Tag Archive for: #granvillecountytourism

TownTalk: Granville County Tourism Ramps Up

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Granville County is bustin’ at the seams with springtime events designed to get families out and about, from Quittin’ Time in downtown Oxford on Thursday evenings, live music in Bullock and a Memorial Day wreath-laying service at Butner Gazebo Park on Monday, May 26.

Angela Allen, now a decade in as the county’s Tourism director, said these are just a few of opportunities available in the coming weeks to keep folks entertained and connected with the community.

In her early days in the job, she said springtime events were much fewer. “All I had was the Easter Bunny,” she joked on WIZS’s TownTalk segment Wednesday. “Spring is springing all over the place,” she said.

The RedBird Theater is bringing Eureka Day to the city hall auditorium Saturday, May 24. The show, which begins at 7:30 p.m., combines comedy and drama to reveal how a progressive private school deals with making tough decisions about a measles outbreak and more divisive issues. There’s a link to purchase tickets at www.visitgranvillenc.com.

Crokinole, anyone? How about disc golf? Oxford has clubs for both. Crokinole – pronounced CROW (like the bird) kuh nole – is a game played on a round tabletop board. The goal is to flick a small disc into the hole in the board’s center, sort of like shuffleboard, Allen explained.

The local club normally has Open Nights on Thursdays at Tobacco Wood Brewing Co. for anyone interested in learning more about the game, but Allen said it’s on pause for now because of Quittin’ Time. Check out their Facebook page to find out more.

Here’s a quick rundown of upcoming events in and around Granville County:

  • Thursday evenings in May and June: Quittin’ Time – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in downtown Oxford. Stroll from spot to spot and enjoy specialty cocktails and small plates, as well as live music and art exhibits. Get a “passport,” scan a QR code over the course of Quittin’ Time and have a chance to win prizes at the end of the nine-week run.
  • TWBC has paired brunch with local music and an open stage for others to perform. Brunch runs June through August. Email taproom@tobaccowood.co to sign up for your time on stage.
  • There’s a new farmers market in Oxford called the Oxford Armory Farmers Market to go along with the existing market on McClanahan Street across from the Oxford Police Department and the market in downtown Creedmoor. The new market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is set up on the grounds of the Armory at Linden Avenue and Spring Street with a wreath-laying ceremony to observe Memorial Day. The park is located at 416 Central Ave.
  • The Town of Butner continues a tradition Monday, May 26 at 10 a.m. with a wreath laying ceremony at Butner Gazebo Park, located at 416 Central Ave.
  • “Live After Six in the Stix” returns to Williamson’s Country Store and Grill in Bullock on June 5. Bring your lawnchairs and your dancin’ shoes, because JB and the Get Down Browns will perform. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Tammy and Rod Williamson will have the grill fired up and the drink coolers stocked for you. The admission is free.
  • Saturday, June 14 is a shaping up to be busy – Oxford’s Juneteenth celebration takes place at Wall and Hunt streets from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and The Barn at Vino is hosting a beach music festival from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • The annual Bee Jubilee and Food Truck Rodeo takes over the Granville Expo Center on Saturday, June 28 for a day of food, fun and all things “bee.”

Read more details at these and other events taking place in Granville County at www.visitgranvillenc.com

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TownTalk: Spring Activities Are Bustin’ Out All Over Granville County

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Granville County is cultivating a variety of springtime activities, with some first-time events sprinkled in amongst others that have become perennial favorites.

County Tourism Director Angela Allen said that, once again, there’s something for everyone in the offerings over the next few weeks and beyond.

Allen shared details about some of the events but recommended a visit to the www.visitgranvillenc.com website for a full listing of what’s coming up in Granville County.

One unique event is The Viking Experience, which has blossomed since its inception four short years ago, Allen said.

Each year, the event has grown – from basically a backyard event when COVID-19 restrictions affected gatherings to a two-weekend event expected to bring folks from across the state and the country, Allen said on Thursday’s TownTalk.

