Buy Christmas Tree Downtown!

When you buy your Christmas tree, be sure to keep your money in Clayton and check out the selection at Lee's Produce at 401 W Main Street in downtown. Jonathon and Erin have a great selection starting from $35 to $135. The money you spend at locally-owned businesses gets circulated in town several times! That's what helps the locally economy.

Lee's Produce (919) 550-8425

Doggie Christmas Costume Contest & Parade

UPDATE: Clayton’s “Live Christmas Village & Tree Lighting”

On December 4, just a week after Thanksgiving, downtown Clayton will be transformed into a Christmas Village with decorated storefronts, holiday shopping and a merry attitude!

This is the second year that Clayton’s Main Street will close for three hours of music, holiday cheer, business open house and the traditional tree lighting on the Town Square. “A Live Christmas Village & Tree Lighting” will be presented from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm on December 4, organized by the Promotion Committee of the Clayton Downtown Development Association (DDA).

Committee chair, Lyn Austin said, “Last year more than 2,500 people walked along Main Street visiting our business open house, enjoying the storefront decorations and music all along the street.” She added, “It was such a wonderful, nostalgic, cheerful feeling and we need a little more cheer than usual this year. Sometimes the best things in life are simple and free. What could set your holiday mood off in a more perfect way than spending a few hours just strolling Main Street the sights and sounds of Christmas?”

There will be some improvements from last year – a stage and professional sound system will be used in the Town Square for the Tree Lighting events; there will be two performance areas for the school performances – one on Main Street near Cider House Studio and the other in the town lot at Lombard Street and Main Street. There will also be regular and handicap portable rest facilities strategically placed near the performance areas and at the Town Square.

Dance and choral performances by local students, local churches and others, the live nativity as well as the Tree Lighting ceremony are the main focus of the event. But, Ms. Austin noted, “The main focus is to bring the activities to the street and let people in Clayton know about the wonderful opportunities available in downtown Clayton.” All of the downtown restaurants will be open that night.

ABC 11 Eyewitness News morning anchor Barbara Gibbs will be the special guest host/emcee for the evening along with Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod.

This event enhances Clayton’s traditional holiday events and tree lighting ceremony by bringing the events to downtown’s commercial and retail core. Main Street will be closed from Smith Street to O’Neil Street from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm so a special environment of festivities and activity can be created there.

The Merchant’s Open House – 6:00 pm – 8:15 pm – This is an opportunity for residents to experience what downtown has to offer from retail to service businesses. Many merchants will provide some sort of holiday refreshment, whether it is cider, soft drinks, cookies, and candies.

First Street Open House – Head a block north on Church Street and take a left to find goodies at Eye of the Eagle Art and Paint it Red Internet Café!

Pet Costume Contest & Parade – A Doggie Christmas Costume Contest and Parade will be part of the festivities. Contestants will gather for judging and a group photo at Doggie Do’z Pet Grooming Parlor at 113 E First Street at 5:45 pm and then parade through Main Street in downtown Clayton to Cider House Studio where the prizes will be awarded. Radio celebrity Marty Young, from WQDR’s Q Morning Crew will be one of the judges. First, Second and Third place prizes will be awarded. Call (919) 553-5959 to register.

Photo with Santa Paws - Robinson Animal Hospital is sponsoring a “Photo with Santa Paws” at Cider House Studio, 436 E Main Street. Donations for the photos are $5.00 with proceeds going to the Johnston County Animal Protection League. For more information call (919) 553-7171

Dance & Choral Performances – Students from Clayton schools and studios will provide holiday performances, as always, but this time the performances will take place in just two areas on Main Street: the Town lot at Lombard and Main and near Cider House Studio at 436 E Main Street. Downtown businesses are also sponsoring music along Main Street on the sidewalks in front of their stores, too!

Live Nativity – Organized by Noah’s Ark, this event will be located at 120 E Main Street. One of the most popular activities of the evening!

Downtown Storefront Decorating Contest - Winners of the decorating contest will be announced at the Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4. Award Categories will be Most Creative, Most Traditional and Best Overall. A “Grinch” award will also be bestowed on non-participating storefronts! All commercial businesses on Front Street, First Street, Main Street (east and west) and Second Street will be considered.

