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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