The first weekend is Mar. 22 and 23; the second weekend is Mar. 29 and 30. The “experience” outgrew two other area venues and the mother/daughter duo from the Creedmoor area ended up buying 15 acres that will serve as the host site for this year’s activities.

Those activities include interacting with re-enactors in period dress, as well as music, games and all types of vendors who will be on hand for both weekends.

“You can truly escape into a whole other world,” Allen said. She said folks really get into the whole “other world” where history meets fantasy, but those not into the “culture” who just are curious about what the Viking experience is all about, come on out and take a look.

“They have their own community,” Allen said. “The could have chosen anywhere in North Carolina but they wanted to start at home…this is a way of life for them.”

Visit https://www.thevikingexperiencenc.com/ to find schedules of events and more.

The Bunny Hop Bash is a brand-new event this season, Allen said. It will take place at Clement Farms Saturday, Mar. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This is a family-friendly event – “a wonderful collaboration” between a wedding venue and a couple of local businesses.

Modeled after the wildly popular “Jingle Bell Bash,” Allen said Saturday’s event will take advantage of the milder weather and will have carriage rides, a bouncy house, talented local vendors and, of course, a big ol’ Easter Egg hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

Check out https://visitgranvillenc.com/whats-happening/ to find a link to tickets.

Allen has become somewhat synonymous with Granville tourism, having been in the role for a decade. She said she’s witnessed a healthy collaboration grow out of relationships that sometimes get started at local events.

All the networking before and after events allow vendors to learn from – and support – others. It also shows visitors that this area north of the Triangle region is a great place to live and to visit.

“We are all here to lift each other up,” she said.

Other upcoming events and activities include:

  • Saturday, Mar. 29 – Paws for Granville, a dinner and silent auction fundraiser of the Humane Society of Granville County and the Granville County Animal Shelter. Tickets are $40. Deadline to purchase is Monday, Mar. 24. Event will be held at the Barn at Vino in Stem.
  • Sunday, Mar. 30 – Fashion Show at Carlee Farm, 1003 Carlee Farm Rd. Visit vendors for clothing, jewelry, food, beverages and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fashion show will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and includes area boutiques Kissing Booth and Tilly Outfitters, C squared, Rustic Barn among others.
  • Friday, Apr. 4 – Cedar Creek Gallery’s Spring Festival. The gallery has its annual festival, featuring live music, food and drinks, as well as tours of workshops to see artisans as they are creating works from glass, wood, clay and more. Check out https://cedarcreekgallery.com/ for a complete schedule of festival events, which runs through Apr. 13.
  • Sunday, Apr. 13 – EGGstravaganza at Carlee Farms. Allen calls this a “full on spring celebration.” The Easter Bunny will be on site and visitors can enjoy shopping with more than 30 vendors, food trucks and more. This event sponsors a local nonprofit, Families Living Violence Free.
  • Saturday, Apr. 19 – Bullock Beach Music Blast – Williamson’s Country Store, 9023 Hwy. 15 N. in Bullock hosts an evening of music with Jim Quick and Coastline and the Konnection Band, hosted by Mike Brooks and Big Allen D. Gates open at 5, music starts at 6 and lasts until 10 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and your dancin’ shoes to this one.
  • Saturday, Apr. 26 – the Granville Gardeners Expo will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center at Hwy. 15 outside of Oxford.
  • Saturday, Apr. 26 – the Central Carolina Highland Games return to Central Children’s Home for a daylong immersion into various traditional Scottish activities – from foods to music from bagpipes and those unique throwing contests where contestants throw things called cabers. It’s all to benefit the Central Children’s Home. Suggested donation is $20 a car.

For a complete listing of events coming up in Granville County, go to https://visitgranvillenc.com/

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The Local Skinny! Granville County Wedding and Event Expo is This Sunday

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Whether you’re planning a wedding, a big birthday bash or some other type of special event, this weekend’s Granville Wedding and Event Expo is the place for a one-stop shopping opportunity to learn about venues, vendors to make the celebration unforgettable.

