JB #15 Edition ~ October 6, 2026 |
Weather Forecast |
Weekly Weather Forecast |
Trivia Question❓In what year was Johnston County, North Carolina officially formed from Craven County? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
JoCo News |
JoCo Buzz Is Growing! |
We have some exciting changes coming.
Beginning next week, Clayton Buzz will return as its own local newsletter, with even more Clayton-specific news, events, businesses, and community stories.
We’re also working on one or two additional local newsletters serving other Johnston County communities.
We're still finalizing the names and coverage areas, and we’ll share those details soon.
JoCo Buzz isn’t going away—we’re growing closer to home.
Our goal is to give each community more local coverage while continuing to connect readers across Johnston County.
Stay tuned.
There’s a lot more Buzz coming! |
Johnston County Waives Adoption Fees for Long-Waiting Shelter Pets |
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Looking for a new four-legged family member? Johnston County Animal Services is giving longtime shelter pets an extra chance to find a home this October.
Here’s what to know:
For families considering adoption, this may be the perfect time to meet a pet waiting for its new home.
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Free Cybersecurity Classes Help Johnston County Residents Stay Safer Online |
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Staying safe online doesn’t have to be complicated. Free Cybersecurity Basics classes at the Johnston County & Smithfield library are helping residents learn practical ways to protect their identity, personal information and finances.
October schedule:
The sessions focus on everyday online safety skills and recognizing common risks. Registration is required.
A little knowledge can go a long way toward protecting yourself and your family online.
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Free Johnston County Programs Worth Knowing About This October |
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Johnston County has several free programs and community resources available this October—and some residents may not realize they’re available.
Resources include:
These programs can provide practical help for families, seniors, and residents throughout Johnston County.
JoCo Buzz gathered the highlights in one place so you can quickly see what may be useful to you or someone you know.
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JoCo Fall Hiking Challenge: Nine Trails to Explore |
Make your next fall walk part of a Johnston County adventure. The 2026 JoCo Fall Hiking Challenge runs October 1–December 31, highlighting nine trails across the county. No advance registration is required, so you can explore on your own schedule.
Want company getting started? A kickoff group hike is planned for Saturday, October 10, from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at Clemmons Educational State Forest in Clayton. The outing begins with the approximately 0.6-mile Talking Tree Trail.
The challenge offers a reason to discover a different park, invite a walking friend or turn a weekend outing into a family tradition. Completing hikes also earns entries toward a prize drawing.
There is plenty of time to explore throughout the fall. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes and review each trail’s distance, surface and facilities before leaving. Check conditions after rain and choose walks that suit your group.
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Clayton About Town |
Clayton Harvest Festival Returns for Four Days of Fall Fun |
Clayton’s biggest fall tradition is back October 22–25.
The 2026 Clayton Harvest Festival will fill downtown with four days of carnival rides, food trucks, vendors, live entertainment and family activities while celebrating 75 years of homegrown memories.
Saturday brings the festival’s large Main Street vendor fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. along with the Harvest Festival Car Show, where muscle cars, classics, custom cars and trucks take center stage.
On Sunday, Town Square hosts the Latin American Festival from noon to 5 p.m., featuring food, music, entertainment, arts and crafts and community organizations.
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Clayton, NC’s beloved haunted house returns this October, delivering spine-tingling frights and laughter for locals ready to dive into Halloween fun.
The expansive farm transforms every Friday and Saturday night, drawing thrill-seekers from Johnston County and beyond eager to test their courage.
The famous haunted hayride leads visitors deep into the mysterious Fear Forest, where every corner hides a new surprise in the moonlit dark.
The eerie 40-foot wagon and eerie trails hint at secret histories and family legends, making every ride distinctively suspenseful.
Inside the chilling Slaughterhouse, guests navigate hair-raising scenes that mix uneasy laughter with genuine suspense.
New bonus nights and food vendors mean families and friends can spend even longer swapping stories and enjoying savory autumn treats.