Tree Lighting Ceremony – Activities on Main Street will end by 8:15 pm as everyone will be led by the Clayton High School Marching Band to the Christmas Tree at Town Square. Beginning at 8:30 the Clayton High School Chorus will perform, contest awards will be announced and then the Christmas Tree will be lit at 9:00 pm sharp!

For more information and schedule updates, visit http://www.downtownclayton.org; send an email or call 553-1545.

Doggie Christmas Costume Contest & Parade in Clayton December 4

“Photo with Santa Paws” to Aid Johnston County Animal Protection League















A Doggie Christmas Costume Contest and Parade will be part of the festivities on December 4 at Clayton’s Christmas Village & Tree Lighting beginning at 6:00 pm.

The contestants will gather for judging and a group photo at Doggie Do’z Pet Grooming Parlor at 113 E First Street at 5:45 pm and then parade through Main Street in downtown Clayton to Cider House Studio where the prizes will be awarded.

Radio celebrity Marty Young, from WQDR’s Q Morning Crew will be one of the judges. First, Second and Third place prizes will be awarded. Call (919) 553-5959 to register.

Also, Robinson Animal Hospital is sponsoring a “Photo with Santa Paws” at Cider House Studio, 436 E Main Street. Donations for the photos are $5.00 with proceeds going to the Johnston County Animal Protection League. For more information call (919) 553-7171

All of downtown Clayton will be abuzz with activity including dance and choral performances by local students, local churches will be featured, along with the Business Open House, a live nativity and the Tree Lighting ceremony will be the main focus of the event. Organized by the Clayton Downtown Development Association, more than 2500 people attended the event last year.

Main Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from Smith Street to O’Neil Street from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm so a special environment of festivities and activity can be created there.

For more information and schedule updates, visit www.downtownclayton.org; Send an email or call 553-1545.

Eye of the Eagle - Call for Artists

All Call to North Carolina Artists
Eye of the Eagle Art 2009 Exhibit Schedule in Gallery A

Eye of the Eagle Art invites you to apply to Exhibit
Solo Exhibits will be in Gallery A
Open Exhibits will be in Both Gallery's

January 2009 - Abstracts - Open Exhibit - Any artist may apply. All Contract terms and conditions apply

February 2009 - Solo Exhibit - Boswell Williams - Smithfield NC - Oils

March 2009 - For our young artist ages 12 - 18 Prize awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place

More

DDA Reviews Highlights of 2007/2008

“Successful revitalization of a downtown is incremental and happens with small steps, activities and projects.” That’s part of the Main Street philosophy of downtown revitalization and is the introduction to a draft version of the Clayton Downtown Development Association’s 2007/2008 Annual Report.

Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen provided some highlights from the past year and a half during the DDA’s first Annual Meeting on November 10 held during a covered dish dinner at the Clayton Steakhouse.

The DDA’s operational structure follows the model of Main Street’s Four Point Approach to downtown revitalization: Organization, Design, Promotion and Economic Restructuring.

In January 2008, the DDA held a planning retreat in New Bern, NC. During this retreat, members reviewed the Downtown Clayton: Vision 2012, mission statement, program accomplishments, ongoing programs and developed some Next Big Ideas.

A process for planning was developed and DDA members adopted twelve (12) Goal Statements, based on the Downtown Clayton: Vision 2012.

GOAL STATEMENT SUMMARY
Goal 1: New streetscape for Main Street
Goal 2: A diverse business center
Goal 3: Retain small town charm
Goal 4: A progressive future
Goal 5: Trendy restaurants with sidewalk cafes and entertainment
Goal 6: Every storefront is occupied
Goal 7: Buildings restored to their original architecture
Goal 8: Varieties of shops open to accommodate the needs of residents and visitors alike
Goal 9: An open-air market providing fresh, local produce and crafts
Goal 10: Growing visual and performing arts community
Goal 11: Attractive and informative signs
Goal 12: The social and cultural hub of Clayton

From these goal statements, specific goals and tasks were developed for 2008. (The full 2008 can be found on the Town of Clayton website at www.townofclaytonnc.org.)

Design
Downtown Façade Improvement Grant – to generate interest, the formula was increased to 50% reimbursement with a project cap of $5,000. One project was completed by the end of June 30, 2008 (FY07/08) and six approved projects are currently underway (FY08/09).

Crosswalks – worked with NCDOT to stripe crosswalks across Main Street at Lombard Street and developed an agreement between the Town and NCDOT to install a signalized crossing at that intersection. The implementation is in the hands of the NCDOT.