The expo will be held Sunday, Mar. 2 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Creedmoor Community Center, and Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen said 40 vendors will be on site to discuss all your party, reception and wedding planning needs.

“This is a wonderful event that I look forward to every year,” Allen said on Tuesday’s segment of The Local Skinny!

There is no charge to attend, but a donation for Families Living Violence Free will be your ticket to get in, she noted. Examples of useful items include financial donations, gift cards, packaged foods, individually wrapped snacks and toiletry items.

Once you’re inside, Allen said vendors representing a range of services from venues all the ways to food and photography, music, makeup and hair will be on hand to speak with you to help plan your special event.

Allen said there’s a whole room dedicated to food. A tasting ticket is available for $10, but if you want the full experience, spring for the VIP bag for $20, which includes vendor samples as well as the tasting ticket.

“This is one of those chances to shop all in one spot for one day,” Allen said. All the vendors are from Granville County and surrounding counties, which makes the event even more special, she said, “to know that we have this many people and professionals to showcase our little place in the world.”

The wedding and event expo gives participants a chance to learn not just what services are available, but it’s also a great time to seek advice or get suggestions from vendors.

“These are the people you want to talk to,” she said.

To learn more and to purchase tasting tickets and VIP tickets, check out the website https://visitgranvillenc.com/whats-happening/weddings-events/

To learn about other upcoming events in Granville County, visit http://visitgranvillenc.com

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TownTalk: December Events In Granville County

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Santa may need to trade in those clunky black boots for some sensible sneakers if he’s going to keep up with all the activities that are going on in Granville County this holiday season.

From breakfasts to afternoon and evening parades, Jolly Old St. Nicholas is going to be the man of the hour, and Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen said things are just gearing up.

This marks the fourth year that Grey Blackwell has transformed the popular Granville Haunt Farm into Granville Christmas Farm, taking it from “scary to merry” for a drive-through event that’s sure to dazzle young and old alike.

“It’s definitely an awesome time to spend with your family,” Allen told WIZS’s Bill Harris on Monday’s TownTalk. The light display is open now, Allen said. Check https://www.granvillechristmasfarm.com/ to see the complete schedule and to purchase tickets.

Downtown Oxford is the place to be on Friday afternoon for a pre-parade event and lighting of the greens that will include live music, performances and more from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The parade begins at 7 p.m.

Highrock Farm on Enon Road outside Oxford is hosting “Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8. It’s a fun way for the little ones to spend some quality time with Santa, Allen said.

The morning may be for the children, but the afternoon will feature an “Art Walk” from 12 noon to 4 p.m. to take care of some holiday shopping with gifts handcrafted by local artists. Visit https://www.highrock-events.com/ for the particulars.

Make reservations at Thorndale Oaks for their sumptuous Christmas dinner on Dec. 7 or Dec. 8, Arrive at 5:30 p.m. to enjoy everything from appetizers to a buffet-style meal. Call 919.603.3701 to reserve your spot.

In this season of giving, you’ve got a chance to support Granville little Theatre by attending the Broadway and Beyond gala, which will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7 at Verdi Gris, the restaurant located at Oxford Oaks Distillery.

It’s a “great excuse to get dressed up and give back” to a community group,” she said. During the gala, patrons will enjoy pop-up performances from members of the theatre group – sure to be a fun time.

Grab some friends and head out to Central Children’s Home on Saturday, Dec. 7 for a cornhole tournament. Enter teams for $50 and participate in some friendly competition, all for a good cause.

Carlee Farms is hosting its annual Holiday Marketplace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14. Allen said the venue, located in Stem, will feature a variety of vendors with all types of handcrafted items to give at Christmas.

And just in case you want to remember the true meaning of Christmas, visit Delrayno Baptist Church for the annual “Back to Bethlehem” drive-thru event Dec. 14, 15 and 16 between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Take a trip back in time, thanks to the volunteers at Delrayno who transform the church property to recreate Bethlehem, from the marketplace to the stable where the baby Jesus lay in a manger.

