TownTalk: November Events In Granville County
Angela Allen, Tourism Director for Granville County, discusses upcoming events.
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Angela Allen, Tourism Director for Granville County, discusses upcoming events.
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It’s a good thing October has 31 days – any shorter, and Granville County wouldn’t be able to fit in all the activities that are planned throughout the county.
Just try to keep up with Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen as she darts from Oxford to Creedmoor to Butner to promote and attend events all through the month.
There are two ongoing weekly events that happen on Wednesdays in Oxford, Allen told WIZS’s Bill Harris on Monday’s TownTalk. Verdigris Vibe is a chance to enjoy live music from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Oxford Oaks Distillery. If you’d rather sing than listen, head over to The Orpheum on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. for karaoke night.
“These are a chance to get out and about in the middle of the week,” Allen said.
Here’s a list of some upcoming events happening across Granville County this month:
For a complete list of upcoming activities, check out https://visitgranvillenc.com/.
Things are heating up in Granville County, and it’s not all because of the weather.
Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen said this weekend’s Hot Sauce Festival is shaping up to be the best one yet.
This year, contestants entering their creations and concoctions have more than 100 categories and sub-categories to choose from, Allen said on Tuesday’s TownTalk. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9 in downtown Oxford.
Judges will review all different types of sauces, rubs and other products that get slathered on pork, chicken and more. There’s not just hot sauce, she said. There’s mild, hottest hot and verde, just to name a few.
Oxford has become the destination for hot sauce aficionados and foodies on the second Saturday in September. This is the 16th annual festival, and Allen said thousands of folks come to experience the festival, complete with music, arts and crafts vendors and much more.
“There’s a lot of good food,” Allen said. “We’re going to have judges who have this awesome job” of sampling products and deciding which ones get recognized. You can sample many of those products as you stroll along the streets of downtown Oxford, she added.
Of course, there’s a lot more to the Hot Sauce Festival than just hot sauce – Bailey Farms again is sponsoring the pepper eating contest, which begins at 1:30 p.m. Top prize is $1,000.
There will be plenty of live music on a couple of different stages throughout the day, including On The Border, an Eagles tribute band.
Visit www.nchotsaucefestivalandcontest.com for a complete schedule of events and vendor lists.
For those interested in getting the party started early, check out The Orpheum’s “night before” party. Find details at visitoxforddowntown on Facebook.
If the live music performances during the Hot Sauce Festival gets your toes tappin’ for more, head down to Creedmoor on Saturday, Sept. 16 for the Creedmoor Music Festival, now in its 30th year.
The town turns into a multi-genre sound stage to provide a wide range of music, from gospel to bluegrass and beyond.
The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and music will be performed on two stages. There will be plenty of “fair food” fare for listeners, as well as vendors with arts and crafts and a classic car cruise-in.
Those folks who want to create their own music can pop in to The Orpheum in downtown Oxford on Wednesdays at 8 for karaoke.
And if listening is more your thing than making music, visit Oxford Oaks Distillery for dinner and local live music on Wednesdays for “Verdigris Vibes.”
September goes out with a bang on Saturday, Sept. 30 with two events in the Oxford area.
Paws for Granville is an annual fundraiser held at the Granville County Expo Center to benefit spay/neuter projects of the Humane Society of Granville County and the Granville County Animal Shelter. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is a must-attend for animal lovers who want to make a difference.
The Central Children’s Home is hosting a cross-country event from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. that will include fun runs for locals and other track and field events sanctioned by USA Track and Field.
Bring along a can or two of food, because the event also is sponsoring a fundraiser for ACIM, the county’s food bank.
Find more information about these events and more at https://visitgranvillenc.com/
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With the heat of summer in full swing, Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen has some options for indoor activities to keep folks cool.
The National Teapot Festival continues at Cedar Creek Gallery through September 10, and Allen said a trip to this Creedmoor gem won’t disappoint. Part working studio, part art gallery, Cedar Creek is open seven days a week. The Teapot Show features hundreds of teapots on display.
In and around downtown Oxford, things are popping up as fast as a summer thunderstorm.
