Tag Archive for: #granvillecountytourism

TownTalk: Events In Granville County

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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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TownTalk: What’s Happening In May In Granville County

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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:

  • Strong Arm Baking Co.
  • Main St. Oasis
  • The Hub on Main
  • Milano’s
  • Orpheum
  • Harvest
  • Tobacco Wood Brewing Co.
  • Oxford Oaks Distillery
  • Uptown 101

Find details about menus and more on Visit Downtown Oxford’s Facebook page.

Other upcoming events in Granville County include:

  • Granville Little Theatre’s production of “Arsenic and Old Lace,” which runs consecutive weekends beginning the weekend of Friday, May 5. Shows are at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and there will be a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15, with tickets for students, seniors over 65 and veterans $10. The shows will be held in the auditorium of City Hall, located at 300 Williamsboro St. in Oxford.
  • Butner’s Friday Movie in the Park – Bring lawn chairs and blankets to Gazebo Park on Central Avenue in Butner on Friday, May 5 to enjoy the family movie “The Sandlot.” There will be free popcorn and water, courtesy of a local church, Allen said. The movie begins about 8:15 p.m., so make sure you get there early to get all set up. Just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate, the movie will move to the Soldiers Memorial Sports Arena.
  • Alive After Five – The kickoff will be Thursday, May 11, a raindate from the original date in late April. Everything else is the same – Things crank up at 5 p.m. with The Konnection Band and then The Orpheum will host an “after party” until about 11 p.m.
  • CultureFest – Saturday, May 13 is the date for this year’s CultureFest, which celebrates world cultures with food trucks, vendors, performers and demonstrations. From cloggers and African drummers to the art of tortilla making and blacksmithing, the area around Littlejohn Street in downtown Oxford will come alive with tastes, sounds, sights and aromas from all around the world. “It’s a wonderful experience to get together (to) learn about other cultures and enhance your love for your own culture,” Allen said.
  • Cedar Creek National Teapot Show – The Creedmoor gallery puts on this show every three years, Allen said. It kicks off on May 20, but the teapots will be on display through September. While many are functional, Allen said that some of the teapots are quite artistic. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 1150 Fleming Rd. off Hwy 15 outside Creedmoor.

 

Find all these events and more at www.visitgranvillenc.com, or follow Granville Tourism on Facebook and Instagram.

 

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TownTalk: Spring Events In Granville County

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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.

  • Carlee Farms “Eggstravaganza” eaturing local food and craft vendors, as well as a photo session with the Easter Bunny and a petting zoo. Admission to the event is free; proceeds benefit Tar River Elementary School.
  • “Paws for Granville” 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Barn at Vino. Dinner, silent auction and musical entertainment to benefit the Humane Society and the Granville County Animal Services. Tickets are $35 and available on the Paws For Granville Facebook page.

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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TownTalk: February-March Events In Granville County

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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:

  • The CupFull show at Cedar Creek Gallery runs through 26. The Creedmoor gallery will have hundreds of functional – and decoratef – handcrafted mugs and cups for sale. The gallery, open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., features local artists, as well as craftspeople from across the state, region and nation. Visit www.cedarcreekgallery.com to learn more.
  • It’s a “Party with a purpose,” Allen says, as Mardi Gras returns to Oxford on Friday, Feb. 17 at The Orpheum. This fundraiser benefits the local Boys & Girls Club and returns after a COVID-induced hiatus. Tickets are $75. Admission includes heavy hors d’oeuvres from local eateries and beverage tickets. A cash bar is available. Cocktail attire suggested – Mardi Gras mask optional. The popular selfie station will be open for photos!
  • The next night, Saturday, Feb. 18, head on over to Thorndale Oaks for a “Death by Disco” murder mystery dinner theater. Dig back into your clothes closets for those vintage 1970’s outfits – you know you’ve got ‘em. The fun is from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. “While you’re eating and having a good time, you’ll be part of a murder mystery,” Allen said. After the mystery has been solved, participants can show some of those smooth ‘70’s moves on the dance floor. Tickets are $75. Call Thorndale Oaks at 919.603.3701 to reserve your seats, and Allen recommends that those calls be made sooner rather than later. “I think this one will fill up fast,” she said. “This one is flat-out fun.”
  • Another fundraiser on the horizon will benefit our furry friends, Allen noted. The Puppy Love Quarters Auction takes place on 25 at The Barn at Vino. Bring your quarters and plan on having some food and fun from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., all to benefit the Dogs Deserve Better Piedmont nonprofit organization. A couple of food trucks will be selling food and there will be vendors on hand from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • A big event will be held Saturday, Mar. 4 at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center designed to provide some one-stop shopping for anyone planning, well, a big event. It’s called the Wedding and Event Expo, and Allen said it will bring a variety of planners under one roof to help anyone planning a special occasion, whether it’s a wedding, an “over-the-top birthday celebration,” anniversary or family reunion.