“You take the same journey that Mary and Joseph took through Bethlehem,” Allen explained.

“It really does make you appreciate that particular story and its significance.”

Stay up-to-date with all the happenings at the Visit Granville website https://visitgranvillenc.com/whats-happening/.

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TownTalk: More Treats Than Tricks in Granville This Halloween

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Granville County Tourism Development Authority Director Angela Allen has some advice for folks gearing up for a lively holiday season – buckle up! The ride is just beginning in Oxford and across the county.

The Halloween fun cranks up with downtown Oxford’s “Spooktacular” beginning at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31. Kids in costumes can collect treats from participating merchants and businesses throughout Williamsboro, College, Hillsboro and Main streets.

“As the candy starts to give out, you can transition to Main Street for family activities,” she said. There will be vendors and more along Main Street to continue the festivities until about 8 p.m.

The towns of Creedmoor and Butner also will have trick-or-treat activities available. Visit downtown Creedmoor from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to get treats from downtown merchants. The town of Butner will host the first “Track-n-Treat at the Butner Athletic Park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For all those who like scary stuff, you’ve still got time to get tickets to the Granville Haunt Farm. They’ll be open on Halloween from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and then again on Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2. Check the website for times and prices.

Other activities include:

  • Friday, Nov. 1 – Cluck ‘N Shuck Oyster Roast, an annual event of the Granville County Chamber of Commerce. Call 919.693.6125 for tickets. Leon Nixon Catering provides steamed oysters, fried chicken, shrimp and fish with all the sides. It’s an all-you-can-eat food fest from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 2 – The Hub on Main’s Craft and Brew Holiday Festival. Free event, but you must purchase a ticket to sample beers from the dozen or so breweries that will be represented. Festival is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Check out The Hub on Main Facebook page to purchase tickets.
  • Sunday, Nov. 3 – Wedding and Event Expo at Creedmoor Community Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is a donation of non-perishable food items or toiletry items that will be donated to Families Living Violence Free. All types of venue representatives, photographers, caterers and more will be in one place to discuss your upcoming wedding plans or other special occasion. Purchase a $10 tasting ticket to sample foods, or go for the $20 ticket which includes a VIP bag along with the tastings.
  • Saturday, Nov. 9 – Operation Green Light celebration and Veteran’s Day Parade in downtown Oxford. Activities begin at 12 noon to honor military veterans. The parade begins at 3 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 9 – Holiday Extravaganza Parade in Stem – Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas parade, all in one event. The parade begins at 2 p.m. on East Tally Ho Road, with special guest Miss Teen North Carolina Kamryn Hollowell.
  • Saturday, Nov. 9/Sunday, Nov. 10 – Holiday Open House at Cedar Creek Gallery in Creedmoor. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy hot cider and cookies as you browse the handcrafted décor and other unique gifts in the gallery. Visit with Santa from 12 noon to 3 p.m. each day.
  • Monday, Nov. 11 – Butner Veteran’s Day Observance – 11 a.m. at Soldier Memorial Sports Arena.

Check out all the things going on across Granville County at www.visitgranvillenc.com.

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TownTalk: Granville County Gears Up for Fall

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Take a sip of that pumpkin spice latte, a bite from that pumpkin spice doughnut or a whiff of that pumpkin spice air freshener – fall is in the air and that means all things pumpkin in and around Granville County.

Just ask Granville Tourism Authority Director Angela Allen: She’s on a mission to celebrate pumpkins and everything else that goes along with fall, whether it’s the Granville Haunt Farm, glass pumpkins at Cedar Creek Gallery and everything in between.

The Granville Haunt Farm kicks off its 2024 Horror Safari season this weekend – purchase tickets in advance for Friday or Saturdays throughout October at https://www.granvillehauntfarm.com/.

Allen said the spooky fun gets started right around dark and continues through until the last tickets are sold at the 11 p.m. time slot.