Now a cherished Clayton tradition, the haunted house is a Halloween rite for the community—guaranteeing thrills, tasty snacks, and lasting memories all October long. Read More... |
Clayton, NC is earning attention for its dynamic classical piano concerts that unite leading musicians and enthusiastic audiences.
The First Baptist Church of Smithfield is set to host a vibrant series, drawing classical music lovers from across Johnston County.
This season’s performances showcase both solo and collaborative pieces, offering a deep dive into the traditions of classical music.
World-renowned pianist Sandro Russo headlines, reimagining Franz Liszt’s storied works and delivering the stirring Piano Sonata in B minor, celebrated for its emotional depth.
Attendees will also experience Russo’s masterful shift to organ, as he presents Liszt’s Fantasy and Fugue on "Ad nos, ad salutarem undam."
October’s highlights continue with duet piano recitals by Matthew Harrison and Vlada Yaneva, blending tango rhythms and the rich harmonies of Gershwin.
These events cement Clayton’s reputation as a vibrant arts hub, welcoming all ages to celebrate music’s transformative power. Read More... |
Clayton Fire Open House Invites Families for October 11 |
Meet local firefighters and bring home practical lessons during a Sunday afternoon outing |
Meet Clayton firefighters Sunday, October 11, from 2–5 p.m.
The Fire Prevention Week Open House will be held at Fire Station One, 325 West Horne Street.
Bring the family to learn about fire safety and meet local firefighters.
It’s a useful afternoon outing with lessons to take home.
Come with questions about smoke alarms, home escape plans, and everyday fire prevention.
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The Unsanctioned Rehearsals Society is bringing Broadway's most notorious villains to life in Clayton, NC.
The two-night event takes place October 15th and 16th at Brick & Mortar, located at 217 E Main St, and promises an evening packed with drama, laughter, and show-stopping performances.
Each ticket includes a full buffet-style dinner, with chef-prepared dishes thoughtfully paired to enhance the night's entertainment.
From classic Broadway baddies to modern mischief-makers, the show celebrates the dark and dazzling world of theater's most iconic antagonists.
A parental advisory is in effect — the show is recommended for ages 14 and up, as some musical numbers include mature themes, suggestive content, and adult subject matter. Read More... |
8 readers are talking about this | Top first |
RW | Robert W. · 1 month ago I’m curious which villains and musical numbers they picked for the revue. There are so many great ones they could use. It’s also nice to see…
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Three Clayton Coffee Shops Worth a Stop |
Find downtown coffee, breakfast variety and espresso drinks for your next local outing |
Make your next coffee break a Clayton outing.
Boulevard West on East Main Street pairs coffee with bagels and a downtown setting.
Prefer more breakfast choices?
Triangle Coffee Shop on East Second Street lists parfaits, overnight oats, and pastries.
For an espresso alongside a bakery visit, Clayton Bakery & Cafe offers cappuccinos, Americanos, flat whites, and specialty lattes.
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Start Saturday, October 10, at the Clayton Farm and Community Market. Shop from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Horne Square, 348 E. Main Street. Browse produce, baked goods and artisan offerings while spending a fall morning downtown. Bring a shopping bag, ask vendors what is available and leave time for another downtown stop if you wish. The market runs Saturdays during October. Check organizer updates before leaving, especially if severe weather is forecast; individual vendor attendance and stock can vary. |
Flowers Plantation’s Final Regular Market of 2026 |
Start Saturday, October 10, with local shopping at Flowers Crossroads. The October Market at the Crossroads runs 8 a.m.–noon near NC 42 and Buffalo Road in the Flowers Plantation area.
This is the final regular market of the 2026 season, giving neighbors one more opportunity to browse local vendors before the community moves toward its holiday market later in the year.
Make it a relaxed morning: bring a reusable shopping bag, meet the people behind participating businesses and leave time to browse. Vendor selections can vary, with a changing mix of locally made products, specialty goods, food items and other small-business offerings.
Arriving earlier gives you more time to explore before the noon finish, while leaving the afternoon open for other fall activities. Families can enjoy an outing close to home and support local entrepreneurs along the way.
