Tag Archive for: #granvillecountytourism

The Local Skinny! Good Times to Kick Off May with Granville County Tourism

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Ladies, (and gents, too – why not?)  find yourself a ‘fascinator’ and head to downtown Oxford Saturday afternoon for the Art, Wine and Beer festival. In addition to the titled features, there will be live music and lots of fun activities with a Kentucky Derby theme.

This annual event, hosted by The Hub on Main, takes place on Saturday, May 2 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., but Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen says to come early to eat, walk, shop and enjoy all that downtown has to offer.

Local artists will be on hand with unique, handcrafted items. There will be wine and beer tastings, too.

But downtown isn’t the only happenin’ place in Oxford Saturday.  The ultimate Elvis performance is coming to Thorndale Oaks. Tickets for the “Aloha from Vegas” show are on sale now. Platinum-level tickets are limited to 50 guests – who will enjoy early entry at 5 p.m., front-stage seating, food, a champagne toast and a pre-concert look at what it takes to put on the show.

VIP ticket holders enter at 6:15 p.m. and can be part of a meet-and-greet before the 7:15 p.m. performance, Allen said.

Go to www.visitgranvillenc.com to find out all the details.

Call 919.603.3701 or 919-725-5201 to purchase tickets.

The popular Quittin’ Time cranks back up on Thursday, May 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and continues on Thursdays throughout May and June. A variety of downtown restaurants and shops will have small plate offerings and specialty beverages for patrons as they stroll downtown Oxford and enjoy live music, evening shopping in a relaxed atmosphere as the weekend approaches.

Lots of outside seating creates a great social vibe, Allen said, so get ready to chat with friends, new and old during Quittin’ Time.

Allen said the Downtown Oxford Restaurant Initiative – DORI – has a Facebook page that lists participating restaurants and retailers.

Then on Saturday, May 9, Culture Fest comes to downtown Oxford from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It’s a celebration of diversity and community, Allen said, and will include food, cultural experiences, kids’ activities and more.

Cedar Creek Gallery outside Creedmoor hosts its triennial National Teapot Show, beginning May 15 and continuing through Sept. 14.

This nationally recognized exhibit will feature all kinds of teapots, from functional to creative to artistic, Allen said. Artists from all across the country have submitted entries, she said.

They will be for sale, but they’ll all remain in the gallery for the duration of the exhibit, so visitors can see the artists’ creativity and imagination shining through in these works of art.

Creativity and imagination aren’t only for artisans, however. If you head over to The Ox Theater on May 31, you’ll get to see creativity and imagination in the form of a a Taylor Swift live band tribute. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show, “Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Eras Experience.”

Inspired by the pop music sensation’s iconic ‘Eras’ tour, this tribute performance will have plenty of costume changes, lights and more to recreate what Allen said is “a big concert feel in a smaller venue.”

Tickets are on sale at www.oxfordnc.org. Click on Departments then The Ox Theater to find the link.

Find out all the things that are happening across Granville County at www.visitgranvillenc.com.

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TownTalk: Granville County Tourism Heats Up With Flurry Of Events

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With all the recent chatter about snowstorms and frigid weather, lots of folks are looking for ways to embrace the warm, cozy feelings to ward off the cold and keep the chill off.

Look no further than Granville County, according to Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen. You’ll break a sweat in no time, however, if you get to all the events that are brewing in and around Oxford in the next few weeks.

Start by snuggling into a comfy chair at Wild Hare Books on the second and fourth Wednesdays for the Silent Book Club from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Grab a beverage, choose a book and enjoy a whole hour dedicated to…reading. For fun.

Wild Hare is located on Little John Street in downtown Oxford.

If a “cuppa” is more your speed, check out Cedar Creek near Creedmoor for the CUPful exhibit. Purchase a handmade cup or mug created by local and regional artists now through Feb. 22.

Moss & Ivy Coffee Co. is celebrating its first anniversary at its location at 121 E. McClanahan Street, right across from the Oxford Fire Department. Visit Saturday, Jan. 31 between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. for drinks, treats, raffles and prizes for the birthday celebration.

