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The Town of Clayton, North Carolina, is inviting the community to gather for its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Friday, September 11, beginning at 9 a.m. at Municipal Park — this year at a new location.

The free, public event marks 25 years since the September 11 attacks with remarks from the Clayton Police Department, Clayton Fire Department, and Johnston County EMS.

One of the most striking tributes will be a flag display featuring 343 fire flags, 72 police flags, and 8 EMS flags — each representing a first responder who gave their life that day.

The ceremony will also include an Honor Guard, a ladder truck display, community storytelling, a moment of silence, and the tolling of bells.

Clayton's public library has a full week of community events lined up, with programming designed for virtually every age group in the area.

Families with little ones can enjoy Baby Move & Play, Toddler Read & Play, and Fine Motor Farmers — a finger-paint session themed around farm life and flannel board fun.

Clayton Ghost Walk returns on Saturday, September 19th, 2026, inviting the brave-hearted to explore the haunted history of downtown Clayton, North Carolina.

The one-hour guided walk kicks off at 7:30 PM behind Horne Square on the railroad side, weaving through the city's forgotten corners and the supernatural stories that linger there.

Dog lovers, mark your calendars — Woofstock is back for its 5th annual celebration at Deep River, and it's bringing a full day of peace, love, and pups.

Several rescues will be on hand, including Freedom Ride Rescue, JCAPL, and Red Barn Rescue — making it a great chance to support local animal welfare while having fun in the sun.

Market at The Crossroads returns to Flowers Plantation on September 12, 2026, running from 8 a.m. to noon at the intersection of Buffalo Road and NC Highway 42 — right by the flagpoles.

The monthly open-air market runs April through October, with a bonus Holiday Market in November.

Shoppers can expect fresh produce, homemade preserves, honey, cut flowers, handcrafted goods, eggs, and more — all grown or made by the vendors themselves.

The Embers featuring Craig Woolard are far more than a band — they're a living piece of American musical history.

Since their inception in 1958, they've helped define what the Carolinas know as Beach Music, earning the title of North Carolina's Official Ambassadors of Music along the way.

Inducted into both the South Carolina Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame and the South Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame,

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Little Miss Benson Pageant

Set for September 12th @ 6 pm to 9 pm, this cherished tradition draws local families eager to celebrate the confidence and creativity of young contestants.

This event is held at the iconic W. J. Barefoot Auditorium, 303 E. Church St., Benson, NC, and offers a stage where children shine in their unique ways.

The sense of excitement is palpable as parents prep costumes and routines, hoping for that unforgettable moment under the spotlight.

Benson Mule Days Parade is returning on Saturday, September 26, 2026, rolling down Main Street in Benson, North Carolina — and this year's celebration carries extra weight.

The event coincides with the nation's 250th Anniversary, so organizers are asking every parade entry to embrace a patriotic theme, with an award going to the most patriotic float or unit. 

Mules, horses, and wagons ride free (Coggins test required), and the parade runs rain or shine. Those wishing to enter must register by September 15 — after that date, availability is limited.

Saddle up for the Benson Mule Days Rodeo — two nights of professional rodeo action are coming in September 2026, presented by SRA Double Creek Pro Rodeo Company.

Crowds can look forward to an all-star lineup of talent, including announcer Mark Northall, who calls the action from horseback at over 120 performances a year, and rodeo clown Tyler Pettigrew, a certified crowd-pleaser who balances laugh-out-loud comedy with real bull-riding safety.

Benson Mule Days is bringing a full weekend of live music to Benson, North Carolina, across multiple stages this September 24–26, 2026.

Highlights include a VIP Concert Experience at the Benson Singing Grove, featuring the RaynorShine Band and Jason Michael Carroll, with reserved seating, a chair, and a meet-and-greet photo opportunity — all for $50.

The carnival is coming to Benson, North Carolina — bringing rides, deals, and live entertainment to 403 South Elm Street for four days, September 24th-27th.

Operated by Michael's Amusements, the festivities kick off with an armband night offering unlimited rides for $30 (purchased before 10 p.m.), followed by nights where 20 tickets plus a free ride can be had for just $20.

