2008 Clayton Harvest Festival Sept 17-21!

Throughout the week, you and your family and friends can enjoy carnival rides until 9:30 pm each night. The real excitement begins Friday at 6:30 pm with the "Clayton Idol" competition with winners receiving a recording session and a cash prize! On Saturday the Annual Arts and Crafts and Business Vendor Fair along Main Street begins at 9:30 am with the Opening Ceremony featuring the Clayton High School Band. Highlights of the day include a Merchants Auction, antique car and truck show, and other local entertainment. Click here for the full schedule of events! The Harvest Festival is sponsored and organized by the Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce. 553-6352.

Civil War Trails Marker Dedication Sept 27

The Clayton Historical Association will dedicate the newly installed Civil War Trails Marker, part of the state-wide North Carolina Civil War Trails, at 10am on Saturday, September 27, 2008, at the Clayton Town Square.

The marker commemorates Governor Vance’s surrender of Raleigh to Sherman’s forces in April of 1865. This surrender took place in Clayton and spared the Capitol from destruction.The dedication will occur at the Clayton Town Square in historic downtown Clayton, NC.

The Civil War re-enactor regiment band of the 11th N.C. Troops will highlight the entertainment of the ceremony by dressing in period uniforms and playing authentic music with reproduction instruments from the period. In addition to the Civil War re-enactor band, there are several re-enactor groups who plan on participating in the event. There will also be state and local officials on hand to commemorate this important milestone in preserving and interpreting Clayton history.

The Clayton Historical Association, will also present the fragments of the last Confederate flag to fly over the State Capitol to the State Capitol Foundation.
Local partners in planning and funding Clayton’s Civil War Trail Marker include the Johnston County Visitor’s Bureau and the Town of Clayton.

Call to NC Johnston County Artists

Eye of the Eagle Art Gallery
Grand Opening - date TBA
Seeking Johnston County NC Artists

If you are a resident in Johnston County NC and are interested in exhibiting your work in The Eye of the Eagle Art Gallery during the month of October, we would love to hear from you. We are looking for diversity and broken boundaries in your chosen medium.

To be considered for exhibition the following requirements must be met:

Send in 4 pictures (print or digital) with sizes of the artwork being submitted. Two will be chosen to exhibit, more if space allows. Mail to Eye of the Eagle Art, 131 East 1st Street, Clayton, NC 27520 or donna@eyeoftheeagleart.com

If pictures are sent by email include your Full Name, Address, Phone number you can be reached at during day and evening hours.

If you wish to have your pictures returned, include a stamped addressed envelope

An Artists' Statement and/or a resume

Work must be appropriate for all ages

Work must be original and made by the artist - no Prints or Giclee

Work must be professionally framed and wired for hanging - no saw teeth, no exceptions.

Sculptures and pottery will be accepted - include the dimensions of your pieces.
Jewelry will be accepted (no kits)
Note: The Gallery has the right to reject art work that it feels is inappropriate and does not meet the standards deemed acceptable.

Emerging artists with a fresh perspective are encouraged to apply. Art will be on display during the month of the grand opening. If you wish to consign your art to the gallery you may do so at the end of the month. If you do not wish to consign your work to the gallery, it will need to be removed by November 1, 2008 or a $10 daily storage fee will be charged.

All Gallery Sales during the grand opening will incur a 25% commission fee. For more information contact Donna Light Pfledderer at 919-221-0452 or donna@eyeoftheeagleart.com

STATEMENT FROM GOV. EASLEY ON GAS PRICES

From NEWSLINK - NC Division of Travel and Tourism:

In anticipation of gas price and quantity concerns for travelers in the wake of Hurricane Ike this weekend, Gov. Easley has taken action to help protect consumers from price gouging. Also listed below are contact details to report price gouging. This is an issue that will impact travel across the nation this weekend.

STATEMENT FROM GOV. EASLEY ON GAS PRICES

This morning (Friday) Gov. Mike Easley declared a state of “abnormal market disruption” under North Carolina law, which charges the Attorney General with enforcing the price gouging statute.

Easley issued the following statement concerning the situation:

“As a result of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, oil refineries in Texas and Louisiana have temporarily interrupted some gasoline supplies to the pipelines that serve North Carolina. Therefore, there may be temporary limitations on our gas supply. However, wholesale gas prices are up less than 20 cents a gallon over the last few days. Therefore, consumers should not see prices rise substantially more than this rise in the wholesale price.

''Today I have declared a state of abnormal market disruption under North Carolina law and charged the Attorney General with enforcing the price gouging statute. This statute prohibits the charging of prices that are unreasonably excessive under the circumstances.

''We know that there will be some supply disruption, but we do not yet know the extent. Past events of this kind have lasted only a short time. I urge motorists to reasonably conserve gasoline until the situation is clearer.”

On September 4, 2008, Easley issued Executive Order No. 145: “Emergency Relief For Damage Caused By Tropical Storm Hanna And Other Related Storm Events Affecting The Atlantic Coast Region.” The executive order temporarily waived size and weight restrictions for vehicles traveling in the state to deliver storm relief, which also includes the delivery of fuel.

Consumers can report scams and frauds to Attorney General Roy Cooper’s office by calling toll-free 1-877-5-NO-SCAM within the state. Consumers are also encouraged to contact the U.S. Department of Energy’s Gas Price Watch Program at http://gaswatch.energy.gov.

SHARE THE “NEWSLINK”

Want to share the “NewsLink” with a friend or colleague? Sign them up now at http://www.nccommerce.com/en/TourismServices/PromoteTravelAndTourismIndustry/Newslink/. Should you have difficulty signing up for the “NewsLink,” contact Publications Director Kathy Prickett at (919) 733-8302 or via kprickett@nccommerce.com.