And those are just a few of the events brewing in Granville County, as January eases into February.

There’s live music at Tobacco Wood Brewing Co. Friday and Saturday (weather permitting) and a beer tasting of HopFly selections at The Hub on Main Friday, Jan. 30 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“No matter what’s going on outside, we can always warm up here in Granville County!” Allen said. And as February approaches, there are a multitude of events lined up to help celebrate Valentine’s Day.

“It’s all about love in Granville County,” Allen said. “Find the thing that you love in Granville County.”

Here’s a sample:

  • Jan. 31 – Joyce Manor Listening Party at Ox4D Music:Hear the band’s album in from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Feb. 7 – 3rd annual Love Fest in downtown Oxford. Visit participating businesses and enter to win a gift basket worth $1,000! Kids can particiapate for a chance to win a kids’ gift basket, too. The event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Feb. 9 – 14 – “Love You, Love You Not” at Tobacco Wood. A week of quirky, fun themed events for friends, couples, kids and everyone in between.
  • Feb. 14 – “Love at First Shuck” at Humble Pour in downtown Oxford. All-you-can-eat seafood, including oysters on the half shell, classic favorites and shareable bites. Tickets are $75 and must be purchased in advance. Two seatings – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Feb. 14 – A Verdi Gris prix fixe menu from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy a meal, live music and a great atmosphere. Purchase tickets in advance.
  • Feb. 28 – “Feelin’ Groovy”Musical tribute to Simon and Garfunkel at The Ox Theater. Performance begins at 7 p.m.
  • Feb. 28 – Puppy Love Quarter Auction at the Barn at Vino, 3200 Bliss Trail in Stem. Food trucks, shopping and a quarter auction to benefit Dogs Deserve Better of the Piedmont, whose mission is to improve the lives of tethered and neglected dogs.

 

Find the complete listing of events and activities across Granville County, as well as links to ticket purchase for the various events, at https://visitgranvillenc.com/

 

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TownTalk: Festive Times in Granville County

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Santa is going to be one tired fella if he makes good on all his appearances this weekend in Granville County, but if he’s trying to keep up with Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen, he’ll need an energy drink or two to keep him moving.

Allen said the next couple of weekends in Granville County are “jam-packed” with opportunities to get in the holiday spirit, from parades and shows, to special meals and light displays.

!!(The Lighting of the Greens and Christmas Parade has been rescheduled for Thursday, December 19th.)!!

(POSTPONED) First up is the annual Lighting of the Greens on Friday, Dec. 5, beginning with a flurry of activities at 4 p.m. along Main Street.  (POSTPONED) The crowd will gather around the Courthouse at 6:30 p.m. to witness the downtown decorations lighting up to officially kick off the holiday season. Stick around for the parade at 7 p.m., complete with Ol’ Saint Nick himself. He’s giving the reindeer the evening off, apparently, because Allen said to look for him on the back of a fire truck as the parade wends through downtown Oxford.

Santa’s going to make a couple of appearances in the southern part of the county that evening as well – he’ll be at Butner for Christmas in the Park at Gazebo Park on Central Avenue at 5 p.m. then he’ll head over to Creedmoor’s tree lighting at the Community Center, which begins at 7 p.m.

“To me, it’s all about community,” Allen said on Wednesday’s TownTalk. The community comes together – schools, churches, businesses – to show off their holiday spirit and pride for the places where they live. For Allen, the weather may be cold this time of year, but seeing the togetherness all across the county is heart-warming.

Delrayno Baptist Church’s live nativity called Back To Bethlehem will be open for drive-through visitors on Dec. 13, 14 and 15 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The church parking lot is transformed with costumed characters, animals and sets to create something that is historical, traditional and spiritual all at the same time, Allen said.

“It’s a tradition that people don’t want to miss,” she said.

Parades, tree lightings and live nativity scenes may be some of the more traditional options for folks to enjoy, but Allen said Granville County has a nice assortment of unexpected things, too.

