Blog postings this week on the Johnston County Arts Council Blog.  Check them out! 

• Olympic Art http://blogs.wncn.info/jcarts/2008/08/10/olympic-art/ 
• Clayton Visual Arts Exhibit http://blogs.wncn.info/jcarts/2008/08/11/this-thursdays-cva-reception/
• Music for the Lunch Bunch last performance http://blogs.wncn.info/jcarts/2008/08/12/last-performance-in-the-music-for-the-lunch-bunch-series/
• 101 Things to Do in Johnston County http://blogs.wncn.info/jcarts/2008/08/13/101-things-to-do-in-johnston-county/
• Smithfield Selma Senior Marching Spartans http://blogs.wncn.info/jcarts/2008/08/14/smithfield-selma-senior-high-marching-spartans/
• Friday Fun:  Bob Ross Quotes http://blogs.wncn.info/jcarts/2008/08/15/friday-fun-bob-ross-quotes/

ARTS AND FINE CRAFTS MARKETPLACE

September 27, 2008

JOCO Artists Guild sponsored outdoor juried event.  Open to all media.  Please no craft kits or commercially manufactured items.  All submissions must be original work of the artist.  Entries received after August 1, 2008 $45.  Booth fee is included.  For prospectus, visit www.johnstoncountyarts.org, or email info@johnstoncountyarts.org.

Bring your family and enjoy a concert under the stars featuring The Band of Oz. Event time: 5:30pm-9pm. Admission is free.

While the West Johnston band is preparing to represent Johnston County and the State of North Carolina at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, the band parents are continuing to fundraise to provide the financial support needed to make the trip a reality.

On behalf of the 190 students in the West Johnston band, we appreciate your support as we join together to provide the first band from Johnston County the opportunity to bring positive attention to our county and state through this nationally recognized event.

Mark your calendar for these fundraising events!

Ø      Car Wash Competition @ various locations on Sat., Aug. 16th from 9:00 a.m.-Noon

Ø      Grocery Store Sales on Sat., Aug. 30th @ Lowe's Foods @ 50/42, Dunn Gas & Grocery in Four Oaks and Edwards Foods in Four Oaks

Ø      BBQ Dinner & Bingo! w/Cake Walks & Face Painting on the side (eat in or take out!) on Sat., Sept. 6th - dinner @ 6 p.m. and Bingo! @ 7 p.m. in the West cafeteria

Ø      Chick Fil A Spirit Night @ CFA @ White Oak on Sat., Sept. 20th , 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. with a Pep Band

Need more information?

Email secretary@wjhsbands.org

Macy's Here We Come!

 Although he's regularly panned as a "true artist" (whatever that means), Bob Ross is known around the country for his show that aired on PBS.  Here are some quotes from Bob Ross.  What's your favorite? I've always loved "happy little trees."

• That'll be our little secret.

• In painting, you have unlimited power. You have the ability to move mountains. You can bend rivers. But when I get home, the only thing I have power over, is the garbage.

• Remember our Golden Rule: A thin paint sticks to a thick paint.

• And that makes it look like birch trees, isn't that sneaky? Heh. Ha. It's gorgeous.

• You know me, I gotta put in a big tree.

• Here's your bravery test!
  • Almost always before putting in a big tree.

• Gotta give him a friend. Like I always say 'everyone needs a friend'.

• We don't know where it goes. We don't really care.
  • After painting in a path or snow drift.

• Any time ya learn, ya gain.

• Any way you want it to be, that's just right.

• As my son Steve says, just 'smoosh' it in there. It's not a real word, but people seem to know what it means.

• Be sure to use odorless paint-thinner. If it's not odorless, you'll find yourself working alone very, very quick.

• Let's just blend this little rascal here, ha! Happy as we can be.

• Clouds are very, very free.

• Just put a few do-ers in there…

• Decide where your little footy hills live.

• Haha, and just beat the devil out of it.
  • I like to beat the brush.
  • You can use a brush rack to hit the brush on. Otherwise you will become unpopular real fast.
    • Said after cleaning the brush with odorless thinner, while shaking off excess liquid by rapidly beating the brush against a post of the easel.