FEEDBACK WELCOME
The N.C. Division of Tourism, Film & Sports Development is committed to serving North Carolina's tourism industry. If you have feedback regarding any of the Division's programs, let your voice be heard at visitnc@nccommerce.com.

September 11 Remembrance at Town Square

Nearly 50 residents gathered at the Town Square last night to remember the events and victims of the terrorist attacks in NYC, Washington DC and Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. 14-year old Jessica Mayo organized the event, which she started last year. Representatives of the Clayton Fire and Police departments spoke.

DDA Approves Three Downtown Façade Grants

The Clayton Downtown Development Association has approved three Downtown Façade Improvement Grant applications. The projects are expected to be completed within the next few months. The Downtown Façade Improvement Grant program reimburses an approved project 50% of the eligible costs up to $5000. The grant is available through the Town of Clayton for commercial buildings in downtown Clayton. Jeme Avent, Vice Chair of the DDA Design Committee said “These are highly visible projects and will make a big difference in the appearance of downtown Clayton.”

The first application was for 104 N Fayetteville Street, a former residence at the corner of Fayetteville and Main Street which will become the offices for HTR Commercial Real Estate. The house, built in about 1895, is a contributing building in the proposed historic district, and the new owners are taking care to keep the architectural integrity of the building intact as they make improvements. The façade improvements include the cleaning and painting of the exterior of the building; stripping, sanding, and glazing the original wood windows and glass; and upper front porch including repairs, including the replacement of wooden porch railings and spindles with matching materials and style. The main exterior of the building will be painted a light yellow with Navajo White trim. Window sashes will be painted a light green. The upper and lower porch ceilings will be painted Seafoam. The costs of the improvements exceed the grant’s matching cap of $5,000.

The second application was for 104 W Main Street, a commercial building between 104 N Fayetteville Street and North Carolina Paper Company. The east side of the block building will be painted a light brown (Camelback) with trim in Navajo White. The existing doors toward the rear of the building will be Privilege Green and the gutters, downspouts and brackets will be a bronze color. Property owners will reopen the boarded windows on the side of the building and the front awning will be removed to open the front. A projecting sign with exterior lighting will be installed above the existing overhang and address letters will be installed on the front brick portion of the east side of the building. The existing brickwork will be cleaned. Some minor landscaping will also occur in the front area of the building. The costs of these improvements also exceed the grant’s matching cap of $5,000. The owners hope to attract a retail use in this building when it becomes available in November.

The third application was for 236 E Main Street, Main Street Jewelers. This building is also a contributing structure in the proposed historic district. The grant application is for a replacement awning that will be black with gold trim and lettering. The awning will be a standard design, which has a more shallow design than the existing awning, providing a more traditional look and a more open visual of the storefront. The owners recently painted the building but not as part of the façade grant application. The grant will be for approximately $1,000.




Downtown business and property owners interested in making improvements to their buildings are urged to meet with Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen as a first step to making those improvements. Naegelen said, “There are design services and resources available to assist property and business owners in making effective and appropriate improvements to their buildings.” In some cases, he added, there may be financial resources available.

In addition to the Downtown Façade Improvement Grant program assisting the above projects, the Town of Clayton also offers a shared-cost program, the Downtown Improvements Project which helps property owners remove pole-supported sidewalk canopies in front of their building. The removal of these canopies will make the storefronts under them more visible and can improve business sales. Another benefit is an increase in usable sidewalk space.

A third incentive is the Clayton Downtown Redevelopment Incentive Grant which provides an incentive for new downtown construction on existing vacant land. The grant is based on the value of the property prior to and after development.

For more information on available resources for downtown building improvements, appearance and maintenance contact Mr. Naegelen at (919) 553-1545 or bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org.

Huge Book Sale at the Library on Saturday

The Friends of the Library group is planning a huge book sale Saturday, Sept. 6, featuring authors signing copies of their work and activities and food for the kids.

More than 3,000 books will be available for sale from 8 am to 2 pm. Proceeds will go to help build a new computer room at the library. Three authors will be on hand to meet the public and sign copies of their work.

Ralph Burgess will autograph copies of his latest release, "Cool Calvin's No Bandanas for Me."

Titus Pollard will be signing copies of his new book, "Living Right on Wrong Street," and Elisabeth Rodriguez will be signing her book, "Jumping Jack," which she wrote at age eleven.

Live Entertainment This Weekend

At The Flipside:

Tonight - South Station. Johnny Orr, Coty Rivers, Jack Getz and the lovely and talented Lisa Johnson opened for Kenny Chesney August 22nd. They are amazing....great music...lots of fun!

Saturday - The Soul Shakers. First time at The FlipSide this soulful blues group will get your hips moving!

For dinner information: call The Flipside at 553-0123

"Battle of Bands" Emcee & Music Judges Announced

Not only will a variety of music be served with the “Battle of the Bands” on September 18, but the season finale of the Clayton Town Square Concert Series will be seasoned with comedy since comedian Leroy Seabrooks has been named to emcee the event.



The Clayton Town Square Concert Series is presented by the Clayton Downtown Development Association (CDDA). The “Battle of the Bands” begins at 7:00 pm.

Leroy Seabrooks (left) has been performing for more than 15 years headlining at comedy clubs across the country. He has even opened for Jay Leno, Ray Charles and Pattie LaBelle. Seabrooks will introduce the five bands scheduled for the “Battle of the Bands” and entertain while each band sets up with routines about his childhood, raising his own children and advice on keeping relationships going. “Leroy is very entertaining and will keep us engaged during each break,” said Lyn Austin, CDDA’s Promotion Committee chair. “We’re very excited to have him as our emcee.”