Take, for instance, the “Yuletide Experience” that will transform the Viking Experience village area this weekend into a wonderland of holiday festivities – all with “a very unique Norse twist,” Allen said.

Ticket packages are available for the Dec. 6-7 event at their website.
There will be games, holiday shopping and friendly competitions for the whole family.

Want to see what an award-winning light display looks like? Then head over to Campbell’s Christmas Display on Bob Daniel Road outside Oxford, where you’ll experience more than 80,000 synchronized lights creating different displays. The Campbells, you may remember, won first prize last year in ABC’s show “The Great Christmas Light Fight.”

They’ve been creating a light display for more than 20 years, Allen said, and welcome folks to not just drive through, but to stop in and visit. All they ask is that you bring along a donation of canned goods to support ACIM, the county’s food bank.

Campbell’s kicks off the season this weekend and continues through most of the month, Allen said.

“This is really nice that this family has taken it to another level,” Allen said, displaying their generosity by giving back to the community.

Another light display is at Granville Christmas Farm, located just off Highway 15 south of Oxford. From now through New Year’s Eve, carloads of folks will drive along and see vignettes from favorite Christmas movies like Rudolph, Christmas Vacation and more.

If full-length feature movies are more your style, then head over to the newly renovated OX Theater in Oxford’s City Hall on Sunday, Dec. 7 or Monday, Dec. 8 to catch a holiday favorite, The Polar Express. Admission is $5. Visit https://oxfordnc.recdesk.com/ to register or call 919.603.1135. The Sunday show is at 3 p.m. and the Monday show is at 6:30 p.m.

The OX Theater will host Nashville Noel on Sunday, Dec. 14, bringing a blend of country and Christmas and the high-energy of the Nashville scene. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m.

In partnership with the Granville Little Theatre, the OX will host the annual live radio play of the Christmas classic “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Performances are Dec. 11, 12 and 13. The Oxford Prep Jazz Band will perform following the Saturday performance.

Check out all the options and a schedule of all the upcoming events at www.visitgranvillenc.com and follow them on social media channels to stay updated on all the events and programs throughout the county.

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TownTalk: Fall in Full Swing with Granville County Tourism

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Granville County is squeezing a lot into an already-busy time of year, but Granville Tourism Authority Director Angela Allen encourages the community to jump in and embrace the seasons – you can walk, trot, run, eat, shop, march and drive your way through the various programs and events that will take place in the next few weeks as the holidays approach.

Downtown Oxford retailers are preparing for Christmas with a Holiday Open House Saturday, Nov. 15. You’ll see festive storefronts dotting the downtown district, who want to entice folks to shop local this season.

“Here in Granville County, we’re welcoming the season,” Allen said on Tuesday’s TownTalk.

Get all the tastes of Thanksgiving a week early at Thorndale Oaks on Nov. 18. Make reservations by calling 919.603.3701. The cost is $32.95 for adults and $19.95 for children.

The City of Oxford has refurbished its auditorium and rebranded it the OX Theater. Located within the municipal building at 300 Williamsboro St., the theater will host Shana Tucker on Thursday, Nov. 20 for “An Evening of Sade,” The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tucker is a cellist and a vocalist and, along with a band and backup singers, will entertain the audience with the smooth, sultry sounds of the singer popular in the mid-1980’s and 1990’s.

Burn some calories in advance of that Thanksgiving meal with the 20th annual Turkey Trot to benefit Area Congregations in Ministry, the local food bank. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. for the 9 a.m. event, which sends walkers and runners along a 2-mile path from Oxford United Methodist Church down College Street to the Masonic Home for Children and back.

Four cans of food or a monetary donation to ACIM gets you in – make plans to join in the fun to support the food bank mission of feeding hungry people in Granville County.

Once Thanksgiving is in the rear-view mirror, it’s full-steam ahead to all things Christmas, and Allen reeled off an impressive list of events that begin before all the leftovers are gone.

“I’m excited for the holiday season,” Allen said, “because that’s when I feel our community really sines and comes together – we’re creating community and memories.”