Gateway Entrance – The Design Committee initiated the development of a landscape design for the downtown entryway at Main Street and US 70 Business, which was installed in late June and early July. A “Downtown Clayton” gateway sign design is underway.

Downtown Design Standards – a Design Standards Workgroup has been formed to develop recommended design standards or guidelines for new, infill construction, renovation and rehabilitation. The workgroup’s goal is to make recommendations to Town Council in early 2009.

Promotion
Special Events – The 2008 Town Square Concert Series showed a 41% increase in attendance over 2007. The 2007 Live Christmas Village and Tree Lighting attracted more than 2500 people to downtown Clayton the Thursday following Thanksgiving. Helped organize the 2008 Millstock Music & Arts Faire and administered a grant through the Johnston County Arts Council.

Business Directory – produced two printed directories, 15,000 and 10,000 copies respectively. A new downtown map and directory listing has been framed and distributed to downtown restaurants and hair salons and barber shops. They are posted in windows and inside for visitors to find their way around and promote the businesses downtown. These will be updated on an occasional basis.

Economic Restructuring
Business/Property Owner Block Meetings – A series of three “Business Block Parties” were scheduled in September to provide DDA information to business and property owners, provide an opportunity for developing relationships between downtown businesses and to share ideas for improving appearance and promotion of downtown.

Open Air/Farmers Market – In April, the Economic Restructuring Committee organized and facilitated meetings to encourage the development of a steering committee to develop an open air or farmers market in downtown Clayton. The market is expected to open in early spring 2009.

Ordinances
Wall Graphics – DDA recommended, and Town Council adopted, an ordinance to provide guidance for exterior wall decorations that depict a scene, picture, illustration or design with no written message, word, insignia, logo, or advertisement. The wall graphic is intended to enhance the aesthetic appearance of downtown.

Clayton Downtown Development Grant Program – The DDA recommended, and the Town Council adopted an incentive policy to encourage and promote infill growth with new commercial development and the major rehabilitation of older buildings within Clayton’s downtown commercial district. Grant amount is the difference between the pre-construction tax value and the post-construction tax value as determined by the Johnston County Tax Administrator, over a period of five years on a graduated basis. (Details may be found on the Town of Clayton Website at www.townofclaytonnc.org)

ABC 11 Eyewitness News Anchor Barbara Gibbs to Host

Barbara Gibbs, the morning news anchor for ABC 11 Eyewitness News will be the celebrity host/emcee for Clayton’s “Live Christmas Village & Tree Lighting” on Thursday December 4 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Ms. Gibbs will announce the Storefront Decoration Contest winners, as well as visit various open houses and enjoy the student performances along Main Street. Along with Mayor Jody McLeod, she will also perform the actual Town Tree Lighting at Town Square beginning at 8:30 pm.

Barbara Gibbs joined ABC 11 Eyewitness News in 2000. She co-anchors the morning and noon newscasts with Eyewitness News Anchor John Clark and ABC-11 AccuWeather Meteorologist Chris Hohmann.

Barbara is a huge college football fan, an Auburn Tiger, specifically. She graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Journalism (PR) and a minor in Sociology. Before coming to Raleigh, Barbara co-anchored the 6/11pm shows at WSLS-TV (Roanoke, Virginia). She was the morning anchor/reporter at WTVQ (Lexington, KY) before moving to Virginia. Barbara enjoys traveling and going home to Mobile, Alabama to be with family and friends. She lives in Durham, with her kitten, Grace.

Dance and choral performances by local students, local churches will be featured, along with the Business Open House, a live nativity and the Tree Lighting ceremony will be the main focus of the event. Organized by the Clayton Downtown Development Association, more than 2500 people attended the event last year.

Main Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from Smith Street to O’Neil Street from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm so a special environment of festivities and activity can be created there.

For more information and schedule updates, visit www.downtownclayton.org; or call Lyn Austin at 553-4439; email bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org or call 553-1545.

2nd Annual Holiday Shoppe This Weekend!

The 2nd Annual Holiday Shoppe is ina new location this year - the Paint It Red Cafe, 115 E First Street in downtown Clayton. You can sit to enjoy a holiday coffee & treat, make your lists, & then browse through the multitude of unique gifts, jewelry, furniture and holiday decor all in one festive stop!

This year's dates / times are...