• If you did this with yellow, and you went over it with blue, you would end up with a .. with a translucent… green. And it's gorgeous. It is GORGEOUS.

• If you did this with blue, and you went over it with yellow, you would end up with a nice green sky.

• Just lightly blend it, one hair and some air.

• Tender as a mothers love… And with my mother, that was certainly true.

• Let's do a little cabinectomy here.

• Oh, you'd be in Agony City by now.
  • Said when he describes his paint method being used incorrectly.

• Just scrape in a few indications of sticks and twigs and other little things in there. People will think you spend hours doing this.

• Little raccoons and old possums 'n' stuff all live up in here. They've got to have a little place to sit.

• Little squirrels 'n' rabbits, and if this was in Florida or Georgia somewhere down there, might be an alligator or two hid back here.

• Maybe in our world there lives a happy little tree over there.

• Oh, green water… oh that's pretty. Boy, I like that, just alive with algae.

• Oh, that would make a nice place to fish. I like fishing, but I'm not a very good fisherman. I always throw the fish back into the water, just put a band-aid on his mouth, tap 'im on the patootie and let him on his way. And maybe some day, if I'm lucky, I'll get to catch him again.

• Oooh, if you have never been to Alaska, go there while it is still wild. My favorite uncle asked me if I wanted to go there, Uncle Sam. He said if you don't go, you're going to jail. That is how Uncle Sam asks you.

• People look at me like I'm a little strange, when I go around talking to squirrels and rabbits and stuff. That's ok. Thaaaat's just ok.

• People might look at you a bit funny, but it's okay. Artists are allowed to be a bit different.

• Shwooop. Hehe. You have to make those little noises, or it just doesn't work.

• Talk to the tree, make friends with it.

• I taught my son to paint mountains like these, and guess what? Now he paints the best damn mountains in the industry.

• That's a crooked tree. We'll send him to Washington.

• That's where the crows will sit. But we'll have to put an elevator to put them up there because they can't fly, but they don't know that, so they still try.

• The only thing worse than yellow snow is green snow.

• The secret to doing anything is believing that you can do it. Anything that you believe you can do strong enough, you can do. Anything. As long as you believe.

• The trees are oh so soft, oh so soft I freakin' love it.

• There's nothing wrong with having a tree as a friend.

• Trees cover up a multitude of sins.

• Try to imagine that you are a tree. How do you want to look out here?

• Water's like me. It's laaazy… Boy, it always looks for the easiest way to do things.

• We don't make mistakes, we just have happy accidents.

• We tell people sometimes: we're like drug dealers, come into town and get everybody absolutely addicted to painting. It doesn't take much to get you addicted.

• We want happy paintings. Happy paintings. If you want sad things, watch the news.

• We're gonna make some big decisions in our little world.

• Well, the little clock on the wall says we're just about out of time. God bless you my friend.
  • Well, the little clock on the wall says we're just about out of time. Goodnight and God bless.
  • Well, the little clock on the wall says we're just about out of time. Happy Painting and God bless
  • From all of us here I'd like to wish you happy painting…and God bless my friend.

• When I was teaching my son Steve to paint, I used to tell him, just pretend he was a whisper, and he floated right across the mountain, that easy, gentle, make love to it, caress it.

• You can do anything you want to do. This is your world.

• I can't go over 30 minutes, because we have a mean ol' director with no sense of humor.

• You can put as many or as few as you want in your world.
  • In reference to a variety of things including trees, clouds, mountains, hills, fence posts, rocks, etc.

• Even if you've never painted before, this one you can do.

Contributed by local resident Jennifer Hinton: 

The Story of SSS Band follows below this quick announcement: 

Friends and Family Night
Friday, August 15, 2008
Location: Smithfield-Selma Football Stadium
700 Booker Dairy Road
Smithfield, NC  27577
Time: Performance is at 7:45 PM
Admission: FREE - Open to the General Public

Bring the family out to the Charles Tucker Stadium to watch the SSS Marching Spartan Regiment debut their 2008-09 field show entitled "Who."  This sneak peek will take place on Friday, August 15. 2008 around 7:45 PM.  There is no admission cost.