Find out all the details at https://visitgranvillenc.com/, but here’s a partial list of what’s happening in Granville County:

  • Granville Christmas Farm – opens Friday, Nov. 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Get tickets at https://www.granvillechristmasfarm.com/. The farm will open daily the week before Christmas through New Year’s Eve.
  • Corn Hill Farm – a local tree farm that will have a special Christmas Connection on Friday, Nov. 28, complete with arts and crafts for the kids, vendors, food and Santa from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit https://cornhillfarms.com/
  • Back to the OX Theater for Celtic Angels on Dec. 1. The show starts at 7 p.m. Then it’s Nashville Noel on Dec. 14. Visit https://www.oxfordnc.org/ to purchase tickets.
  • The Lighting of the Greens and Parade in Oxford is Friday, Dec. 5 beginning at 4 p.m. The parade begins at 7 p.m. The City of Oxford also will have its tree lighting on Dec. 5.
  • Parade season continues with parades in Creedmoor and Butner on Saturday, Dec. 6 – Creedmoor in the morning and Butner in the afternoon.
  • Christmas Buffet Dinner at Thorndale Oaks on Saturday, Dec. 6. It’s a full buffet, $58.95 Children 12 and under: $24.95 Children 5 and under are free. Call 919.603.3701 or 919.725.5201 to reserve your table.

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TownTalk: Granville County Spicing Things Up For September

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If you’ve driven around downtown Oxford recently, perhaps you’ve noticed the street decorations and banners that have been installed, creating a festive atmosphere to usher in the 19th annual N.C. Hot Sauce Contest and Festival.

Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen said this is the second year that the hot sauce festival will be a two-day affair, with evening music and other activities kicking off on Friday, Sept. 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 13 is a full day of all-things-hot-sauce, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Allen said on Tuesday’s TownTalk.

“Things are getting hot and spicy in downtown Oxford,” she said.

More than 300 vendors will be set up throughout downtown to share samples of their sauces, rubs, jams, jellies and more that they’ve created with peppers. “It’s a foodie paradise,” Allen said.

Some vendors have participated 15 years or more, and they’ll set up their tents and tables alongside others who may be new or nearly new to the experience. They come from all over the state and elsewhere to share their creations with pepper enthusiasts who like a little – or a lot – of kick in their salsas and sauces.

Peppers may take center stage for the host sauce festival, but pumpkins are also a favorite for fall.

In addition to Cedar Creek Gallery’s glass pumpkin patch in the front gallery on exhibit through October, there are a couple of harvest festivals that will be popping up across the county for folks to get their fall “fix.”

  • Sept. 14 – Carlee Farms Harvest Festival, hosted by Kissing Booth boutique. More than 25 vendors will have fashion, homemade crafts, seasonal décor and treats available
  • Sept. 27 – Harvey Hills Farm’s Harvest Days each weekend through Oct. 26. Festive vendor market featuring fall produce, décor, pumpkins and mums
  • Sept. 27 – Indian Branch Farm hosting Roots and Rows from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with more than 65 vendors featuring fashion, home décor, seasonal treats and more

Allen said farm festivals provide authentic experiences for people to meet farmers and craftspeople responsible for things we eat and things we put in our homes.

“It’s really awesome to go into these festivals and meet the people that actually make these things,” she said.

But it’s not all hot sauce and fall festivals in Granville County, she said. The city of Oxford has recently renamed the auditorium located in City Hall, and “The Ox” is set to host a varied lineup of live entertainment and performances through fall and into December.

The Granville Arts Council is bringing Red Bird Theater back, this time for a production of the play Revolution, on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m

Then, on Sept. 10, it’s “The Bad Moms of Comedy,” with a 7:30 performance.

Beach music fans will be happy to know that The Drifters are set to perform on Nov. 1 and then there are a couple of Christmas shows scheduled – Dec. 1 it’s Celtic Angels and Dec. 14 Nashville Nöel.

Check out https://visitgranvillenc.com/  to learn about all the events taking place across Granville County.