Five bands from the Triangle region will perform at the Clayton Town Square Concert Series “Battle of the Bands”, a first-time event, on September 18. Only the top 3 bands will receive prizes of $1000, $500, and $250 respectively. The bands, in alphabetical order, are: Hip Sauce, Sandbox Band, South Station, The Grey Area, and The Whistlestop.

Four judges have been named to determine the top three bands in the contest.

Jody L. McLeod is a native of Johnston County and a life-long resident of Clayton. In 2003 he was elected as Mayor of the Town of Clayton and he is the first mayor to serve a four-year term. Mayor McLeod began his political career with the Town of Clayton in 1993 when he was elected to the Town Council as a Councilman and he also served asthe Mayor Pro Tem from 1995 to 1997. He currently serves on the Johnston Community College Foundation Board and the Johnston County Economic Development Board.



Bud Moffett is a New York native who spent 28 years in the music business as a lead singer, guitarist, and band leader. In touring extensively throughout the United States, and Canada, Bud has shared the stage with such music “legends” as, 3 Dog Night, Hank Williams Jr., The Band, Bo Diddley, Gregg Allman, The Marshall Tucker Band, Leon Russell, Delbert McClinton, and B.B King. Since moving to North Carolina 15 years ago, Bud has been a successful photographer, specializing in glamour and pageant photography.




By day, Cliff Morgan is a management consultant/trauma response specialist, at Nash Health Care Systems, in Rocky Mount, NC. By night, he co-owns, with his wife, Jodi Sager, the restaurant/music venue, The FlipSide, and coffee shop: The Coffee Mill, in downtown Clayton, at the corner of Second and Lombard Streets.





Heidi Stump is the Executive Director of The Clayton Center Auditorium and Conference Center. As Director, she selects and promotes shows for The Clayton Center Palladian Series and Sundays in Clayton performances. Prior to her position in Clayton, she served as the Performing Arts Coordinator for the Town of Cary following a career in event programming at college campuses in North Carolina and Virginia. She has served on numerous local and national artist selection panels for arts agencies.

The ballots will be tallied by Accounting Advantage, an accounting firm in downtown Clayton.

Refreshments available at the Town Square include pizza, hot dogs, beer, wine and soft drinks. Although folding chairs and blankets are encouraged for people to sit on, coolers are not allowed.

Sponsors for the concert series include Town of Clayton, Time Warner Cable, Clayton News Star, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, and Clayton Steak House. Contributing sponsors include Avent-Permenter Group Appraisals, Clayton Glass & Mirror, Hometowne Realty, Matthews Motors and True Line Surveying.

If you plan to attend the concerts, consider dinner out before the music begins. Downtown Clayton offers a variety of restaurants for an enjoyable pre-show meal. Consider The FlipSide on 408 E Second Street, 553-0123, Clayton Steakhouse, 307 E Main Street, 553-2299; Mulberry on Main Italian Restaurant 217 E Main Street, 550-7400 or El Sabor de Oaxaca, 226 E Main Street, 359-1477 for traditional Mexican cuisine. All are in the heart of downtown and within walking distance of the Town Square.

The Town Square is in downtown Clayton and sits between West Main Street and S. O’Neil and Fayetteville streets. For further information call (919) 553-1545.

From: The Coffee Mill and The Flipside!

"Early Bird" Special in The Coffee Mill
6:00 to 8:00
Medium brew coffee + a bagel = $3.00

Wednesday is Mid-week coffee break.
Buy 1 pound of fresh, locally roasted coffee and receive a medium espresso drink (with a flavor if you desire) FREE!

Come in and have lunch with us!
11:30 to 2:00
Call ahead if you want: 553-0123

Tonight is Open Mic with Tracy Wiebeck hosting.
Everyone is welcome!

Thursday is Karaoke with KJ Ray
What a blast karaoke has become.

Friday:
The Triangle's very own
Valentino and The Piedmont Sheiks
http://www.myspace.com/thesheiks

Saturday:
Lynn McGee and The Monarchs
http://www.myspace.com/lynnmcgeeandthemonarchs

REWARD OFFERED FOR VANDALISM INFORMATION

The Town of Clayton Police Department is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that helps them find and convict those responsible for what Chief Glen Allen calls a “significant” amount of damage at the new Community Center work site over the weekend.

Detective Andy Jernigan is the lead investigator on the case, and the public can contact him at 919-553-1599 or 919-553-4611 with information.

“The damage at the work site is significant, but dollar estimates on the damage aren’t available yet,” Chief Allen said. “We’re aggressively pursuing this senseless act of vandalism, and we’re asking the community to help us out by providing any information they might have, no matter how insignificant they might believe it to be.”

Police believe those responsible broke into a construction trailer on the site late Saturday afternoon and managed to start up some heavy equipment, including a bulldozer. Using the heavy equipment, they damaged the buildings under construction, a large quantity of building materials as well as other equipment.

Town Manager Steve Biggs said the vandalism is certain to delay the expected spring opening of the town’s new Community Center, though an estimate of how long won’t be available until the contractor has a chance to evaluate the damage in more detail.

“We don’t yet have a report on how this vandalism will impact the construction schedule,” the Town Manager said. “I’m sure that will take a few days to compile.”

He said the project will get back on schedule as soon as possible.

“It’s unimaginable what motivates individuals to do something so senseless,” Biggs said. “I feel confident we’ll receive information from the community that will lead us to an arrest.”