Thursday evening 11/13 6-8pm
Friday & Saturday 11/14-15 9am - 7pm

For more information, call (919) 553-8317

Johnston County Arts Council Kicking Off Membership Drive

The Johnston County Arts Council is kicking off their 2008-09 membership drive. Founded in 1972, the Johnston County Arts Council (JCAC) is a private, non-profit granting and services organization dedicated to providing quality arts opportunities for all Johnston County residents.

In the past 36 years, the Johnston County Arts Council has brought enrichment to Johnston County residents through the Artists-in-the-Schools program, the Grassroots Arts Program, the Music for the Lunch Bunch series, the Regional Artist Program and student art exhibits, recently relocated to the hallway connecting the main lobby to the Women’s Pavilion at the Johnston Medical Center.

The Johnston County Arts Council is beginning its most ambitious and extensive program in the organization’s 36-year history by hosting The Big Read-Johnston County in February 2009. Johnston County is one of 208 communities nationwide to receive a grant to host The Big Read from September 2008-June 2009. The Big Read in Johnston County will focus on To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Activities will take place from January 31-February 28, 2009. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest.

The Johnston County Arts Council depends on its members to fund these vital programs. Last year over 150 Arts Council members gave over $7,800, above the organization’s membership goal. Due to success of the membership drive last year, the goal this year has been set at 200 members giving $9,000. To become a member of the Johnston County Arts Council and an advocate for the arts in Johnston County, please contact Zilphia Adcock, Interim Executive Director of the Johnston County Arts Council at 919-553-1930.

Slow economy driving surge in gold sales

FROM WRAL-TV

Posted: Nov. 11, 2008

Clayton, N.C. — Clayton jewelers say they are seeing a surge in the number of customers selling or trading their old jewelry for extra money.

More and more customers are looking to sell gold items because the value of gold has remained high. Jewelers are also making a profit by selling it to refiners.

Debra Austermuehle owns Main Street Jewelers.

"Not only are we able to turn it around, we have someone we send it to to refine the gold so we do make a bit of a profit on that," said Debra Austermuehle, owener of Main Street Jewelers.

The price for gold peaked last spring at about $1,000 an ounce. It has since come down some, but experts say, overall, gold is holding its value better than most things.

"In good times people by jewelry, they enjoy it, and in bad times, it's a safety net," Austermuehle said.

Video


* Reporter: Mike Charbonneau

DDA Names Joyce Blackley as Clayton’s 2008 NC Main Street Champion

The Clayton Downtown Development Association announced at its Annual Meeting last night that DDA Chair Joyce Blackley was named Clayton’s 2008 NC Main Street Champion. Each of the state’s active Main Street programs is given the opportunity annually to recognize a local Main Street Champion. Mrs. Blackley was selected for this special recognition by the DDA in appreciation of her exceptional contributions to the downtown revitalization process. She has served on the DDA, a town council-appointed advisory committee, since 1988. She has been chair since 2006 and will step down from the DDA when her current term ends at the end of December, due to term limits.

The DDA also unveiled a plaque Monday which will honor past and future recipients of the recognition. Last year, Barry Woodard was recognized as Clayton’s first Main Street Champion.

Joyce Blackley has been a staunch supporter of downtown Clayton for many years,” said Mayor Jody McLeod. “Among other things, Joyce has a special passion for the appearance of downtown and the Tree Lighting Ceremony which she organized for 18 years.”

A certificate commemorating this honor will be presented to Mrs. Blackley at the NC Main Street Annual Awards Dinner which is being held in Statesville on January 29, 2009.

In recognizing Mrs. Blackley for this designation, the Clayton Downtown Development Association offered the following:

Joyce Lee Blackley is the owner of Blackley’s Printing Company. She started the business in her garage in 1976 and moved it to the center of downtown Clayton in 1986 where it has been located ever since. Joyce has been active in downtown activities since the mid-1980’s. In 1989, Joyce was one of the original town appointees to what was then known as the Downtown Advisory Committee. One of her passions is the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and she has been in charge of that event for 18 years. Joyce has served as chair of the Downtown Development Association for the past three years.

Just prior to her tenure as DDA chair, the Town created and hired a downtown staff position. Since that time she has overseen a number of organizational changes as well as the Town’s application to and ultimate selection into the Main Street program. Joyce has been strongly involved in improving the appearance of downtown, and pushing to get a new entrance sign into downtown.