And now for the history of the Smithfield Selma Senior High Marching Spartans…

The story begins, as many stories do, at the beginning – precisely in 1969.  The Smithfield-Selma High School was formed by bringing 6 high schools together in the town of Smithfield, NC.  One man was asked to head-up the Band Program and he did so with Spartan Spirit until his retirement in 1986.  That man was NCA&T Alumnus, John R. "Doc" Windley.  Mr. Windley was quite the character.  I had the privilege of studying music under him until he retired my senior year in 1986.  The Bands of Smithfield-Selma, also known as SSS (Pronounced Triple S), developed quite a reputation during the 70's and 80's because of Mr. Windley's ability to supercharge his marching bands into some great street performances in local and national parades.  He has taken his marching bands to places like New Orleans, SeaWorld, Preakness and the Rose Bowl Parade. 

If you were to speak with locals who visited North Carolina parades in the 70's and 80's, they knew John Windley by name and they admitted they came to the parade mainly to watch the Mighty SSS Band breakout into the crowds or change direction with an abrupt about-face while "stepping out."  As the self-proclaimed historian of the SSS Class of 1986, I have acquired quite a bit of film footage of the SSS Bands from 1985 and 1986.  Some of these videos consist of field show and parade competitions.  Some consist of championship football games. (The SSS Football team went to state 4A playoffs 3 consecutive years between 1984 and 1986.) One of my most cherished videos is of the SSS Band's performance in the Governor Martin Inaugural Parade in 1985.  The SSS Band was the largest band in the parade that day sporting 182 members.  All of these videos have been donated to the Johnston County Heritage Center.

During Mr. Windley's tenure, his bands ranged in size from 150-225 participants.  Even though SSS was not a 4A school at the time, both the football team and the band participated in competitions with 4A schools.  The SSS Bands of the 70's and 80's always received Superior Ratings in Grade VI music.    

After Mr. Windley retired in 1986, there were some good band programs at Smithfield-Selma High School, but not many of the directors and staff lasted more than about 3-4 years.  The lack of consistency created obstacles difficult to overcome.  By the mid to late '90's participation in the SSS Band Program had diminished to less than 60 participants.  

About 5 years ago, Brian Jones accepted the position of Band Director at Smithfield-Selma High School and to put it in a nutshell – he has done an awesome job of reviving a dormant band program.  When he came on board, the Band's Financial Budget teetered at around $15,000.  Our budget for the past three years has been around $100,000 each year.  We are struggling to make it, but when there is a will, there's a way and we are determined to see to the needs of these talented students

Just in the past 5 years, Band Director Brian Jones has increased participation in our high school band program from less than 60 students to more than 200 throughout a school year.  Our Fall Marching Band participation numbers have leveled off at about 125 members consistently over the past three years.  Jason Heard joined Brian Jones this past school year as co-Band Director and together they have really become a dynamic duo.  The efforts of the Band Directors, support staff and hard-working students have not gone unnoticed.  The County is building a new band room at the Smithfield-Selma High School to replace a 30 year-old band room.  In conjunction with the construction of the new band room, the band is selling personalized brick pavers to celebrate the rich history of programs at the school.  For more information, go to www.sssband.org and click on the link for Spartan Brick Yard.  Through this construction project, we hope to provide a better service to future performing arts students at the school and honor John Windley in the process.  A part of him will always live-on at that school.

The SSS Band program is branching out and offering many more opportunities for students – even those without a musical background – to participate in the performing arts.  The 2007-08 school year was the first time the school offered an Indoor Winter Guard Team.  They were undefeated and finished Regional Champions in the Atlantic Indoor Association (AIA).  That fact, in itself, isn't enough information to paint a complete picture of what that accomplishment means to the community.  The physical high school building has changed very little in recent years, other than adding onto the cafeteria and classrooms.  Up and until recently, the school's facility had been mostly unchanged since the 70's.  Because this was the first time SSS had ever fielded an Indoor Winter Guard team, there was no where to rehearse on site.  The basketball teams pretty much had the gym filled with the need for a practice space.  The newly formed Indoor Percussion Ensemble also needed to practice in the gym. (They also have accomplished quite a lot.  Their story will come a little later. )

Where in Johnston County could the Winter Guard practice?  They needed lots of indoor space. Johnston County was once the nation's top producer of tobacco.  There were once more tobacco warehouses in Johnston County than hotels.  There are still a few standing.  Jean Harris, a band mom, made arrangements for the SSS Winter Indoor Guard to use a local warehouse for the group to practice.  Without the assistance of people like Jean and others in the Smithfield-Selma and surrounding communities, this performing arts program would never have gotten off the ground, let alone produced a Regional Winner.  This group was heralded as a phenomenal support group at the band's award banquet ceremony.  The Directors and Staff remarked about how this group always got along; was always helping each other out; and created a bond that would last for life.