The 30,000-sq.-ft., six million dollar Community Center complex at 715 Amelia Church Road will have classrooms for a variety of classes, a childcare center, and a gymnasium and lighted outdoor patio suitable for events and receptions. It will also be the new home of the Parks & Recreation Department.

Leadership Johnston County Accepting Applications Through August 22

Leadership Johnston County is accepting applications through August 22 (this Friday). It is sponsored by the Johnston County Chambers of Commerce and is a terrific program whether you've just arrived in the county or have lived here your whole life. There are a limited number of spaces available. Call the Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce (553-6352) for an application or email Kelly Wallace at Smithfield-Selma Chamber.

Sept 18 "Battle of Bands" Lineup

Five bands from the Triangle region have been selected for the Clayton Town Square Concert Series “Battle of the Bands” on September 18. A dozen bands from Boone to Rocky Mount applied for the five slots in which only the top 3 bands will receive the prize money of $1000, $500, and $250 respectively.
The bands, in alphabetical order, are:

Hip Sauce Fuquay-Varina
Sandbox Band Raleigh
South Station Raleigh
The Grey Area Raleigh
The Whistlestop Apex

The Clayton Town Square Concert Series is presented by the Clayton Downtown Development Association. All concerts begin at 7:00 pm and the final concert of the series will feature a Battle of the Bands on September 18.

Refreshments available at the Town Square include pizza, hot dogs, beer, wine and soft drinks. Although folding chairs and blankets are encouraged for people to sit on, coolers are not allowed.

Sponsors for the concert series include Town of Clayton, Time Warner Cable, Clayton News Star, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, and Clayton Steak House. Contributing sponsors include Avent-Permenter Group Appraisals, Clayton Glass & Mirror, Hometowne Realty, Matthews Motors and True Line Surveying.

If you plan to attend the concerts, consider dinner out before the music begins. Downtown Clayton offers a variety of restaurants for an enjoyable pre-show meal. Consider The FlipSide on 408 E Second Street, 553-0123, Clayton Steakhouse, 307 E Main Street, 553-2299; Mulberry on Main Italian Restaurant 217 E Main Street, 550-7400 or El Sabor de Oaxaca, 226 E Main Street, 359-1477 for traditional Mexican cuisine. All are in the heart of downtown and within walking distance of the Town Square.

The Town Square is in downtown Clayton and sits between West Main Street and S. O’Neil and Fayetteville streets. For more information and updates keep checking this blog. For further information call (919) 553-1545.

HIP SAUCE
Offers spicy rhythm and blues with a pinch of soul! Hip Sauce has been together for almost three years entertaining everyone around the triangle. They are comprised of five musicians and a lead vocalist, Wendy Turner.


















SANDBOX
This five-piece Raleigh/ Durham/ Chapel Hill band specializes in twangy, upbeat children's music. They are well known for their exceptionally fun, interactive performances and strong vocal presence.




















SOUTH STATION
They are the WQDR & Kenny Chesney "Next Big Star" Contest Winner, and open for Kenny Chesney Aug 22nd on the main stage at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre.

















THE GREY AREA
Powerful vocals, catchy guitar lines, driving bass, and thought-out arrangements make their sound hard to brush off as just a local act.












THE WHISTLESTOP
Country / Americana / Southern Gospel / Rock and Roll band from Apex with a sound that is indefinable!

Tax Seminars Scheduled for Small Businesses

Title: Tax Implications For Starting a Business
Johnston CC, Clayton
September 23 6-8 pm
Contact: Rosa Andrews

(To register for the tax seminars, contact your local community college or visit the Small Business Center website at www.sbcn.nc.gov)

(Raleigh) -- Gov. Mike Easley today announced a new state effort to help entrepreneurs and small business owners gain a better understanding of important North Carolina tax issues and provide the tools they need to meet their obligations and start their companies on the right foot. The effort, a joint program launched by the N.C. Department of Revenue and the N.C. Community College System, begins this month with an ongoing series of free seminars that will be held across the state.

“Small businesses are the foundation of our state’s economy,”
said Easley. “This partnership between our revenue department and community colleges will help those who run small businesses to understand and follow our tax laws so they can focus on making their businesses successful.”

Tax experts from the state Department of Revenue will conduct free seminars at most of the state’s Community College Small Business Centers starting Aug. 12 at James Sprunt Community College in Kenansville. Instructors at the seminars will provide information about a variety of tax laws and the requirements businesses must meet.
Additional seminars will be held in 2009 at each of the 58 community colleges. A list of 2008 offerings is attached.

The seminars will cover five key topics: tax implications for starting a business; tax implications for growing a business; the basics of sales and use tax; the basics of withholding taxes; and dealing with the N.C.
Department of Revenue.

The N.C. Community College System Small Business Center Network also launched a website, www.sbcn.nc.gov, with a section dedicated to tax information provided by the Revenue Department. The site is a one-stop resource for small business owners and offers a variety of helpful information such as entrepreneurship training, guides and tools for starting a business, information on government contracts and business publications. Small business owners can sign up for confidential one-on-one counseling through the website.

The website also features a section from the Department of Revenue that focuses specifically on tax issues for small business owners, such as their tax obligations, current announcements from the department, a tax checklist for starting a business, a guide for getting tax assistance and a list of helpful links. The tax section is located at:
www.sbcn.nc.gov/taxInfo/default.aspx

(To register for the tax seminars, contact your local community college or visit the Small Business Center website at www.sbcn.nc.gov)

"Breakfast Club" a Huge Hit in Clayton

The Clayton Town Square was swept back to the 1980's with Atlanta-based "Breakfast Club," the original 80's tribute band. It was cloudy, but dry all night as the band and audience of nearly 1,000 people rocked for two solid hours!