There’s karaoke on Wednesdays at The Orpheum. Enjoy a signature drink and the music from 8 p.m. to midnight, Allen said.
If you think you’d like to light up the night, visit The Orpheum on Saturday, July 22 for Glow Night. Allen said $5 gets you in the door, along with whatever you wear that glows – necklaces, clothing, use your imagination. It’s from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Check out Verdigris, Oxford Oaks Distillery’s restaurant.
On Wednesdays, stop in for Verdigris Vibes, live music by local artists from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. They’ve got $10 tapas & cocktails on Thursdays from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Visit https://www.oxfordoaksdistillery.com/ to learn more.
If you’re in the mood for pizza (and who isn’t?), reserve your spot now at Thorndale Oaks for Thursday, July 20. For $21.95, enjoy all-you-can-eat pizza, pasta and more. Make sure to call and reserve a spot at 919.603.3701. Follow Thorndale Oaks on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all their events.
The city of Oxford will observe National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Allen said local law enforcement agencies, including Oxford Police Department and Oxford Fire Department will be on hand as the community joins together to enjoy food, activities, games and more.
Learn about these events and more at https://visitgranvillenc.com/.
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If the phrase “a rolling stone gathers no moss” applied to a geographic entity, then Granville County would be that moss-less stone. The array of activities is dizzying, and Tourism Director Angela Allen shared just a glimpse into what’s in store for May on Wednesday’s TownTalk with WIZS’s Bill Harris.
First up is Quittin’ Time in downtown Oxford, which kicks off May 4 stretches across May and June on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Area restaurants and other retail outlets have joined forces to create what Allen called a “little version in downtown Oxford of Spanish-style tapas dining.” Patrons can stroll from spot to spot, ordering up small plates and specialty drinks along the way.
“For me, Quittin’ Time takes it up to a whole ‘nother notch,” Allen said. “We really want people to think of this as a gathering time – a great excuse to get outside.”
Participating businesses include:
Find details about menus and more on Visit Downtown Oxford’s Facebook page.
Other upcoming events in Granville County include:
Find all these events and more at www.visitgranvillenc.com, or follow Granville Tourism on Facebook and Instagram.
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Anyone who attempts to keep up with Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen better be wearing a good pair of sneakers. Or better yet, roller skates. Between now and the end of April, she’ll be putting a lot of miles on her car to attend all the events scheduled for Granville County.
“We’ve got tons of stuff going on,” Allen told Bill Harris on Thursday’s TownTalk. “We’ve got some very creative people around here in Granville County – and they love spring.”
From egg hunts to traditional Scottish games, there’s something for residents and visitors over the next couple of months. “We do have so many people come to visit,” Allen said, adding that Granville County “may be small, but it’s definitely mighty and definitely welcoming to anyone who wants to come and have a good time.”
Kicking things off on Saturday, Mar. 11 is Spring Fling at the Orpheum in downtown Oxford.
This event is free to attend, but Allen said VIP ticketholders get a swag bag filled with items from downtown merchants as well as a mimosa and front-row seats to the fashion show.
Local is the name of the game at this event, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
The fashion show includes the latest trends from downtown retailers C2, Nan’s Fashions and Bobo’s.
Here’s a rundown on the other upcoming events:
Saturday & Sunday, Mar. 25-26 – The Viking Experience at The Barn at Vino in Stem. This is the second year that the Vikings invade Granville County, featuring 30+ cast members who will be in character both days to interact with those in attendance. There will be food and craft vendors on site, and lots of opportunities to participate. Weekend passes are $30, with daily passes available as well. Day passes for Saturday’s 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. events are $18; Sunday events run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and tickets are $15. Special activities like “Viking in training fight pit” and an escape room require an extra fee.
Folks came from all over the country for last year’s event, Allen said. “I’m excited to see it again and (see) what they’ve added for this year.”
Friday, Mar. 31
Cedar Creek Gallery opens its studios and then plans to be open for the next two weekends, offering demonstrations in glass blowing, pottery and woodturning, just to name a few. There will be live music and different food trucks each day of the festival, rain or shine.
Saturday, Apr. 1, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, Apr. 2, 1-3 p.m.