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TownTalk: Granville County Tourism Lines Up Events In July And Beyond

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As summer heats up, so too does the events calendar in Granville County – there’s plenty to do, from outdoor activities to those inside air-conditioned environs.

Grab a ticket for the weekend performance of Drinking Habits 2: Caught in the Act, a production of Granville Little Theatre. The curtain rises at 7 p.m. for evening performances run from Thursday, July 10 to Saturday, July 12 and there’s a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, July 13. The comedy is the sequel to last season’s Drinking Habits, featuring the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing, and the antics involved as they try to save an orphanage.

“It’s guaranteed to be a good time,” said Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen.

The show takes place at the Ox Theatre, located inside the Oxford City Hall, 300 Williamsboro St.

Find a link to tickets at www.visitgranvillenc.com.

Stroll along the sidewalks of downtown Oxford to snatch up some cool summer discounts at the July 12 Tent Sale. A number of businesses are scheduled to take part in a 21st century version of the old-fashioned Sidewalk Sale. Bliss Nutrition, C Squared, Nan’s, Home Decorator Shoppe, Angel Wings Book Store and Bistro, The Hub on Main, Southern Style Mercantile and Makynlee
& Co. will have some discounted prices on some really great items, Allen said. The sales are sure to be hot on the outside, but customers can find some great deals – and some A/C – inside, too, she said.

The Oxford Armory Farmer’s Market is hosting its own version of an Iron Chef competition on Saturday, July 12. Three groups will compete for bragging rights as they use local produce found at the market. This event is being held in partnership with the Culinary Arts program at Vance-Granville Community College.

The market, located on the grounds of the former National Guard Armory at 105 W. Spring St., launched in May. Its summer hours are 8 a.m. to 12 noon.

A couple of weeks later, on July 26, come to the market to take part in an event that pairs yoga and animal adoption. The Pose, Paws, Adopt event will include yoga and adoptable animals from the Granville County Animal Shelter from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

“All fees for the yoga class will be donated to the animal shelter or toward your adoption fee,” Allen said.

This is one example of partnership that Allen finds delightful.

“That’s what I love so much,” she said, “the collaboration to make these things happen. It’s not just an entity standing alone, but making those partnerships with different businesses, organizations and nonprofits” that not only attracts visitors, but also has a positive impact in the local community.

Here’s a quick rundown of other activities in July and beyond:

  • Creedmoor’s City Tavern, 404 N. Main St., hosts the First Annual 90’s Field Day on Saturday, July 12, where Allen says “you get to act like a big kid for the day.” Check out all the details at https://www.facebook.com/CreedmoorCityTavern
  • The Town of Butner hosts Groovin’ at the Gazebo on Saturday, July 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be lawn games, food trucks and fun for the whole family. Bryan’s Hill Band will perform on the brand-new performance stage at the park, located at 416 Central Ave.
  • Clement Farm presents the inaugural “Watermelon Crawl” event on Saturday, July 26 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Another family-friendly event that includes music by Blake Howell and all things watermelon. Tickets are $5, and kids 12 and under get in free. You can even learn how to do the Watermelon Crawl line dance. When you’re not dancin’ you may want to sit, so Allen said to bring a lawn chair. Clement Farm is located at 5081 Lucy Averette Rd. off Old Hwy. 75.
  • The 2nd annual Next Door Music Festival cranks up on Saturday, Aug. 16 for a full day of music, from Americana to emo and everything in between. Six bands will perform throughout the day, and 100 percent of the proceeds goes to Families Living Violence Free. The featured band is Ohio-based Noise Beneath the Floor. The festival will be staged on the grounds of the Armory from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and then the crowd will head over to Tobacco Wood Brewing Co. for an “after-party” from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Mark your calendars for Sept. 12-13 for the annual Hot Sauce Festival in downtown Oxford
  • Circle Sept. 20, when musicians take over downtown Creedmoor for the annual Creedmoor Music Festival
  • The Masonic Home for Children in Oxford Homecoming is scheduled for Oct. 11

Read more about these events and more at www.visitgranvillenc.com.

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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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