The next concert on September 18 will be the final show of the 2008 Town Square Concert Series. It will be a Battle of the Bands, featuring 5 Triangle-area bands. The names of the bands will be announced Friday, August 15 so check back on the blog about mid-day!

If you would like to be added to the Downtown Clayton Insider e-mail newsletter, as well as occasional announcements regarding upcoming downtown Clayton events, please send an email and include your name,email address and town you live in.

Creation Station is accepting new students for fall art classes

Registration is underway for Creation Station fall art classes. All classes are held at Eye of the Eagle Art center located at 131 East 1st Street in Clayton. New classes begin August 28. Art Explorers (ages 3-5) is offered weekly on Thursdays from 5:30-6:00pm. The fee for the 8-week series is $61. Community Artists (grades K-5th) is offered weekly on Thursdays from 6:15-7:15pm. The fee for the 8-week series is $77. Limited spaces are available; enroll early to ensure participation. Sibling discounts and financial aid is available for families that qualify. Call Creation Station at 550-8135 or email creationstation3@aol.com to register or for details about class.

McRay Brings Coastal Scenery to Clayton Center

Eric McRay of Raleigh will exhibit his artwork at The Clayton Center for the month of August, part of the monthly exhibits sponsored by Clayton Visual Arts.

A public reception for the artist will be held Thursday, Aug. 14, 6-7:30 p.m., in the lobby.

McRay, who paints with acrylics, has been featured on TV and radio and in numerous newspapers and magazines. He has a bachelor of fine arts degree from the Maryland Institute, College of Art, where he received a four-year scholarship.

The image above, a painting by Eric McRay entitled ‘Lucky Mule Auction Co.,’ is part of the August art exhibition at The Clayton Center.

Civil War Marker Installed

Last Wednesday night Clayton's first Civil War Trail marker was installed at the southwest corner of the Town Square along S O'Neil Street. The Clayton Historical Association applied for the marker which describes area and circumstances of the surrender of Raleigh to Union General William Sherman. The CHA is planning an official dedication of the marker and other activities on September 27, 2008. The Town of Clayton will install a walkway to the marker accessible from the parking lot later this month.

“BREAKFAST CLUB” to Perform at Clayton Town Square Concert on August 7

The original 80's tribute band, “The Breakfast Club” will perform at the Clayton Town Square Concert Series on Thursday, August 7 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Formed in December 1993, The Breakfast Club was the very first tribute band of its kind in the country. Created by Jerry Finley, who has worked with such 80's music legends as The Romantics and The Hooters, the band continues to be the most requested and widely marketable 80's tribute band in the southeast USA.

To date, The Breakfast Club guys have performed for British royalty, movie stars, rock legends, some of the world's top corporations, and more than two million of the most amazing fans a band of any kind could ever hope for.

The Clayton Town Square Concert Series is presented by the Clayton Downtown Development Association. All concerts begin at 7:00 pm and the final concert of the series will feature a Battle of the Bands on September 18.
Refreshments available at the Town Square will include pizza, hot dogs, beer, wine and soft drinks. Although folding chairs and blankets are encouraged for people to sit on, coolers are not allowed.

Sponsors for the concert series include Town of Clayton, Time Warner Cable, Clayton News Star, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, and Clayton Steak House. Contributing sponsors include Avent-Permenter Group Appraisals, Clayton Glass & Mirror, Hometowne Realty, Matthews Motors and True Line Surveying.

If you plan to attend the concerts, consider dinner out before the music begins. Downtown Clayton offers a variety of restaurants for an enjoyable pre-show meal. Consider The FlipSide on 408 E Second Street, 553-0123, Clayton Steakhouse, 307 E Main Street, 553-2299; Mulberry on Main Italian Restaurant 217 E Main Street, 550-7400 or El Sabor de Oaxaca, 226 E Main Street, 359-1477 for traditional Mexican cuisine. All are in the heart of downtown and within walking distance of the Town Square.

The Town Square is in downtown Clayton and sits between West Main Street and S. O’Neil and Fayetteville streets. For more information and updates check the Downtown Clayton blog at www.downtownclayton.blogspot.com. For further information call (919) 553-1545.

Main Street Trees Get Limbed & Trimmed

The Savannah holly trees on Main Street received a bit of a trim last week (right) and now you can walk on the sidewalks without ducking! At the Downtown Development Association's request, the limbs of the trees have been trimmed 7-8 feet above the sidewalk and the branches were shaped to give the trees a somewhat uniform appearance. The goals were to provide a more comfortable pedestrian experience but also to bring some of the buildings out in the open. One business commented that they have already received at least one new customer who did not know they were there prior to the pruning. Another observation: There's a clear view all the way down the sidewalk!

Craig Woolard Band Draws Record Crowd to Town Square Concert Series!

The Craig Woolard Band last night attracted nearly 1,000 people to the Town Square Concert Series in downtown Clayton! The weather was just perfect with low humidity and temp's in the mid 80's. Craig put on a great show that was enjoyed by young and "older" alike.

The next concert is in two weeks, featuring The Breakfast Club on August 7 beginning at 7:00 pm.

Lombard and Main to Become a Downtown Centerpiece

Designers are working on plans to turn the open space at the corner of Lombard and Main Streets into an “aesthetic centerpiece” for the downtown area, Town Manager Steve Biggs told the Town Council this week.

While retaining a parking area, the spot will add to the beauty of downtown, he said.

“The emphasis is on green space, making it an attractive area,” the Town Manager said. “We will also be looking for opportunities to add a public art element.”