Granville Haunt Farm is located at 4534 U.S. Hwy 15 South, about one mile from I-85 Exit 202 at Hwy 15 just outside Oxford.

Just up the road is Dixon Farms, located at 3025 Dixon Farm Rd., which celebrate pumpkins in a more traditional style. They’ll be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. For a $15 admission price, you’ll get to take home a pumpkin and enjoy all kinds of entertainment for children and adults alike, including a corn pile, general store and more!

Allen said Cedar Creek Gallery in Creedmoor is all set to have folks wander through a pumpkin patch of a different sort – the whole front of the gallery is filled with beautiful glass pumpkins created by local artisans.

The gallery is open seven days a week. Visit https://cedarcreekgallery.com/ to learn more.

This coming weekend, come out to the Lord Granville Harvest Show in Butner to see all kinds of farm implements, wander among local vendors and sample lots of good food, including homemade ice cream and sherbet.

There will be an antique tractor show, live demonstrations and a cake baking contest – a little something for everyone.

Admission is $5.

To learn about all the events upcoming in Granville County, visit https://visitgranvillenc.com/.

(This is not a paid ad.)

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TownTalk: Oxford Gets Ready For Hot Sauce Festival

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There’ll be a hot time in O-Town this weekend as the 18th annual Hot Sauce Contest and Festival takes over downtown streets for an expanded two-day event.

Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen said this year’s festival kicks off Friday, Sept. 6 and continues for a full day of activities the next day that includes live music, food vendors, crafts and more.

Vendors will be set up Friday evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. to showcase their goods, Allen said on Tuesday’s TownTalk. There will be live music by Gump Fiction, which she describes as a cover tribute band playing tunes from the 1990’s and 2000’s. There also will be an 18-hole glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course set up near Little John Street.

If that’s a little too staid for your tastes, step right up to the Flying Hatchet and try your hand at ax throwing.

There will be more live music throughout the day on Saturday, and all eyes – and taste buds – will be focused on the pepper-eating stage from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. to see which pepper-eating contestant can outlast other competitors.

This year, the local cooperative extension agency is getting in on the action by sponsoring a pepper decorating contest, Allen said. It’s just another example of how the community comes together to support the festival.

“At the root of it, it’s all about community,” she said.

But it’s also about the peppers. Granville County’s own Bailey Farms is the largest pepper distributor on the East Coast, so when Julia Overton originally hatched the idea of a pepper festival almost two decades ago, the pepper was an easy choice.

It’s gone from a small gathering in the basement of Stovall’s (now The Hub on Main) to a two-day street festival that brings pepper-loving people from all over to sample, shop and enjoy sauces that range from mild to wild.

“We’ve gotten over 200 entries of sauces,” Allen said, and judges have narrowed down their choices. In addition to the traditional categories of sauces, bbq sauces and spices and rubs, this year’s competition includes a category for salsa.

More than 50 of the sauce-related vendors will be at the festival, so folks can sample different products to find the perfect one for them.

Allen said this annual gathering is really becoming an event for foodies and for producers not just from Granville County, but from across North Carolina.

“It’s going to be a pretty awesome weekend in Granville County,” Allen said.

Visit www.nchotsauceandfestival.com for a complete schedule of events.

 

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TownTalk: Granville County Preparing For Vikings, The Scots And More

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It’s spring, and activities are popping up all over Granville County and Tourism Authority Director Angela Allen gave a rundown of several upcoming events and attractions that are sure to tickle your fancy.

This Saturday, Apr. 20, visit downtown Oxford between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. for the Oxford on Main Art and Wine Festival. Sponsored by The Hub on Main, this free event brings together craft vendors, kids’ activities, live music and more to Main Street, Allen said during Wednesday’s segment of TownTalk.

Purchase a $40 tasting ticket to sample more than 30 different wines. Visit the Hub on Main Facebook page or Instagram to find the Eventbrite link to purchase tickets.

