), and Baseball (ages 7–12). New users can create a free account, while returning TeamSnap members can register in just a few clicks.

Johnston County Animal Services in North Carolina is making it easier than ever to adopt a pet this July — adoption fees are completely waived for the entire month.

Appointments are required and can be scheduled Monday through Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., by calling the Pet Adoption Center. Adopters must be at least 18 with a valid ID, and all pets must be spayed or neutered — the center provides a $100 voucher toward that cost at participating vets.

Small additional fees may apply for microchipping and rabies vaccinations. Veterans receive waived adoption fees year-round. No county residency is required.

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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