3rd annual Easter Egg hunt at The Barn at Vino. No charge to attend, but $15 per child to participate in egg hunt, which includes a photo with the Easter Bunny. Kids 3 and under will have a special spot roped off for them and the kids 4 and older will be in a larger area. Look up the event on Eventbrite or find out more information on the Barn at Vino Facebook page.
Saturday Apr. 8, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Jimbo’s Backyard BBQ at The Barn at Vino. Tickets $15, $30 for People’s Choice. Proceeds benefit Wreaths Across America. Find ticket info on Jimbo’s Backyard BBQ or the Barn at Vino Facebook pages
Food and vendor trucks will be on site, and beer and wine will be available for purchase.
Saturday, Apr. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Granville Gardeners present the 2nd full-fledged expo at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center. What began as an herb sale a few years ago has become a daylong event that includes workshops and demonstrations, as well as dozens of craft vendors and local growers who share information about plants and gardening.
Celebrate Earth Day at the Expo. Learn more at www.thegranvillegardeners.org
Saturday, Apr. 29, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Oxford Main Street Art and Wine, featuring live music and a whole mix of craft vendors, artists and wine tasting. The event is free, but tickets are required for the wine-tasting. Beer and wine are available for purchase at The Hub on Main.
Allen said she likes the experience of mixing culture and art with this event.
Saturday, Apr. 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Come to the campus of Central Children’s Home, 211 W. Antioch Drive, Oxford for the 2nd annual Central Carolina Highland Games. “This one’s for all my Braveheart fans,” Allen said. This daylong series of Scottish athletic events, from caber toss to stone’s throw, features pipe band performances and traditional Scottish dancers.
What’s a caber, you ask? Here’s Allen’s explanation: “I am talking about a huge big tree that people sign up to throw across a field,” she said.
Admission is free, and parking is $20. Proceeds benefit the Central Children’s Home.
Visit https://www.centralhighlandgames.com/ to learn more.
There’s so much planning and organizing that goes in to making these events happen, Allen said. “It’s pretty awesome to see this displayed in our community.” People get to “have fun, give back and learn something new.”
And, as always, find out more about all the things going on in Granville County at Allen’s webpage, www.visitgranvillenc.com
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From handcrafted coffee mugs to murder mystery dinners, Granville County has a wide range of events to please just about everyone, including prospective brides and individuals who want to immerse themselves in a “Viking experience.”
Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen took a deep breath before reeling off a plethora of upcoming events scheduled for the next couple of months across the county. No need to take notes – find details of all the events at https://visitgranvillenc.com/
Here are some highlights:
Representatives from local venues will be present during the 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. event, as well as rental companies, balloon artists, invitation and cake designers – just about anyone who can provide a service for individuals planning a celebration.
Tickets are $10. Visit https://visitgranvillenc.com/ and find a link to the wedding and event expo for details.
Find details about these events – and more – at https://visitgranvillenc.com/
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Just name the event: whether it’s strawberry picking around Mother’s Day, a drive-through Christmas lights display, the annual hot sauce festival or a kiln-opening at a local art gallery/artist’s workshop, Angela Allen can tell you about it.
All about it.
On paper, it’s Allen’s job to know about such events – she’s the Granville County’s Tourism Development Authority, after all.
But Allen takes that knowledge and kicks it up a few notches, which has earned her recognition during a tourism and local marketing conference held recently in Asheville.
“Angela has brought a big heart, lots of laughter, and so much courage and excitement into every room, virtual or in-person, over the last two years,” said Sarah Benoit, one of the founders and organizers of the DIY Tourism and Marketing Conference.
Allen was recognized for her work promoting Granville County as a tourism destination and her use of innovative community building to create a tangible impact in how current and future visitors view the county and what it has to offer.
Benoit said Allen’s “positive energy, intention to build community, and ability to think outside the box during times of change” help her stand out among tourism officials.
“We are truly grateful she is part of our extended community and deeply appreciate how she shares ideas and uplifts everyone around her,” Benoit added.