The plan is a departure from earlier ideas to put commercial space and upscale condominiums on the property.

Town Square Concert Series Weather Forecast: PERFECT!

Becoming mostly sunny, cooler and less humid by late afternoon. Highs in the upper 80s. Our cold front is moving through the area this morning. The clouds we see at the start of the day will gradually shift eastward though the day leaving most of us with sunshine for the afternoon hours. High pressure builds in upon the area today remains with us through Friday. The air will slowly dry out through the afternoon, so by the end of the day you may notice a drop in humidity. Wind: NW, 5-10 mph.

WRAL Weather

NBC-17 Weather

Craig Woolard Band Thursday 7 pm Town Square Concert Series

Clayton is 8th Fastest Growing Town in NC

Article in 7/16/08 The Herald
By Solja Nygard Frangos, Online Editor

Johnston County towns continued their growth last year, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimate. At the same time, the entire county’s population grew by 6,440 to 157,437.

All 10 towns in Johnston experienced growth between mid-2006 and mid-2007, according to the Census Bureau estimates, released July 10. Clayton led the pack with a 7.9-percent surge, from 13,845 residents to 14,948. Smithfield grew by 2.9 percent, from 12,196 people to 12,544, and Selma by 1.8 percent, from 6,702 residents to 6,820.

The county’s smaller towns, such as Kenly and Four Oaks, had similar growth rates. Kenly’s population grew by 2.5 percent, from 1,854 to 1,901, while the number of folks in Four Oaks grew 2.4 percent, from 1,821 to 1,864.

The whole county’s population grew by 4.3 percent, according to the estimates. Johnston was the fifth-fastest growing county in the state.

Clayton was the eighth-fastest growing town in North Carolina, trumping such cities as Cary, which grew by 7.3 percent. More

Downtown Clayton Events & Activities

Remember, it is always best to call the venue or contact number for the latest updates!

July 17
Karaoke with DJ Ray at the Flipside 408 E Second Street, 553-0123

July 18 - Josh Pepper at the Flipside 408 E Second Street, 553-0123

July 19 - The Fifty/50 Band at the Flipside 408 E Second Street, 553-0123

July 22 - Open Mic hosted by Tracy Weibeck at the Flipside 408 E Second Street, 553-0123

July 24 7:00 pm
Craig Woolard Band at the Town Square Outdoor Concert

July 24 Central Carolina Songwriters (all original music) at the Flipside 408 E Second Street, 553-0123

July 25 Coty Rivers & Johnny Orr at the Flipside 408 E Second Street, 553-0123

July 26 Andy Coats & The Bank Walkers at the Flipside 408 E Second Street, 553-0123

July 29 - Open Mic hosted by Tracy Weibeck at the Flipside 408 E Second Street, 553-0123

August 7 7:00 pm
Breakfast Club at the Town Square Outdoor Concert

September 11 7:00 pm
9-11 Remembrance at Town Square

September 18 7:00 pm
Battle of the Bands at the Town Square Outdoor Concert

If you are having an event in downtown Clayton, send the information to Downtown Events to be included on the events calendar.

“Craig Woolard Band” to Perform at Clayton Town Square Concert on July 24

The Craig Woolard Band returns to Clayton to perform at the Clayton Town Square Concert Series on Thursday, July 24 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. With the classic style of Ray Charles, the dynamics of Marvin Gaye and Rod Stewart, the soul of James Brown, the vocal prowess of Steve Perry of Journey, combined with the passion of Sam Cook and Michael McDonald, you have “The Soul Man of Beach Music”, Craig Woolard!

As the ambassador of Beach Music, Woolard enjoyed a stellar 27 year career as the front man of one of Carolina’s premiere bands, the Embers. His new band, The Craig Woolard Band, in their first year out in 2005, was honored as ‘GROUP OF THE YEAR” , while Craig walked away with Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist, Best Smoothie Song, and Song of the Year.

The Clayton Town Square Concert Series is presented by the Clayton Downtown Development Association. All concerts begin at 7:00 pm and the remaining concerts will feature Breakfast Club on August 7 and a Battle of the Bands on September 18.

Refreshments available at the Town Square will include pizza, hot dogs, beer, wine and soft drinks. Although folding chairs and blankets are encouraged for people to sit on, coolers are not allowed.

Sponsors for the concert series include Town of Clayton, Time Warner Cable, Clayton News Star, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, and Clayton Steak House. Contributing sponsors include Avent-Permenter Group Appraisals, Clayton Glass & Mirror, Hometowne Realty, Matthews Motors and True Line Surveying.

If you plan to attend the concerts, consider dinner out before the music begins. Downtown Clayton offers a variety of restaurants for an enjoyable pre-show meal. Consider The FlipSide on 408 E Second Street, 553-0123, Clayton Steakhouse, 307 E Main Street, 553-2299; Mulberry on Main Italian Restaurant 217 E Main Street, 550-7400 or El Sabor de Oaxaca, 226 E Main Street, 359-1477 for traditional Mexican cuisine. All are in the heart of downtown and within walking distance of the Town Square.

The Town Square is in downtown Clayton and sits between West Main Street and S. O’Neil and Fayetteville streets. For more information and updates keep checking the Downtown Clayton blog. For further information call (919) 553-1545.

This Week at The Flipside in Downtown Clayton!

From The Flipside--

This coming Friday, July 18th, at 6:30p.m.we're having a Wine Tasting.
RSVP is requested. (you can call either 550-0174 or 553-0123)

Wednesday is Mid-Week Coffee Break in The Coffee Mill
Buy a pound of coffee and get a medium expresso based drink on the house (with a flavor if you want it...) Just tell 'em you read the email.

