Summer vacations are over, the kids are back in school and you are looking for fun-filled weekend trips close to home to enjoy...and Johnston County fits the bill. Starting in September visitors will find many unique festivals and events to enjoy, and several that honor our agricultural heritage.
Benson Mule Days began in 1949 in the charming farming community of Benson whose leaders wanted to honor the hard-working mule and the importance of agriculture in the region. For over 60 years, this festival has hosted Mule Competitions, rodeos, art festivals, midways and carnival rides and one of the largest parades in the state of North Carolina. Over 2,000 horses and mules will ride in the Saturday morning parade which over 10,000 people attend each year. If you are a horse or mule enthusiast and would like to ride in this year's parade, learn more on the event website, www.bensonmuledays.com. Admission is charged for carnival rides and rodeos. This year's Mule Days will take place the 22nd through the 25th of September.
The Clayton Harvest & Music Festival will be September 17th starting at 9:00AM. Enjoy the Kid's Corner, Safety City, Health & Fitness Village, Arts at The Wagner, over 200 vendors, classic car show, food, musical entertainment on The Main Stage, carnival rides and more.
Other September events include the St. Ann International Food Festival, a Deep River Beer Dinner with CJ's Street Food, and a Monster Truck Throwdown at GALOT Motorsports Park.
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oking into October for things to do you may consider the Annual Selma Railroad Days Festival, always the first Saturday in October. Railroad Days includes a 5K run, parade, crafts, food, children's area and a variety of entertainment. Admission is FREE. For more information go here.
October is bursting like a full pumpkin patch with other events for families like the Wilson's Mills Pumpkin Festival, the Broadslab Shine & Shop Handmade & Vintage Market, and the Clayton Piano Festival. Not to mention, tons of Halloween events later in the month. Don't forget about the many family-owned farms across Johnston County offering pumpkin patches, hayrides, and even spooky evening activities for adults. You can find their activities on our calendar of events as well. Click here to view the events calendar. In addition, you can call our office for a FREE visitors guide at 1-800-441-7829.