“Even if you’re not a wine drinker, there’s still plenty to enjoy,” Allen said.

Then on Saturday, Apr. 27, there are a couple of big events happening in the Oxford area: One is the Central Carolina Highland Games and the other is the Granville Gardeners’ Expo.

Proceeds from the Highland Games benefits Central Children’s Home, which is where the games will be held. Attendees can watch traditional Scottish competitions from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and enjoy some traditional Scottish cuisine as well.

If plants and gardening are more your jam, head over to the Granville County Convention & Expo Center between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. In addition to a huge variety of flowering plants, herbs and more, the Expo – free to attend – features a variety of workshops and speakers on gardening to take part in There will be food trucks on site as well.

Other upcoming events include:

  • April 30 – The Arts in Bloom gala opens at the History Museum in Oxford and features works by school-aged artists from across the county. A collaboration between the museum and the Granville Education Foundation, the public is invited to a reception to open the show from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Proceeds from a silent auction will be used to further enrich art opportunities for students in Granville County schools, Allen said. The artwork will be on display until May 2 and the public is invited to stop by and view the students’ creations. Also visit the GEF Facebook page for a sneak peek at some of the artwork that will be on display during the Arts in Bloom gala.
  • May 3-5 – The Viking Experience will host its first event at its new property in northern Granville County. Visit thevikingexperience.com to purchase tickets and find out all the details for rustic camping opportunities, as well as different activities available to immerse yourself in the Viking life – including Saturday dinner around a campfire that will include music, dancing and skits.
  • May 2 – Quittin’ Time begins in downtown Oxford and continues on Thursdays in May and June. “It’s one of our favorites here in downtown Oxford for spring,” Allen said. A number of area restaurants will be preparing specialty small plate meals and cocktails, and patrons can move from one spot to another to sample the fare offered each week and enjoy live music. Visit the Downtown Oxford Restaurant Initiation – DORI – Facebook page to learn more about Quittin’ Time and other food-themed events in the works.

 

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TownTalk: Granville County Features Weddings, Ambulances And Vikings In March

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Whether planning a wedding, family reunion or a party to celebrate one of those “milestone” birthdays, Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen said there will be something for everyone at Saturday’s Wedding and Special Event Expo.

The event will be held on Saturday, Mar. 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Creedmoor Community Center and Allen said it’ll be “one-stop shopping” to learn about everything from like venues and photographers all the way to music, caterers and gifts for the bride and groom.

This year’s expo features a formalwear shop in Durham, who will have information about not just wedding attire, but also for proms, dances and other special occasions.

Allen told WIZS’s co-host Bill Harris the expo evolved – thanks to COVID – from the original Brides on Wheels event to an expo that houses a variety of vendors under one roof.

The BOW event began in 2015 as a way to showcase the different wedding venue options. But when COVID restrictions were in place by 2020, Allen said it wasn’t feasible to load a bus and then visit the different featured venues.

When one door closes, another door opens.

“Because of COVID, we aren’t taking life for granted anymore,” Allen said. So whether you’re a bride-to-be or you’re “going over the top” to plan a birthday party, the expo is for you.

“We’re trying to give you the perfect day – whatever you want that day to look like,” Allen said.

“We jam pack a lot in three hours.”

The Creedmoor Community Center is located at 116 Douglas Drive in Creedmoor.

The Granville Ambulance Chase and food truck rodeo is set for Saturday, Mar. 16 at Granville Health System. There are races for the serious runners as well as fun runs and a kid dash during the morning and the food truck rodeo will last from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A group of health system employees calling themselves Trippin’ Breakers will provide live music at the event.

Visit www.ghsAmbulanceChase.org to register and find details about the different race options.

“The Viking Experience” returns to Granville County’s The Barn at Vino in March for a weekend of immersive entertainment. Allen said this is the third year of the event, and there will be plenty of excitement for adults and young people alike on Saturday, Mar. 23 and Sunday, Mar. 24.