On top of running a busy and successful business, she is also involved in her church, is a Rotary Club member and is a board member of the Clayton Woman’s Club.

Joyce’s reign on the DDA has come to an end this year, the “victim” of term limits imposed several years ago, but plans to remain an unabashed champion of downtown Clayton.

“Main Street” is a downtown revitalization program for smaller towns based on economic development within the context of historic preservation. Clayton has been a “Main Street Community” since 2006. The North Carolina Main Street Program, which provides technical assistance to its communities, is part of the Office of Urban Development in the Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Assistance.

Monday Night Football at The Flipside

Monday Night Football & Ladies' Night

What a great combination!

Beer pitcher specials
Drink specials
Great Chili and Late Night menu available

San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals

Let's start a new tradition with Monday Night football and Ladies' Night at The FlipSide, 408 E Second St Downtown Clayton

Gates open - 6:00pm

Clayton Downtown Decorating Contests Are Announced

Once again, two holiday decorating contests are being organized by the Clayton Downtown Development Association (DDA) for the upcoming holiday season.

One of the main purposes of the decorating contests, according to DDA Chair, Joyce Blackley, is for downtown Clayton to acquire a reputation as a “must see” decoration destination for people and families who travel around enjoying holiday decorations. Ms. Blackley said, “There was nearly 100% participation last year and our downtown merchants showed their creativity and the storefronts and window displays were magical.” Downtown businesses are encouraged to keep their decorations up through the holiday.

A Downtown Storefront Decorating Contest will be judged on the evening of December 2nd and winners will be announced at 8:30 pm on December 4 at the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Town Square. Award categories will be Most Creative, Most Traditional and Best Overall. A “Grinch” award will also be bestowed on non-participating storefronts! All businesses and buildings in the downtown commercial district (Robertson St to US 70 between First Street, Main Street and Second Street) will be considered. Cash prizes will be granted to category winners: $100 each for Best Overall and People’s Choice; $75 each for Most Creative and Most Traditional. Winners will be announced by ABC-TV 11’s Barbara Gibbs!

In addition, a Downtown Residential Decorating Contest will be judged evenings between December 8 and 10 and announced online December 12. Categories will be Best Overall, Most Traditional, Most Creative and Best Neighborhood Block. All residential neighborhoods within the boundaries of Robertson Street to the west, US 70 to the south, town limits to the north and Durham Street to the east will be considered. Residential winners will receive a gift and a certificate. Honorable mentions will receive a certificate.

Judging for both contests will include judges from outside Clayton.

For more information, visit www.downtownclayton.blogspot.com or call the DDA at 553-1545.

Clayton Youth Theater presents
Bye Bye Birdie


November 14-15, 2008 @ 7:30 p.m.
The Clayton Center
Adults $11; Students (18 & under) $6

The Clayton Youth Theater will present its fall musical, Bye Bye Birdie on November 14 & 15, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. Debuting in 1960, Bye Bye Birdie became the first rock 'n roll musical on Broadway. The show, which satirizes the Elvis Presley phenomenon, tells the story of Conrad Birdie, a rock 'n roll singer who is about to be inducted into the army. Conrad's agent plans one last national publicity stunt to keep Conrad in the limelight and satisfy Conrad's devoted teenage fans. Filled with memorable music, loads of laughs, and crazed teenage fans, Bye Bye Birdie is a show the whole family will enjoy.

Led by Nikki Dyke (Director), Ann Meigs (Music Director), and Heather Earp (Choreographer), the cast consists of 22 area 7th-12th graders, representing 10 different schools. (Clayton High School, West Johnston High School, Garner Magnet High School, Princeton Union High School, Cardinal Gibbons High School, Athens Drive High School, Johnston County Middle College, Clayton Middle School, Riverwood Middle School, and Cleveland Middle School.)

Tickets can be purchased by calling The Clayton Center box office at 919-553-1737 or visiting www.theclaytoncenter.com. For further information about the Clayton Youth Theater visit www.claytonyouththeater.com.