Tonight is Open Mic Night with Tracy Wiebeck
Thursday we're having another Karaoke with KJ Ray
Friday we're excited about having The Josh Pepper Band

Saturday is the return...(drum roll please...dumm dumm dumm..) of
The Fifty/50 Band

Come enjoy Lunch or Dinner with Us.

http://www.myspace.com/theflipside1

Catalytic Converters Being Targeted for Theft

Clayton Police Department ---- Chamber of Commerce ALERT e-mail # 08-002

Smithfield Police are investigating the theft of 5 catalytic converters from parked vehicles recently, and Benson had 3 catalytic converters stolen from parked cars there. Several cases have been reported in Wake County and one has now been reported in Clayton this week. Catalytic converters change harmful pollutants into less harmful emissions before they leave the car's exhaust system

Most of the stolen converters were removed using a small battery powered saw to cut the converters out of the exhaust system under the vehicles. Some can be stolen by removing the mounting bolts. Catalytic converters contain precious metals like platinum, making them desirable to sell for scrap metal and causing them to be expensive to replace. The thieves can quickly cut the converters off of cars in shopping center parking lots and on the streets in front of houses. Vehicles (SUVs and trucks) with more ground clearance are particularly susceptible, but any car built since 1975 may be targeted.

Catalytic converter thefts are rapidly increasing in our area, so the Clayton Police Department urges all car owners (and vehicle fleet managers) to be careful and to reasonably try to avoid parking in isolated areas and unattended lots for extended periods. The public is also requested to be vigilant for suspicious persons around or under vehicles, and to call 9-1-1 to have law enforcement investigate such circumstances.

Chief Glen B. Allen
Clayton (NC) Police Department

Clayton Bypass: Friend to drivers, foe to businesses?

(from WRAL-TV 5)

Clayton, N.C. — Drivers love the new shortcut around Clayton. However, some businesses want the congestion to return.

The 70 Bypass is a little more than 1 month old. It links Interstate 40 to U.S. 70 in Johnston County and diverts thousands of cars a day around the town of Clayton.

When the Bypass opened, Highway 70 through Clayton became designated as Business 70.

“As a business, you want more traffic. You want congestion,” said “Fathead the Barber,” who works at Glen's Barber & Style Shop on Main Street in downtown Clayton. More

Media Two Earns Recognition

Downtown Clayton-based Media Two Interactive was ranked as the region's top Internet advertising and design firm recently by the Triangle Business Journal. The firm, owned by Clayton resident Michael Hubbard, has recently received favorable coverage from CNN, MSNBC and the Wall Street Journal. Media Two is an advertising agency that specializes in the strategic buying and design of interactive media while also identifying best uses of traditional media. The company, located in the Clayton Spinning Mill behind the downtown Post Office, employs 22 people.

Clayton & County Adopt Downtown Redevelopment Incentive Grant

In an effort to encourage development of vacant building lots in downtown Clayton, the Clayton Town Council in May and, the Johnston County Commissioners this week, have adopted the Clayton Downtown Redevelopment Incentive Grant which grants back a portion of the property tax value of the project. The incentive is geared toward property owners who build new commercial buildings on empty lots or engage in major rehabilitation projects in downtown Clayton.

The incentive is a grant that is based on the difference between the appraised tax value of the site or building prior to construction or rehabilitation and the determined tax value following completion of the project. The property owner pays the full town and county property tax value by its due date. If all conditions are met, the property owner receives a grant based on that value for five years. Grants would be disbursed the first two years at 100%, year three at 75%, year four at 50% and year 5 at 25%.

Property owners interested in utilizing this program should contact Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen at 553-1545 before starting a project. Information on the program is posted on the Town of Clayton website at www.townofclaytonnc.org under Downtown and Business Development.

The Clayton Downtown Development Association proposed this incentive grant to encourage and promote infill growth of vacant spaces with new commercial development and the major rehabilitation of older buildings within Clayton's downtown commercial district.

Projects that are already being planned would not be eligible, since the grant is for projects that would not have happened if not for the grant.

Restaurant Review: El Sabor de Oaxaca

Here's a blog review of El Sabor de Oaxaca in downtown Clayton...

Best Fireworks Around? Clayton! Ask Anyone!!

Clayton Parks & Recreation will host their annual Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 4 at the Municipal Park on Stalling Street. Activities begin at 4:00 pm and end with the area's best fireworks display at 9:15 pm. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets! Family activities will include field events at 4:00 pm and children's games from 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm. There will be free watermelon at 5:00 pm and free ice cream at 7:00 pm. Other activities consist of basketball and horseshoe tournaments at 4:00 pm; karaoke and local performers at 5:00 pm; Bingo at 6:00 pm and the The Extraordinaires will begin performing at 7:00 pm. There will be a raffle drawing at 9:00 pm. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $1 at the Parks & Recreation office or at the celebration. prizes include $150.00 First Prize; $100 Second Prize; $50 Third Prize. Click here for a full schedule or call 553-1550.

Gove Scrivenor to Play The Flipside This Saturday

Gove Scrivenor
The Flipside
408 E Second Street
Clayton, NC
(919) 553-0123

Saturday: June 28th
$10.00 Tickets
9:00p.m.

www.myspace.com/govescrivenor

When looking for expressive and uncommon sounds, Dolly Parton, Neil Young, Dan Seals, Hank Williams, Jr., Iris Dement and Glen Campbell all turned to the evocative sound of Gove Scrivenor's autoharp. When Gove released early albums on Flying Fish Records, his friends, Doc Watson, John Hartford, Marty Stuart, and Buddy Emmons...all lined up to contribute to his recordings.