The fun wraps up with a special Hispanic Family Afternoon featuring live music and dance performances alongside the carnival rides — a celebration for the whole family.

The Four Oaks Chamber AutoFest is back, returning to Downtown Four Oaks as part of the beloved Acorn Festival on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

Presented in partnership with Keene & Associates Insurance Agency, the show welcomes classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Cars on Main is rolling back into Downtown Kenly on June 13th, 2026, and the whole family is invited. From 9 AM to 1 PM, the streets transform into a classic car show packed with vehicles, vendors, food, and live entertainment.

Join the Kenly Parks & Recreation Senior Citizen Club for fellowship, fun, and lifelong learning!

We meet every Wednesday at 10:30 AM and enjoy a variety of activities, including games, enrichment programs, guest speakers, and a monthly exercise class.

Members can also join a monthly day trip to explore local attractions and destinations.

Whether you're looking to stay active, make new friends, or try something new, there's always something exciting happening with our Senior Citizen Club! 

*Be sure to reference our calendar to keep up with the most current schedule and events with our Senior Club! 

The Tobacco Farm Life Museum in Kenly, North Carolina is hosting a free Sewing Saturday on September 19, 2026, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visitors can explore original early-20th-century clothing and textiles alongside hands-on lessons in stitches and techniques.

The Kenly Area Chamber of Commerce is teeing up its Annual Golf Tournament on October 2, 2026, with a rain date set for October 9, 2026.

The event gets underway at 1:00 PM at Cardinal Country Club in Selma, North Carolina.

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Hinnant Family Vineyards is gearing up for its 2026 Harvest Festival, and early bird tickets are already on sale via Eventbrite — with patio tables and VIP spots going fast.

The day kicks off with grape picking starting at 8 AM, followed by nine hours of live music from acts including Chad & Christy, Bad Decisions, and The Switch.

The Princeton Fall Festival, hosted by the Princeton Community Alliance, is bringing temporary road closures to N. Center Street and the surrounding downtown area for the celebration.

Roads will close at approximately 8:00 a.m. and reopen around 3:00 p.m., with the aim of creating a safe and lively environment for attendees, vendors, and local businesses alike.

Organizers are encouraging area businesses to stay open during festival hours and help showcase the strength of the Princeton community — a great opportunity to connect with residents and visitors all in one place.

Band of Oz, one of the Southeast's most celebrated live acts, is taking the stage as part of the Rockin' On Raiford Concert Series in Downtown Selma, North Carolina.

The free outdoor concert series is held on Raiford Street, made possible by a grant from the Johnston County Visitors Bureau.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs — coolers are prohibited, but Downtown Selma's social district means you can grab a drink from local spots like The Alley, Quantum Toad, or The Vault and enjoy it at the show.

The 50th Annual Boys & Girls Club Selma Railroad Run 5K takes place on Saturday, September 19th, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in downtown Selma, NC.

The USATF-certified course is flat and fast, starting and finishing near the corner of E. Waddell Street and N. Webb Street. 

Fall Fridays on Front Returns This Fall!
Join us at the Neuse River Amphitheater for three Friday nights of free live music in Downtown Smithfield NC. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab dinner from one of the food trucks on site or one of our downtown restaurants, and enjoy an evening by the Neuse River.

September 11 – Antique Outlaws
Kick off the series with Antique Outlaws, one of central North Carolina's favorite country bands. Their energetic show features a mix of classic country, Southern rock, outlaw country, and today's hits that will have everyone singing along.

Live music fans in Johnston County, North Carolina, have a fun afternoon to look forward to. Cheeze Factory will take the stage at Bulldog Harley-Davidson in Smithfield on September 12, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

This week's list of dogs missing near Clayton and the surrounding Regions.

Pepper is Missing in Clayton 💔

is week's list of dogs missing near Clayton and the surrounding Regions.

LeBron is a 7-year-old, 65-pound black Lab mix with a heart as big as his vertical leap — and he's been waiting too long for a second chance.

Originally rescued as a puppy in 2019, LeBron was returned to Red Barn Rescue in Clayton, North Carolina in 2024.

Foster or adoption applications are open through Red Barn Rescue.

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Reach out to me and leave a message at 830-330-0524.