Check the current event listing for weather updates and arrangements before heading out.
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National Night Out at Flowers Plantation — October 13 |
National Night Out at Flowers Plantation is now Tuesday, October 13, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. The community gathering takes place at Concert Park, 67 Flowers Crossroads Way, Clayton.
Visit the official National Night Out event page →
Originally scheduled for August 4, the event was postponed because of weather. Be sure to use the October date when sharing plans with friends and neighbors.
The announced attractions include inflatable bounce houses, an obstacle course, slides, inflatable games, face painting and a DJ. Fire, EMS, law enforcement, power company and towing vehicles are also listed for display.
Food trucks will sell items on site, and free snow cones are advertised for the first 140. Budget separately for food purchases and check the latest announcement before heading out.
Invite a neighbor, bring the family and enjoy an evening of community connections close to home. For questions, email Ryan Jordan, director of community safety.
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Ghost tours offer a different way to explore downtown Clayton, NC, where familiar streets become the setting for stories of haunted history.
A walk along Main Street can make residents and visitors look twice at the buildings and sidewalks they pass every day.
The appeal lies less in spotting a ghost than in hearing local lore and wondering what the past has left behind.
Believers and skeptics alike can enjoy a good story without treating every chilling detail as a verified event.
For friends seeking an evening beyond the usual dinner plans, a ghost walk brings a little mystery to a familiar place.
Before heading downtown, check tour availability, meeting details and accessibility, and dress for the weather.
Families may also want to consider whether spooky storytelling is right for younger children.
In a growing Clayton, these walks offer a chance to spend time with the stories that give downtown its character. Read More... |
8 readers are talking about this | Top first |
AP | Alan P. · 3 weeks ago This is the kind of thing that makes October fun. Downtown already has plenty of character, and adding some history and mystery to it sounds…
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Smithfield About Town |
Riggsbee Road brings country, newgrass and popular hits to Smithfield on Friday, October 9, from 7 to 9 p.m.
The all-female band performs at the Neuse River Amphitheater, 150 South Front Street, as part of Fall Fridays on Front.
Admission is free, food trucks will be on-site, and visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Arrive early for dinner downtown or pick up food at the concert, and check the town’s event updates before leaving home. Read More... |
A Market Morning and Oktoberfest Afternoon |
Make Saturday, October 10, a downtown Smithfield day. Start with the final Signature Fresh Market of the 2026 season from 8 a.m.–noon, then stay for Smithfield Oktoberfest from noon–4 p.m.
The afternoon celebration has free admission and brings German-inspired food, an Oompah Polka Band, local vendors and family activities downtown. Adults can visit the Bier Garden, while younger visitors have a Kids Zone to explore. Bierlympics add a little playful competition to the schedule.
Food, beverages and vendor purchases cost extra, so plan your spending separately from admission. You can stop by for lunch and music or make a longer outing of morning shopping and afternoon entertainment.
Invite a friend, browse downtown businesses and enjoy a fall Saturday close to home. Check the town’s latest event notice for weather updates, parking arrangements and festival details before leaving. Confirm the market location as well if you plan to attend both events.
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Brogden Firefighters’ Barbecue: Save the Date |
Support the Brogden Rural Fire Department on Friday, October 16. Plates will be served starting at 11 a.m. in the Smithfield-area community of Brogden. The date and serving start were supplied by JoCo Buzz publisher Bob Backle. Plate prices, menu, closing time and pickup location still need confirmation. Before making plans, call the department’s listed non-emergency office number, 919-934-6262, for the latest arrangements. Do not assume a directory address is the barbecue pickup site. |
Selma About Town |
Rudy Theatre Brings Classic Country Jubilee to Selma |
Plan a local music outing for October 6 or October 10 at 12:45 p.m. |
Make a country-music outing part of your Selma week. The Rudy Theatre’s Classic Country Jubilee is listed for October 6 and October 10 at 12:45 p.m. Visit the theatre’s website or call 919-202-9927 to confirm tickets, seating and the selected performance. Invite a friend and enjoy an afternoon of local entertainment. Leave time for a separate meal or a relaxed visit around town. Confirm current prices, child-ticket arrangements and accessibility with the box office before purchasing, and review the venue’s no-refund policy when choosing your show date. |
Selma Open Mic: October 10, 3–5 p.m. |
Free poetry, music and creative readings at Strickland Art Gallery |
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Enjoy local voices at Strickland Art Gallery, 115 S. Raiford Street. The Wide Open Mic, presented by Neuse River Writers, runs Saturday, October 10, from 3–5 p.m. and is listed as free. Come to listen or ask about sharing your own work. The announcement welcomes poetry, acoustic music, spoken word and creative readings.