Albert............................................Ian Garnish
Rosie............................................Marie Spidale
Conrad Birdie..............................Jordan Clifton
Kim...............................................Jana Horton
Mr. MacAfee................................Andy Wertz
Mrs. MacAfee..............................Sawyer Stone
Randolph......................................Hailey Spencer
Mrs. Peterson..............................Katie Mullins
Hugo.............................................Mike Devine
Ursula...........................................Hannah Jenks

COMPANY
Jasmine Anderson
Ashlyn Biggers
Jake Billings
Hannah Craig
Alexis Crocker
Jamie Gonzalez
Trey Harris
Jordyn Johnson
Meghan Keenan
Jordan Monk
Katie Pinion
Erin Seltzer
________________________________________

Musicians Rally to Help Flipside Restaurant in Downtown Clayton Rent Party & Music Showcase November 22

The music begins at 2:00 and ends at midnight on November 22 at The Flipside Restaurant in downtown Clayton to help bring awareness, and some new customers, to the longtime downtown restaurant. The owners recently announced in an email to customers, that, due to issues beyond their control, they might have to close by the end of the year.

In an effort to help bring some new business and awareness to the Flipside, some local musicians have stepped in and decided to help keep the Flipside open long enough to make it through the hard times and get them 'over the hump'. Many of the local bands that have had the opportunity to play at The Flipside as well as The Coffee Mill have decided to put on a "Rent Party".

Dan Stahl, a musician and organizer of the event, said the response from bands was overwhelming. He said, "One phone call and the offers were pouring in and word spread like wildfire throughout the music community." He added that, "the constant reply of 'count me in' was resounding."

A rent party (sometimes called a house party) is a social occasion where tenants hire a musician or band to play and pass the hat to raise money to pay their rent, originating in Harlem during the 1920s. The rent party played a major role in the development of jazz and blues music.

The event will start at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 22nd. All music will be inside The Flipside. There is no cover charge but any money that is tipped to the bands, will go towards the house, and any tips taken in (aside from tips to the wait staff) will go towards the house.

Stahl said, "The goal is to not only raise enough money to help keep them going through the hard months but to raise awareness as to where they are and bring them more business during the week." He said that some people, even living in Clayton, don't know about the Flipside. "This is what needs to change and this is why we are doing this. We love the venue and the owners and this is what friends do to help each other out."

The FlipSide offers an eclectic lunch and dinner menu from fantastic portabello fries, crab cakes, great burgers, sweet potato fries and dinner entrees. They also provide a smoke-free environment in which to enjoy some of the best musicians around of all genres.

The musical lineup is:

2:00 - 2:45 - Shane Gentry's Stank Jam Band. An all out free-form jam. No structure, just pure redneck fun.

3:00 - 3:45 - The Swamp Doctors. A heavy dose of the blues. A little Cajun and a whole lotta good.

4:00 - 4:45 - Blue Marble Beat. Purveyors of Psychetronic Dub & Soul. Take the finest elements of Reggae, Downtempo Lounge, Jazz and Pop music and put them all together on a single stage. All at the same time. One word - Tasty!

5:00 - 6:45 - Acoustic Sets by Mike & The Machine, Coty Watkins and Tracy Wiebeck. During the dinner hours, you will be entertained by three fantastic musicians keeping it on the downlow for those who want to partake of the wonderful food at The Flipside and not have it too loud.

7:00 - 7:45 - Johnny Orr & Southstation. A local country/rock band that hit the "big time" by having the chance to open for Kenny Chesney and being one of the finalists for Nashville Star. These guys will rock the house to open the evening.

8:00 - 8:45 - Joe Bell & The Stinging Blades. Bell and his band the Stinging Blades have been cranking out soul and R&B in the spirit of Wilson Pickett, Tyrone Davis and Van Morrison around these parts since 1989. A must-see!

9:00 - 9:45 - Andy Coats & The Bankwalkers. In the tradition of the old blues masters, Andy and the band will take you back on a walk through the blues. It's almost like being there. Andy was the winner of the 2007 Triangle Blues Society Blues Challenge. C'mon and take a walk.....

10:00 - 12:00 - Valentino & The Piedmont Sheiks. A favorite at The Flipside! When they are in town, they pack the house and for good reason! 2008 winners of the Triangle Blues Society Blues Challenge and are heading for Memphis early next year to compete in the International Blues Challenge.

Clayton Downtown Development Association Sets Annual Meeting on November 10

The Clayton Downtown Development Association has scheduled their 2008 Annual Meeting and covered dish dinner for Monday, November 10 at the Clayton Steakhouse at 307 E Main Street. Highlights will include a review of the year’s accomplishments and recognition of outgoing DDA members. A social time will begin at 5:30 pm with the Covered Dish Dinner beginning at 6:00 pm and the program starts at 6:30 pm. A $5.00 donation is requested.