There are a few upgrades for this year’s event that should streamline parking and check-in at the two-day event at 3200 Bliss Trail in Stem, Allen said.

“All tickets for the event are going to be bought online,” she said, adding that there will be NO gate or cash sales. A 100 percent online purchase option should speed things up this year.

Having said that, Allen strongly suggests that anyone interested in attending this year’s “experience” should get tickets now before they sell out.

Visit www.thevikingexperience.com to purchase tickets.

There will be an after-hours show on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This is a ticketed event and takes the place of the popular dinner theatre event, Allen explained.

Not to worry, this popular offering is set to become a stand-alone event in the fall, she added.

To learn more about these events and more, check out www.visitgranvillenc.com and social media channels.

 

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TownTalk: Events In Granville County

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Most coffee and tea drinkers have a favorite cup they reach for each day, but there’s a good chance they’re always looking for that “next” perfect vessel for a morning brew or afternoon cuppa. Cedar Creek Gallery in Creedmoor has an exhibit called “CUPful – Celebrating the Daily Ritual” that will run through Feb. 25 to showcase handcrafted pottery from near and far.

Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen shared a laundry list of upcoming events in the area, from Creedmoor and Stem to Oxford.

Visit https://cedarcreekgallery.com/ to learn more.

On Friday, Feb. 9, the Orpheum in Oxford will transform to host a local version of Mardi Gras, a fundraiser for the Granville County unit of the Boys & Girls Club.

“It is a party with a purpose,” Allen said. Things crank up at 6:30 p.m. to welcome partygoers for an evening of fun, complete with heavy hors d’oeuvres, music and a silent auction.

Tickets are $75.

Wear your favorite cocktail attire, a Mardi Gras mask, she said, “and you know there’s gonna be some beads there,” she said.

The next evening, Saturday, Feb. 10, Thorndale Oaks is hosting a murder-mystery dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m. The evening’s theme is “A Country Fried Caper,” Allen said, and the evening will include a cast of characters that could best be described as a group of “ off-the-wall country music stars,” one of whom will not make it through the evening.

Tickets are $65 and includes a full dinner. Allen said the evening’s events unfold throughout the different dinner courses.

Call Thorndale Oaks at 919.603.3701 to reserve your seat at the table.

If whodunits aren’t your style, perhaps a quarter auction to support the local Dogs Deserve Better organization is more to your liking. The “Puppy Love” fundraiser will be held at The Barn at Vino on Feb. 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This event has proved to be quite popular, Allen said, and she recommends getting your tickets soon. Find a link to purchase tickets at https://visitgranvillenc.com/

“It’s a wonderful organization and every year, they show these fur babies some love,” she said. In addition to a couple of food trucks on site to satisfy everyone’s appetites, there will be 65 different raffle baskets available, a 50/50 raffle and additional vendors who will be selling different items through the evening.

Some upcoming events in March include:

  • Saturday, Mar. 2 – Spring Granville Wedding and Event Expo – Creedmoor Community Center. Donations for ACIM food bank will be accepted during this event, so bring a can of food or other shelf-stable food to contribute to this worthy cause.
  • Saturday, Mar. 16 – Granville Ambulance Chase and Food Truck Rodeo – After a hiatus due to COVID-19, Granville Health System is bringing this fun event back to Oxford. Walk or run and then kick back for food and live music. Visit ghsambulancechase.org for all the details.
  • Saturday, Mar. 16 – Head over to Thorndale Oaks to catch comedian Dan Grueter. Visit the Thorndale Oaks Facebook page to get tickets. There will be appetizers available and a cash bar.
  • Saturday and Sunday, Mar. 23, 24 – the third annual Viking Experience, which will take place at The Barn at Vino from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Participants can immerse themselves in all things Viking. People have come from all across the country to attend this two-day event, Allen said. Visit https://www.thevikingexperiencenc.com/
  •  for details about ticket prices, schedules and more.

The county’s tourism website, www.visitgranvillenc.com has a complete listing of all the events happening in and around Granville County.