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Community Bingo: October 10, 5–8 p.m. |
A fundraiser evening at Live Oak Baptist Church in Selma |
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Bring a neighbor to Live Oak Baptist Church, 1555 Live Oak Church Road. The Community Bingo Fundraiser Night runs Saturday, October 10, from 5–8 p.m. and welcomes all ages. Enjoy a little friendly competition and community time. Bingo cards are listed at two for $10, with a $100 top prize and food available. Check the event notice for current arrangements.
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Kenly About Town |
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Save Friday, October 23, at 1 p.m. for golf supporting Kenly youth baseball. The Kenly-based Carolina Aces will hold their first annual fundraiser at Cardinal Country Club, 363 Parrish Memorial Road, Selma. The four-person super ball tournament is limited to 36 teams and includes prizes and a $10,000 hole-in-one challenge. Proceeds help with equipment, uniforms, tournament fees, travel and player development, easing costs for participating families. Contact Carolina Aces for registration details and current availability. |
Sonlight Farms Brings Saturday Fall Fun to Kenly |
Plan an October farm outing with mazes, hayrides and activities for the family |
Make Saturday, October 10, a farm day in Kenly. Sonlight Farms opens Saturdays throughout October, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., at 293 Bunn Road. Explore corn mazes, hayrides, a giant slide, farm animals and more. Admission is listed at $14 for ages two and older; the rock wall and bungee bounce cost extra. Bring comfortable shoes and leave time for everyone’s favorite activity. October 10 is also listed as Sweetpotato Day. Confirm the special activities and current arrangements with the farm before heading out for your family outing. |
Princeton About Town |
Feel the Burn Race Brings Princeton Together October 10 |
Choose a 5K or 10K evening run supporting Princeton’s volunteer firefighters |
Run for a hometown cause in Princeton on Saturday, October 10. The Feel the Burn 5K and 10K supports the Princeton Volunteer Fire Department, with both races starting at 6 p.m. and check-in opening at 4:30. Head to 501 Dr. Donnie Jones Jr. Boulevard West. October registration costs $30 for the 5K or $35 for the 10K; shirts are no longer guaranteed. Invite a running friend and turn a Saturday evening into a local goal. Check the organizer’s latest details before registering, then choose the distance that fits you. |
Four Oaks About Town |
Four Oaks Twilight Market Returns October 16 |
Save a Friday evening for local vendors, food and farm-country browsing |
Save Friday, October 16, for the G+F Twilight Market in Four Oaks. The free community market runs 4–8 p.m. at 309 US-701 South. Browse local makers, bakers, growers and vendors, with food trucks, seasonal produce, farm supplies and animal-related offerings in the announcement. Make it an easy Friday evening close to home. Bring a shopping bag, invite a friend and leave time to explore. This is an advance notice for the following week, so save the date now and check the latest event details before heading to Four Oaks. |
Benson About Town |
Benson’s haunted walking tours offer more than just a scare—they invite locals and visitors to experience a slice of small-town history under the cover of night.
As dusk settles, groups gather on Main Street, buzzing with anticipation for tales of restless spirits and historic oddities.
Guides unveil new routes this season, weaving past century-old landmarks and tracing stories that once unsettled generations.
Winding along shadowy alleys and brick streets, participants absorb legends of mysterious disappearances that gave Benson its reputation for the uncanny.