If you love all kinds of music, you will enjoy watching the SSS Indoor Percussion Ensemble perform their 2007-08 award-winning show called MOTOWN METAL.  The amazing accomplishments of the SSS Indoor Percussion actually began during the 2006-07 school season. For the first time in the school's history, the 2006-07 SSS Band Program participated in the Atlantic Indoor Association's (AIA) Indoor Percussion Competition Circuit and finished 3^rd place - the TOP NORTH CAROLINA BAND with their show THE HAUNTING. 

During the 2007-08 school year, the SSS Indoor Percussion Ensemble roared out of the starting gates with fire in their gas tanks with their show MOTOWN METAL.  The show was written exclusively for the SSS IPE and was a montage of very familiar Motown and Heavy Metal Tunes.  They won many awards this year and were honored to be promoted TWO TIMES to land in an OPEN ENSEMBLE category.  They made another appearance at the AIA REGIONALS in March and represented their community well by making the finals again this year.  They also branched out into the WGI circuit to make finals there as well.    The results of their accomplishments in Indoor Competitions are not surprising.  For several years since Brian Jones came on board, the SSS Percussion Section has out scored Green Hope High, Cary High, and West Johnston High in marching band competitions on many occasions.  We are very proud of how hard they have worked and what they have accomplished.

They developed quite a following on www.youtube.com with their underdog story. One fan in particular posted home video of their parking lot warm-up and requested videos of future performances.  If you would like to see two of their award-winning performances from this year, you can go to YouTube and search for the following files.  (These videos were posted by an on-line fan.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5p_f3Re1Kg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo_BwvOdMp0

We hope you will share this success story with others.  We are very proud of these students, Directors and the support staff! 

I'm guilty of it.  I'll bet you're guilty of it.  Living in a place ripe with treasures and never seeing those things - although you'll spend money to travel to other places to see their treasures.  I lived in Johnston County all my life, but didn't visit the Ava Gardner Museum until I was 25 and I've never been to Mule Days (although I may be in the minority on that one).  I have a good friend that lived in Chicago for 8 years and went to the Art Institute the last week she was there. 

So with gas prices the way they are, no time like the present to have a "staycation" and check out what's awesome about the place you call home.

From the Johnston County Visitors Bureau, a list of 101 Things to Do in Johnston County. 

1. First, get to know the county by visiting the Johnston
County Heritage Center to learn about the county's history and its people at the exhibits on the first floor.

2. Spend the day on the restored farmstead at the Tobacco Farm Life Museum and see how Eastern North Carolina farm families lived, worked and played during the depression era.

