Johnston County’s 2017 calendar filled with festivals
Here’s a rundown of festivals and events coming to Johnston County this year.
Bentonville Battlefield anniversary: March 18-19 – To mark the 152nd anniversary of the Battle of Bentonville, visit this state historic site for a day of themed programs. This year, attendees can learn more about the medical history of the Civil War. The program will also feature artillery, infantry and home-front demonstrations. Tickets may be purchased only on the day of the event. Because of the graphic nature of this program, parental discretion is advised.
Howell Woodstock: April 22 – Every April, the Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center near Four Oaks celebrates environmental education with live music, hayrides, recreational activities and vendors. This event ends with a campfire, s’mores and astrology activities.
Beach Fest: April 8 – This year’s show marks the fourth year of beach music at The Farm venue near Selma. The 2017 lineup includes Jim Quick & Coastline, The Embers, Band of Oz and Hip Pocket.
Historic Downtown Smithfield Wine Walk: April 21 and Nov. 17 – More than 20 stores in downtown Smithfield take part, with each store offering a different wine to taste. Walkers receive a commemorative wine glass and a wristband to wear as they travel from store to store. All proceeds go to local nonprofits.
Strawberry Festival: April 22 – An all-day celebration in the Cleveland community focused on family fun and entertainment, including a classic car show, face painting, activities for the kids, food and, of course, strawberries from local farms.
Ham & Yam Festival: May 6 – Taking place in downtown Smithfield on the first Saturday in May, the Ham & Yam Festival is packed with ham biscuits, barbecued pork, sweet potatoes, arts, crafts, kids’ activities, live entertainment, a pig-cooking contest and piglet racing.
301 Endless Yard Sale: June 16-17 – Johnston County and its towns along U.S, 301 will host the sixth annual Endless Yard Sale. Vendors will offer yard-sale items, antiques and collectibles.
State Singing Convention: June 23-25 – The oldest Southern gospel convention in the nation includes three days of gospel music competition with amateur duets, trios, quartets, choirs and family groups.
Farm Fest: Sept. 9 – An annual day-long country music concert at The Farm venue near Selma. Previous artists include Florida Georgia Line, Chris Young, Love & Theft, Scotty McCreery and Parmalee.
Clayton Harvest Festival: Sept. 13-17 – Enjoy concerts, karaoke, a dance party, food trucks, a classic car show and more than 200 craft vendors on Main Street in downtown Clayton.
Benson Mule Days: Sept. 21-24 – The fourth weekend in September has been home to Benson’s Mule Days festival for more 60 years. This family-fun festival is packed with mule competition events, rodeos, carnival rides, arts and crafts, street dances and concerts.
Railroad Days Festival: Oct. 7 – Join the fun in Selma as the town celebrates its rail heritage with live entertainment, vendors, food, rides, a parade and 5K run. Also this year, guided historical and architectural tours as Selma celebrates its 150th anniversary.
Historic Downtown Smithfield Ghost Walk: Oct. 26 – Guides will take small groups through Smithfield’s Riverside Cemetery, where costumed reenactors will tell stories about famous (and perhaps infamous) people buried there.
American Music Jubilee Christmas: Shows daily in December – Enjoy gospel favorites and the contemporary beat of hits like “Christmas in Dixie,” all in a Branson-style variety show.
Meadow Lights: Nov. 17-Dec. 31 – The largest and oldest Christmas light display in Eastern North Carolina. Also, the largest candy store with more than 300 varieties of candy.
For more information, go to johnstoncountync.org.
This story was originally published January 24, 2017 at 10:13 AM with the headline "Johnston County’s 2017 calendar filled with festivals."