Each historic district tour balances spine-tingling folklore with factual events from Benson’s layered past.
With new shops and restaurants fueling renewed interest, these tours glow brighter than ever—especially on weekends, when ghost tour Benson NC drops anchor for the brave at heart.
Expect chills, laughter, and a new appreciation for Benson’s haunted heritage this season. Read More... |
Pumpkins, Hayrides and Fall Fun at Smith’s Nursery in Benson |
Plan a family outing with pumpkin picking, seasonal treats and creative October workshops |
Give your family a little fall fun at Smith’s Nursery in Benson.
The farm near McGee’s Crossroads offers a pumpkin patch, weekend hayrides and seasonal treats, making it an inviting option for an October outing close to home.
Its current farm update lists the pumpkin patch as open daily, with hayrides to the patch on weekends.
Families can also explore October workshops, including Monster Mash pottery glazing on October 10 at 11 in the morning, with prices listed at $35–$38.
Find the farm at 443 Sanders Road, Benson.
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Jim Quick & Coastline Bring Free Concert to Benson Singing Grove |
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Jim Quick & Coastline perform a free concert at Benson Singing Grove on Thursday, October 15. Food vendors open at 5:30 p.m., DJ Butch Halpin starts at 6:30 p.m., and live music runs from 7 to 10 p.m.
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Please Keep as Eye Out for these Doggy's |
Lost Dogs Database for Johnston County, NC |
This week's list of pets missing near Clayton and the surrounding Regions.
1. Pepper - English Bulldog, lost about a month ago from Riverwood Athletic Club in Clayton. Needs medication for a seizure disorder.
Clayton, NC Lost Female Dog, Pepper Is Missing | PawBoost
2. Sophie - Pomeranian, missing about 2 months from Clayton
3. Carlitos is Missing in Smithfield, NC since April 22
Smithfield, NC Lost Male Dog, Carlitos is Missing I PawBoost 4. Woodlie - missing about a month, needs medication, Jo Co side of Zebulon, near Clayton
5.Beau - missing about 6 months, Cleveland Area
6.Isaac LOST in Smithfield near Cleveland Road since July 6
Smithfield, NC Lost Male Dog, Isaac Is Missing | PawBoost Read More... |
We Need Homes...Please! |
For Johnston County families, dog adoption fees cover more than the trip home: they include veterinary care that helps a new companion get started.
Puppy fees range from $450 to $550 and include spaying or neutering, microchipping, three rounds of distemper and parvovirus vaccinations, a rabies shot, fecal testing and initial deworming.
Puppies also receive a first dose of heartworm, flea and tick prevention, health screenings and vaccinations at Harmony Animal Rescue Clinic, plus food to ease the transition.
Adult dog fees range from $200 to $450 and include surgery, a microchip, age-appropriate vaccinations, testing, deworming and current preventive care.
Heartworm treatment is provided when an adult dog tests positive.
Highly desirable dogs cost $550 to $650, with the same listed adult medical services.
Before adopting, ask about medical records, upcoming doses and whether the dog’s temperament fits your household; food, supplies and veterinary costs continue after adoption day. Read More... |
Meet a senior sweetheart who just wants to share your quiet moments.
This gentle, 10-and-a-half-year-old hound mix — a medium-sized gal weighing in at 52 lbs — is available for adoption through Second Chance NC, and she's everything a calm household could ask for.
With a low energy level and an easygoing temperament, she's the kind of companion who's happy simply knowing her person is nearby.
She'll follow you around the house or settle in close while you relax, but she's refreshingly respectful of personal space — she won't jump up on the furniture or demand constant attention.
She is fully house trained, leash trained, and crate trained, making her transition into a new home as smooth as possible.
She gets along well with other dogs, cats, and children over five years old.
Sometimes the best moments are the quiet ones — and this sweet senior girl lives by that philosophy.
If you've been thinking about opening your home to an older dog who offers steady, loving companionship without the chaos of puppyhood, she may be exactly who you've been waiting for.
She is listed with Second Chance NC under code D20-100RR. |
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