1. Stop and sip on grapes or buy some jelly as you enjoy the picturesque vineyards and winery at Hinnant Family Vineyards in Pine Level.
2. Check out what's biting, relax and fish on the banks of the Neuse River at the Town Commons in Smithfield, the ponds at Howell Woods or Langdon's Fishing.
3. For 25-65% off national retail brands like Nike, Ralph Lauren Polo, Coach and Liz Claiborne, don't miss a shopping trip to Carolina Premium Outlets in Smithfield with over 80 stores to choose from.
4. Take a 2-hour canoe trip on the river with Neuse Adventures Canoe & Kayak Rentals in Clayton.
5. Ava Gardner - she was a Hollywood legend during the "Golden Age" and she was born in the Brogden Community east of Smithfield – visit the Ava Gardner Museum and learn about her Cinderella story and rise to stardom.
6. Flowers, fountains, concrete planters and an outstanding gift shop are what you will find at DeWayne's Home and Garden Showplace in Smithfield, NC.
7. Catch the family fun of youth athletics throughout the year for soccer, baseball, football and basketball…check out schedules with your local Parks & Recreation Department.
8. Find out who the Cornbread Man is at Atkinson's Mill and take a tour of the old grist mill still producing outstanding cornmeal products.
9. Find the soldier's uniform from the Spanish-American War at the Benson Museum of Local History.
10. Sit under the pine trees and enjoy gospel music at the Benson Singing Convention held every June….amazing!
11. Take a trip down a waterslide at Tucker Lake near Benson. Take some sunscreen!
12. Enjoy a play by the Benson Little Theatre group at W.J. Barefoot Auditorium, a restored high school.
13. Looking for somewhere to launch your boat into the Neuse River? You can do so at the boat ramp at Smithfield Town Commons, the Neuse Bait and Tackle on US 301 and Richardson's Bridge Boat Ramp in southern Johnston County.
14. Follow the Carolina's Campaign Civil War Trail in Johnston County that marks the activities of General William T. Sherman as he marched from Atlanta as the war ended in 1865. There are ten markers that begin in the Bentonville community and travel through to Clayton.
15. Enjoy the thrills of motocross tracks at the Motocross Park East in the Archer's Lodge area and Johnston County Speedway in the Cleveland Community.
16. If you love to hunt for deer or would like to try shooting boar, contact Howell Woods for several controlled hunts….you can even rent a cabin for the trip right on the site
17. Conduct research on your family's genealogical past in Johnston County at the Margaret Lee Reading Room at the Heritage Center.
18. Check out a book or video from one of the seven libraries in the county. Smithfield, Selma, Benson, Clayton, Four Oaks, Kenly and Princeton.
19. Join the coffee club at Riverside Café in Downtown Smithfield.
20. Taste and compare Holt Lake's, White Swan's, Smithfield's and Stephenson's BBQ…..determine who is the best. Everyone has their favorite!!!!
21. Get to Wilson's Mills Farm Market early and often for delicious locally baked cakes and pies and seasonal fresh produce
22. Did you know you can find rhododendron in the Flower Hill area, where the piedmont meets the coastal plain in
    North Carolina….the best time to visit the area is the first couple of weeks in May.
23. If you want to ride bikes in Johnston County, there are many country roads to explore The Selma Cyclepaths have developed several biking trails; check out their web site, http://www.selmacyclepaths.org/21376/index.html for more info.
24. Walk the fields and union earthworks at the Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site – the largest land battle fought in North Carolina during the Civil War. Also enjoy the museum, Harper House and driving trails of the battlefield.
25. Take a tour of B&B Produce, a sweet potato distribution center in Benson and learn how to cook a sweet potato in the microwave.
26. Buy a blue ribbon award-winning pound cake and other treats at The Pound Cake Company in Benson.
27. Shop for and cut your own Christmas tree at Northlake Christmas Tree Farm in Meadow.
28. Shop for western wear, belt buckles, boots and hats at Billy Byrd's Western Wear in Benson. Look for the big red boot on Main Street!
29. Honor the farming heritage of Benson and the beast of burden at the annual Benson Mule Days Festival held each September.
30. Treat yourself to a lemonade or orangeade at Warren Drug Co. in Benson or Creech Drug Store in Selma.
31. Admire the many fine miniature horses bred at Banks Miniature Horse Farm near Clayton.
32. Enjoy a performance at the 600-seat performing arts auditorium, The Clayton Center, in the restored Clayton high school.
33. Walk the many trails at Clemmons Educational State Forest and listen to the talking rocks and trees and exhibits explaining the managed forest.