For more information about the meeting and to let us know you’re coming, please contact Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen at bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org or 553-1545.

The Downtown Development Association regularly meets the second Monday of each month at 6:30 at the Clayton Center and the meetings are open to the public.

Artist Reception Thursday Night at Clayton Center

A reception for local artist, John Farr, and Helen Crouse will be held Thursday from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm at The Clayton Center. The works of Farr and Crouse are on display at The Clayton Center this month in an exhibit sponsored by Clayton Visual Arts.

2ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY SHOPPE

The 2nd Annual Holiday Shoppe is ina new location this year - the Paint It Red Cafe, 115 E First Street in downtown Clayton. You can sit to enjoy a holiday coffee & treat, make your lists, & then browse through the multitude of unique gifts, jewelry, furniture and holiday decor all in one festive stop!

This year's dates / times are...

Thursday evening 11/13 6-8pm
Friday & Saturday 11/14-15 9am - 7pm

For more information, call (919) 553-8317

“Live Christmas Village & Tree Lighting” Planned for Downtown Clayton December 4

On December 4, just a week after Thanksgiving, downtown Clayton will be transformed into a Christmas Village with decorated storefronts, holiday shopping and a merry attitude!

This is the second year that Clayton’s Main Street will close for three hours of music, holiday cheer, business open house and the traditional tree lighting on the Town Square.

“A Live Christmas Village & Tree Lighting” will be presented from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm on December 4, organized by the Promotion Committee of the Clayton Downtown Development Association (DDA). Committee chair, Lyn Austin said, “Last year more than 2,500 people walked along Main Street visiting our business open house, enjoying the storefront decorations and music all along the street.” She added, “It was such a wonderful, nostalgic , cheerful feeling and we need a little more cheer than usual this year. Sometimes the best things in life are simple and free. What could set your holiday mood off in a more perfect way than spending a few hours just strolling Main Street the sights and sounds of Christmas?”

There will be some improvements from last year – a stage and professional sound system will be used in the Town Square for the Tree Lighting events; there will be two performance areas for the school performances – one on Main Street near Cider House Studio and the other in the town lot at Lombard Street and Main Street. There will also be regular and handicap portable rest facilities strategically placed near the performance areas and at the Town Square.

Dance and choral performances by local students, local churches and others, the live nativity as well as the Tree Lighting ceremony are the main focus of the event. But, Ms. Austin noted, “The main focus is to bring the activities to the street and let people in Clayton know about the wonderful opportunities available in downtown Clayton.” All of the downtown restaurants will be open that night.

WTVD- ABC 11 morning news anchor Barbara Gibbs will be the special guest host/emcee for the evening along with Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod.

This event enhances Clayton’s traditional holiday events and tree lighting ceremony by brining the events to downtown’s commercial and retail core. Main Street will be closed from Smith Street to O’Neil Street from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm so a special environment of festivities and activity can be created there.

The Merchant’s Open House – 6:00 pm – 8:15 pm – This is an opportunity for residents to experience what downtown has to offer from retail to service businesses. Many merchants will provide some sort of holiday refreshment, whether it is cider, soft drinks, cookies, and candies.

Downtown Storefront Decorating Contest - Winners of the decorating contest will be announced at the Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4. Award Categories will be Most Creative, Most Traditional and Best Overall. A “Grinch” award will also be bestowed on non-participating storefronts! All commercial businesses on Front Street, First Street, Main Street (east and west) and Second Street will be considered.

Dance & Choral Performances – Students from Clayton schools and studios will provide holiday performances, as always, but this time the performances will take place in just two areas on Main Street: the Town lot at Lombard and Main and near Cider House Studio at 436 E Main Street.

Pet Costume Contest & Parade – This was a most popular contest last year and will take place at Doggie Do’z on E First Street! For more information, call Amy Hallinan at 553-5959.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – Activities on Main Street will end by 8:15 pm as everyone will be led by the Clayton High School Marching Band to the Christmas Tree at Town Square. Beginning at 8:30 the Clayton High School Chorus will perform, contest awards will be announced and then the Christmas Tree will be lit at 9:00 pm sharp!

For more information and schedule updates, visit www.downtownclayton.blogspot.com; or call Lyn Austin at 553-4439; email bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org or call 553-1545.