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.

  • The Vikings are set to invade again this year as The Barn at Vino hosts the two-day “Viking Experience” on 25-26. “This is one of the most unique festivals we have in Granville County,” Allen said, with more than 30 characters in full costume interacting with participants throughout the two days of fun, merry-making that provide an “immersive experience through interaction,” according to the group’s website. Visit https://www.thevikingexperiencenc.com/ for ticket information.

Find details about these events – and more – at https://visitgranvillenc.com/

 

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Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen Recognized For “Outside The Box” Thinking

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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.

The Local Skinny! Granville County is Ready for the Holidays!

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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!

  • Cedar Creek Gallery just outside Creedmoor is having its annual holiday open house this weekend. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12 and Sunday, Nov. 13.
  • The Hub on Main’s Craft and Brew festival in downtown Oxford Saturday. A portion of Main Street will be closed off to allow for live music, alongside dozens of beer, craft and food vendors from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Tickets for the beer tasting tickets are available via The Hub on Main Facebook page.
  • Thorndale Oaks is having its traditional Thanksgiving lunch buffet on Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 11:30 am to 2 p.m. Call 919.603.3701 to reserve a table for this sumptuous event.
  • Turkey Trot to benefit Area Congregations in Ministry. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. outside the Oxford United Methodist Church and the walk/run begins at 9 a.m.
  • C.J. Harris is presenting Something to Do. Get together with family and friends. Nov. 25 Friday 7 p.m. to midnight. DJ Mike will be there playing your favorite Motown and soul tunes. Tickets $15 each or reserve a table for $20.
  • Grey Blackwell and friends are transitioning the Granville Haunt Farm “from scary to merry” with the opening of Granville Christmas Farm, a festival of lights celebration that will kick off the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving and will continue through Christmas. Visit https://www.granvillechristmasfarm.com/ to learn more.

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

 

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TownTalk: Granville Gears Up For A Spooktacular Halloween And More!

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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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The Local Skinny! Restaurant Week Comes To Oxford

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Local foodies, take note!

Next week, innovative dining experiences are a short drive away as Oxford kicks off “Restaurant Week.”

The event kicks off this Sunday, Sept. 25, with a Sunday Supper at Oxford Oaks Farm, located in Oxford Park, 3679 Oaklawn Dr., and Granville Tourism Director Angela Allen told Bill Harris on The Local Skinny! Monday that the apps and drinks will be served at 5:30 p.m., followed by a three-course meal at 6 that will be topped off with dessert and coffee.

This is a ticketed event and Allen said seating is limited. Visit https://strongarm.menu for details and to purchase tickets.

Q, the general manager for Tobacco Wood Brewing Co., said the idea for Restaurant Week grew out of the Quittin’ Time events that have been held in downtown Oxford for the past couple of years.

Quittin’ Time features small plates, or tapas, and patrons walk among the participating restaurants to sample food and beverages. But during Restaurant Week, each restaurant takes a turn at providing a specialty meal.

“Every restaurant in this town has superstars…who come up with some of the most creative dishes than I’ve seen in a long time – it’s gonna blow people’s minds,” Q said.

Up first is Harvest, with a prix fixe dinner on Tuesday, Sept. 27. There is a 5:30 p.m. seating and a 7:30 p.m. seating. Call Harvest this week between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. at 919.603.1460 to reserve a spot.

On Wednesday, the spotlight shines on Main St. Oasis, where reservations will be accepted, but are not necessary. A Mediterranean fish dinner is the featured dish.

Uptown and Strong Arm team up for Thursday evening’s culinary delights. Uptown and Tobacco Wood will be featured again on Saturday evening.

Tobacco Wood is pairing the music of a jazz trio with some kitchen vibes straight out of the Delta: “we’re going to do a little Cajun Creole night,” Q said, with some specialty dishes available – think jambalaya and shrimp and grits. Guests also can choose to spice up the wings or other regular menu items with a little Cajun dry rub or Cajun sauce, Q added.

The beauty of Restaurant Week, Q said, is that patrons “have a full night to understand what each restaurant has to offer…plus more. The plus more is what you’re going to see” next week, he added.

Check out the full listing of Oxford’s Restaurant Week at Visit Granville County NC’s Facebook page.

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The Local Skinny! September Heating Up In Oxford

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Anyone in the listening area who complains about there being nothing to do better not let Angela Allen hear you.

Allen, Granville County Tourism Director, has outlined a bevy of events that are taking place in the next couple of months that will keep you on your toes.  (Listen Here – The Local Skinny! September Heating Up In Oxford)

First up, the 16th annual Hot Sauce Contest and Festival, which takes over downtown Oxford on Saturday, Sept. 10. From live music, food and beverage vendors and classic car show – and don’t forget the pepper eating contest – the daylong festival has something for everyone.