34. Lace on your skates and take a trip around the rink at Interskate of Clayton.
35. Take your bike and enjoy the thrills and avoid the spills at Legend Park bike course in Clayton.
36. Bowl, play pool or enjoy the arcade games at Rainbow Lanes Family Fun Center in Clayton….a great place for a birthday party!
37. In October, Boyette Farms turns into the Clayton Fear Farm complete with haunted houses, scary hay rides and much more.
38. Return to Boyette Farms at Christmas time for a hayride along the Neuse River for the "Lights on the Neuse."
39. For kids of all ages, stop by the Pottery Camp and paint a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special.
40. The Flip Side in downtown Clayton offers live entertainment year round.
41. Jone's Lunch or Short's Grill are the places to visit for some famous red skin Carolina Packer Hot Dogs.
42. Tee it up and golf in Clayton with The Neuse Golf Club, Pine Hollow Golf Club and Riverwood Golf & Athletic Club.
43. Take a swing and crack the bat at Sluggers indoor batting cages.
44. Enjoy a sweet treat at the Cleveland Cake & Coffee Co. where homemade goodness awaits!
45. Pick strawberries April to June at Smith's Strawberry Farm & Nursery at McGee's Crossroads, Wilson's Mills Farm Market, Beasley's Berries or Jan's Strawberries for some fun with the kids!.
46. Hike, bike and just explore the trails at Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center off of Devil's….watch out for birds!
47. Stop and shop in one of Johnston County's original hardware stores at Austin General Store in Four Oaks.
48. Experience the auctioneer's fast paced chant as he sales antiques at the Four Oaks Auction Gallery – last Saturday of the month.
49. Explore the unique mud and stick chimney construction and hand-hew planks of the Boyette Slave & Schoolhouse near Kenly.
50. Learn more about the history of Kenly and the lives of local farmers and citizens at the Kenly Area Historical Society.
51. For great Southern cooking and a basket of Atkinson's Mill hushpuppies stop by Parkside Café in Pine Level, or Holt's Lake BBQ in Smithfield.
52. For the largest selection of Hosta and uniquely colored Lilies, head out to Princeton on US Hwy 70 to Powell's Gardens.
53. Tap your foot to the country tunes and gospel music served up with style at the American Music Jubilee in Selma – it's a treat for the whole family!
54. For savings at the box office, the historic Howell Theatre in Downtown Smithfield offers all shows for $2.00.
55. Walk among the pine trees and trails around the Johnston Community College Arboretum in Smithfield and enjoy local garden plants & trees – check their calendar for special sales and events.
56. For hometown talent, visit the Neuse Little Theatre, which hosts several performances each year at Smithfield Town Commons – Legend Hut.
57. All year round, the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium offers entertainment such as the Performing Arts Concert Series, the Country Music Showcase and Johnston County Chorale – buy your season tickets early for the best seat in the house!
58. Johnston County's new ten-theatre complex offers first run movies with stadium seating – check out the movies at Smithfield Cinemas.
59. Take a stroll along the Neuse River Walk at the Smithfield Town Commons – this one-mile trail begins at the boat ramp on Front Street.
60. Looking to enjoy some art? Try the Frank Creech Art Gallery at Johnston Community College and exhibits at The Clayton Center. For more events for the arts, visit the Johnston County Arts Council site, http://www.johnstoncountyarts.org.
61. Visit the 1924 restored Selma Union Station where railroad exhibits fill the waiting area and learn about local Selma history. AMTRAK tickets are on sale in the lobby – take a ride and enjoy the rumble of the tracks.
62. Shop, Shop and shop some more for memories gone by at over 15 antique stores in the charming uptown Selma Antique Shopping District.
63. Home to the Carhartt jeans and big man apparel with sizes up to 52, Carolina Apparel in Selma is the place to shop.
64. Have you ever seen so much stuff for sale as they have at JR Discount Outlets, you will be amazed at the selection of household items, books, clothes, cosmetics and fragrances.
65. For great savings, buy direct from the factory store of Soffe Company, and find bargains on t-shirts and shorts.
66. For soaps and lotions and unique gifts, plan a visit to Anderson Street Soap & Nutrition Company in Selma.
67. For that fishing trip, you will find all your supplies at the Castaway Fishing store in Downtown Smithfield – watch out fish!
68. The award winning country hams at Smithfield Ham Shop is only one reason to stop by and shop for unique gifts – also view the "curing room" and learn about this century old method of preserving meats.