The DIY Tourism and Local Marketing Conference is held annually in Asheville and led by co-founders Benoit, Chris Cavanaugh and Justin Belleme. This year the conference organizers decided to recognize three tourism organizations for their work and impact in the communities they serve across the southeast region.
Allen shared the spotlight with Jessica Icenhour Roberts with Mt. Airy Tourism Development Authority and Tami Reist and Angie Pierce from the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourism Association.
For more information about the DIY Tourism and Local Marketing Conference, please visit their website: https://diytourismmarketing.com/.
Visit the Tourism Development Authority website for more information about events taking place across the county: www.visitgranvillenc.com.
Granville County is chock full of events happening in November, and Angela Allen shared some of what’s going on with John C. Rose on Thursday’s segment of The Local Skinny!
Learn more about these events and more at www.visitgranvillenc.com
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Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen needs a big calendar, but she may wish she had an even bigger one especially for fall, given all the events that take place across the county between September and the end of the year.
“We are in full swing for (the) fall season,” she told John C. Rose on Thursday’s TownTalk. From pumpkin farms and corn mazes, downtown trick-or-treating to a concert in support of bees, there truly is something for everyone packed in to a short time frame.
Dixon Farms, located just beyond the Granville County Expo Center on Highway 15 South, is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. A ticket gets you a pumpkin of your choice, not to mention access to all kinds of fun outdoor activities for the youngsters – a petting zoo, corn maze and tractor rides, just to name a few.
Dixon Farms announces their fall festival will take place this Saturday, Oct. 22, beginning at 10 a.m.
A little further down in the southern part of the county, William Lyon opens his pumpkin patch on Saturdays and Sundays (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) for folks to find the perfect pumpkin, as well as take part in a hay ride and navigate a corn maze. Lyon’s farm is located at 1563 Will Suitt Rd., Creedmoor.
For those who want a little nighttime adventure should drive over to the Granville Haunt Farm, where Grey Blackwell has assembled ghosts and ghouls – benevolent and otherwise – to entertain carloads of folks who drive through.
On Friday and Saturday evenings in October, you can “get a little scare on,” Allen said. This popular destination features scenes from iconic Halloween movies – scary ones and not-so-scary ones, she noted. “It really is a great mixed bag,” she said.
Bonus: The Haunt Farm will be open on Sunday, Oct. 30 and Monday, Oct. 31 to thrill, frighten and entertain.
The star of the Halloween season for many youngsters is trick-or-treating, and families can visit participating downtown retailers in Oxford for their “Spooktacular” between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Downtown Creedmoor merchants will sponsor their trick-or-treating event from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Butner’s Covenant Life Church will be at Butner Athletic Park for a trunk-or-treat from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., where folks can get free kettle corn, cotton candy and hot drinks as they enjoy the various decorated trunks that will fill up the parking lot.
A new event called Bees and Boos will take place at Highrock Farm on Enon Road outside Oxford. The Granville County Beekeepers’ Association is hosting this event, which will be held in two parts – a family fun festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and then “a flat-out costume party beginning at 6 p.m. The fun festival is free, and will feature a variety of vendors and a lot of honey-based products, among other activities.
The costume party is a ticketed event and will include a concert by rising Nashville musician Zach Top. Visit https://fb.me/e/2WZSRGiOm to purchase tickets or find the Granville County Beekeepers Association on social media.
Allen said if you’ve always wanted to try mead, honey beer or experience a candy apple bar, this is the event to check all the boxes.
If you have any energy left when October’s events are completed, join the
Granville County Chamber of Commerce for the annual “Cluck ‘N Shuck” seafood extravaganza on Nov. 4 at the Granville County Expo Center. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling the Chamber office at 919.693.6125 or online at https://granville-chamber.com/
The next day, Saturday, Nov. 5 marks the Creedmoor City Golf Championship at South Granville Country Club. This event begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by a 9:30 a.m. shotgun start. The SGCC is partnering with Creedmoor Parks and Recreation and will max out at 80 golfers. Registration is $60 per golfer. Trophies will be awarded for the top players in each division, Allen said.
Bonus: register NOW to play golf and get $10 off the purchase of a Cluck ‘N Shuck ticket.
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