Visit nchotsaucecontestandfestival.com for a complete list of events and schedules or to sign up to be a volunteer.

The following weekend, it’s downtown Creedmoor putting on a show – literally. The Creedmoor Music Festival cranks up from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17.

“We’re really excited about (that) one, it’s been two years” since the festival could be held because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Visitors will hear a variety of music throughout the day, performed by local groups and regional favorites. See the complete lineup and schedule at https://www.cityofcreedmoor.org/departments/recreation/events/creedmoor-music-festival

“The thing that makes it so unique is that you get to hear so many genres in one day,” Allen said. There will be everything from bluegrass to British Invasion tribute bands in Creedmoor for the festival.

And, hot off the press, Allen said, is the “very first Restaurant Week in downtown Oxford.” During the week of Sept. 25 to Oct. 1, all the downtown restaurants will participate in a celebration that includes special menus and pop-ups.

“I’m definitely looking forward to it,” Allen said, adding that a kickoff event is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 25 with a special “Supper at Oxford Oaks.” Oxford Oaks is the new distillery coming to College Street. Find more information at visitgranvillenc.com/

October ushers in a variety of activities across the county, from the Oct. 1 CultureFest in downtown Oxford to the Cedar Creek fall pottery and glass festival, which takes place the first two weekends in October outside Creedmoor.

Once you’ve perused the gallery with works from more than 200 artists ranging from handcrafted pottery, glass sculptures, jewelry and more, head over to the Granville Haunt Farm on Hwy 15 south of Oxford.

The drive-through event takes place on Friday and Saturday evenings in October, Allen said.

“You can be terrified from the comfort of your own car.”

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TownTalk: Granville Tourism Prepares For A Busy Intro To Fall

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Summer may be a time to slow down and enjoy family vacations, outdoor activities or chill out with a good book in the air conditioning, but Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen invites everyone to come out to the streets of Oxford and Creedmoor for several upcoming events.

On Saturday, Aug. 6, head over to Old Warehouse Square just off College Street in downtown Oxford for a “Back to School Bash.” There will be a bounce house, fairy hair, vendors and food trucks on hand from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Allen told WIZS’s Bill Harris Thursday on Town Talk. There will be a school bus on hand to accept school supplies and donations, and Allen said the goal is to fill that bus with items that can be used in classrooms across the county.

Numerous downtown merchants will have collection bins for donating school supplies for students and teachers in advance of the event, and folks are invited to make donations, Allen added.

By early August, grownup and children alike are “getting ready to get their mindset back to school,” Allen said, so a fun family event is just the thing for preparing to return to the classroom.

The Back to School Bash coincides with the annual Sidewalk Sale in downtown Oxford, which happens on Friday, Aug. 5.

If bluegrass music is more your jam, check out Music on Main in downtown Oxford on Friday, Aug. 12. The Grass Street Band will perform from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. “It’s a great time to get out on the streets in downtown Oxford…grab some to-go and bring your lawn chair,” Allen said.

The Creedmoor Music Festival is returning after a break during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Allen said it is “definitely back, bigger and better.” The festival is set for Saturday, Sept. 17 in downtown Creedmoor. Music lovers will enjoy seven different performances on two stages throughout the event, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Allen said there’s a variety of genres represented, from rock and R&B, to Bluegrass and sounds of the ‘60s by band The British Invaders. Add to that mix more than 100 food and craft vendors, and the 29th annual Creedmoor Music Festival will have something for everyone. Find Creedmoor Music Festival 2022 on Facebook or visit https://www.cityofcreedmoor.org/ for updates on when the different groups will perform.

The final concert of the Alive After Five series will take place on Thursday, Sept. 29 in downtown Oxford from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Little John parking lot just off Main Street. The group Spare Change will perform.

And wedged in between all the musical performances is the 16th annual Hot Sauce Contest and Festival. The event, held on the second Saturday in September, falls on Saturday, Sept. 10 and Oxford is gearing up for another influx of visitors to sample the latest hot sauces and mingle downtown for a day of fun and food.

The Embers with Craig Woolard and Crush are among the musical guests scheduled to appear on the Main Stage, as well as numerous other local artists on the regional stage.

The classic car show, always a crowd favorite, will showcase cars for participants to view.

The kids’ area returns with lots of activities like inflatables, crafts and face painting to keep the little ones happy.

There’s a new scavenger hunt planned, which gives participants the chance to win a gift basket filled with hot sauces and other items from downtown merchants.

Check out all the activities planned at a new website, https://nchotsaucecontestandfestival.com/

 

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