69. Enjoy a special and unique treat at the Edelweiss Café, which features sandwiches on bakery-fresh breads, German entrees and desserts.
70. On a warm day, the Hills of Snow Snowballs on US 301 in Smithfield offers relief from the heat with over 99 flavors.
71. For bluegrass music on Friday nights, visit the Country Tonight show at the Historic Ice House in Selma.
72. Literally laugh out loud at the LOL Comedy Club every weekend in Clayton.
73. Year round living history events are held at Bentonville Battlefield depicting the lives of Civil War soldiers and their families, medical displays and artillery demonstrations.
74. Muscle cars and classic cars line the streets of Selma every April at the Annual Selma Car Classic.
75. The whole community enjoys the day at the Cleveland Strawberry Festival with carnival rides, food, games and of course – fresh picked strawberries and ice cream.
76. Pick up a map of Kenly and cruise the yard sales, car shows and crafts at the Annual Krusin' Kenly event held each year in April.
77. A day of fun is in store for you and the whole family at the Four Oaks Acorn Festival held each May, with a parade, live entertainment, and art exhibits.
78. One of the oldest festivals in Smithfield, the Ham & Yam celebration has grown to include national entertainment, children's activities, BBQ cook-offs and much more. Get there early on Saturday for Ham Biscuits!
79. Celebrate the community's commitment to their agriculture heritage at the annual Tobacco Farm Life Museum Anniversary open house. Fresh roasted corn, hot dogs, and entertainment offers fun all day!
80. For movie buffs, plan to be in Smithfield in September for the annual Ava Gardner Film Festival for art, music and independent films.
81. Drive through the bright lights of the Meadow community, ride Santa's train and visit the Country Christmas Candy Store for some old-fashion sweet treats. (Plan on dinner at Meadow Village Restaurant before the lights – yum!)
82. Experience how Christmas was celebrated with the Harper House kitchen decorated with authentic Victorian Era Yuletide decorations at Bentonville Battlefield Civil War Site.
83. Celebrate a country-style Christmas at Tobacco Farm Life Museum with old-fashioned decorations and refreshments.
84. The Coats Country Museum rings the bells every 4^th of July to celebrate the community. The museum is open on Wednesdays year round.
85. Getting married? There are several unique venues in Johnston County to tie the knot. Preston Woodall House, The Gardens at Landmark, Hinnant Family Vineyard & Winery, The Wagner and The Clayton Center.
86. The Johnston County Livestock Arena hosts 4H shows and sales each spring – learn more about our farming families and how they care for livestock.
87. Lazy O Farms is dedicated to teaching children about farm life and host several events year round at Easter, summer time and Thanksgiving.
88. For that family reunion or special event, contact SSS Ranch to enjoy the outdoors, fishing, trails, farm and exotic animals.
89. Watch stock cars circle the track at Southern National Speedway near Kenly every Saturday night – April to October.
90. Orchard House Booksellers offers more than books; also enjoy ice cream and Friday night entertainment.
91. If you are brave enough, rent a Harley for the day at Shelton's Harley-Davidson in Smithfield and hit the country X-roads of Johnston County.
92. Create a family fun craft project collecting your treasures and take them to Memory Lane Frame Studio where Tara will honor your memories with a unique shadowbox.
93. Whistle Stop Quilt Shop offers quilters an abundance of items you will need like patterns, thread, cotton material and how-to books.
94. For golfers traveling I-95, Cardinal Country Club in Pine Level and Reedy Creek near Four Oaks are an easy drive. Drive….get it?
95. Need to find a sports bar for the big game – remember N& N Sports Bar in Smithfield, McKinley's Pub in Clayton and Cleveland Draft House, I-40, Exit 312.
96. Need to refresh and rejuvenate? Try one of the day spas in the area: The Dupree House, Georgia's Salon & Spa, Serene Spa, Botanicals Salon & Spa and Faces Day Spa.
97. For a special mother and daughter outing, visit Main Street Café and Tea Room in Clayton followed by a visit to the children's spa – It's all about me!
98. Have you ever eaten in a silver bullet diner – make the trip to the Rockin' Comet Diner in Clayton. Save room for dessert!
99. For the largest southern buffet anywhere, visit Meadow Village Restaurant 7 miles south on Hwy 50 from Benson. It is worth the drive, trust me!

If you are through with the 101 Things to Do List, we suggest you take the family for a picnic at the Benson Singing Grove, and let the kids enjoy the playground while you think of some new adventures. Contact the Johnston County Visitors Bureau and we will update the list with any creative ideas you have discovered on your own!