There is so much going on in Clayton this Fall that I might not fit it all into this one post. But, I will try. The season of crisp air, warm apple pies, plump pumpkins, and autumn leaves is a magnificent time to be in Johnston County. Festivals, concerts, spooky hay rides, 5K races, and pumpkin patches dappled with autumnal light are just a few highlights from what is unabashedly my favorite season.

Squealin' on the Square

You might not want to get up quite as early as the Fifth Annual Clayton Chamber of Commerce BBQ Cookoff teams do. Squealin' on the Square teams are serious about cooking their pig to perfection, and some get started as early as 5:00AM. The good news for BBQ lovers is all that hard work pays off Saturday evening.

BBQ plates will be available to the public on Saturday, October 10th for $8.00 per plate from 4:00PM to 7:00PM. Purchase your BBQ plates from the Clayton Chamber of Commerce tent set-up. Or purchase them ahead of time by contacting the Chamber offices at 919-553-6352.

Clayton Center Concert Series

From sweet American blue grass and Celtic folk tunes to wildly talented guitar playing, the Clayton Center kicks off their Palladian Series with 2 stellar acts in October and November respectively. On October 24th the Annie Moses BandAnnie Moses Band (pictured at right) takes the stage, bringing their effervescent harmony and blended instrumentation to popular folk tunes and classical compositions. On November 7th join Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo - a charismatic duo of guitar technique wonderment.

The season continues into December and well into 2016 with 4 other amazing acts: 3 Redneck Tenors Christmas Spec-Tac-Yule-Ar, Franc D'Ambrosio's Broadway performance, the rocking honky tonk sounds of Lee Roy Parnell, and lastly the swagger and soul of Grammy-winning Mike Farris. For more information on each artist, and to purchase tickets, visit www.theclaytoncenter.com.

That's just a sneak peek of Fall in Clayton. There's so much more to do and see in all the nooks and crannies of Johnston County. For more information on happenings over the next few months, visit www.johnstoncountync.org/events. And try not to overdo it on pumpkin spice everything. It's Fall Ya'll!

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