Now joined by John Prine, Nanci Griffith and Lari White for his first Compass Records release Shine On, Gove, from Hendersonville, NC has created a collection of five self-penned and selected favorites of fellow artists. Gove, once again, introduces songs that are full of life and energy and his very personal, soulful sound.

Gove moved to Nashville in the early 70's after a four-year stint as a submarine sonar technician in the Navy. This move proved to be a wise one, as he was signed by the largest music publishing company in the world, Acuff-Rose. Wesley Rose saw in Gove the qualities that his struggling TRX record label needed, and Gove was soon signed to a recording contract as well as a songwriter agreement. Things began to happen. Scrivenor signed a management and booking deal with the Don Light Talent Agency in Nashville. During his years with Don Light, Gove toured with fellow agency artists Delbert McClinton and Jimmy Buffett and the Original Coral Reefer Band.

These successes opened doors for opportunities and he was soon performing on the popular PBS series Austin City Limits, where he appeared with The Amazing Rhythm Aces. His performance was splendid and he was asked to return again the following year for a show with Doc Watson. Bookings at colleges, festivals and clubs poured in and Gove soon found himself playing all over the US and Australia. Standing ovations and rave reviews were the order of the day, and then the bottom fell out of the Folk and Blues circuit with the advent of "alternative music" in the early '80s.

Not one to be brought down, Scrivenor kept his optimistic attitude alive and settled right into Nashville. He established himself as a highly sought after sessions player and he met with continued success by singing many jingles, including the early Opryland campaigns for TV and Busch Beer.

“Shine On” on Compass Records follows the success of Gove's two prior releases on Flying Fish Records. Shady Gove featured such masters as Doc Watson, John Hartford, Buddy Emmons and a host of others. It was the first of two highly regarded albums for the label. Coconut Gove, his second release, drew participation from such favorites as Marty Stuart, Ben Keith, and Dave Loggins. These two albums were re-issued by Rounder Records in 1999 as a compilation entitled “Solid Gove.”

Now we're provided with another unique opportunity to hear this master at work.
A new CD “Made Of Sand” was completed in the spring of 2006 and is available now.

Gove’s music has been described as "high energy folk blues," with inventive slide work and powerful vocals, tempered with singular work on the autoharp and beautiful ballads of his own writing. He's well known for his magical rapport with audiences of all ages.

"Liquid Pleasure" a Hit at Town Square Last Night

The weather was perfect last night for an outdoor party and that's what "Liquid Pleasure" provided at the Town Square Concert. The band kept everyone on their toes with amusing banter between songs and by the end of the night everyone was dancing in front of the stage - and the band even invited some young folks up on the stage to show their moves!

Were you there? Did you have fun?

Next concert is July 24 with Craig Woolard Band; August 7 with Breakfast Club and September 18 is a Battle of the Bands!

BATTLE OF BANDS - Triangle Area Bands Sought for Clayton Town Square Concert Series

On September 18th at 7:00 pm the Clayton Downtown Development Association will be hosting its first ever “Battle of the Bands” as part of its Town Square Concert Series. The performances will take place at the Clayton Town Square on E Main Street between O’Neil and Fayetteville streets.

Five bands will be selected to each perform 3 songs or 15 minutes. Grand prize is $1,000 with second and third prizes $500 and $250 respectively.

Entries should be received June 19 – July 1, 2008 and should include a CD with 3 songs, a band photo, contact information, and a list of recent performances. Band selection will be announced August 15.

All bands must be family-friendly (no profanity or derogatory lyrics); must be able to perform on September 18; be prepared for a 3 song or 15 minute maximum performance. The performance order will be selected at random and Karaoke machines or pre-recorded music are not eligible.
All musical genres are welcome to submit an entry. The selection committee is comprised of professional musicians and others with musical knowledge.

Send entries to:
Town Square Concert Series
Battle of the Bands
PO Box 879
Clayton, NC 27528

The 2008 Town Square Concert Series performers include Nantucket, Liquid Pleasure, Craig Woolard Band, and Breakfast Club. The “Battle of the Bands” will bring the series to an exciting close. If additional information is needed send a request to claytonbands@gmail.com.

From the Burbs to Downtown...

For the past decade living in a downtown or urban environment has been fairly trendy...in the coming decade it may become a way of life... check this out from CNN

Town Council Adopts Strategic Growth Plan

The Clayton Town Council last night adopted the Strategic Growth Plan some of the goals of which include making downtown Clayton more alive, and encouraging upper floor residential units and much more. Here's the story in this morning's News & Observer.

ARTS Specialty License Plate

Just wanted to let you all know about a great opportunity to show your pride in the ARTS in our state and support a good cause at the same time.

ARTS North Carolina has begun the process to create an ARTS specialty license plate. Legislation has been introduced in the legislature by Senator Tony Rand and Representative Becky Carney. Once the legislation is passed and the DMV and Highway Patrol approve the design, ARTS NC must sell 300 plates and submit that money to the DMV before they will start printing the plates. SO.....we want to sell these first 300 as quick as we can!

The design for the plate was created by Rachel Godwin, former graphic artist with the North Carolina Museum of Art (Contact Jessica Meadows at the Johnston County Arts Council for a photo of the design, as well as an interest form, or click on the links below). This will be the FIRST digitally produced full-color plate in the state! The plates will cost $30 more than the standard NC plates. Of that fee, $20 will go to ARTS North Carolina to support the invaluable advocacy work of that organization.

Hope you like it!

License Plate Design

License Plate Interest Form

Clayton Farmers Market Inquiries

An email address has been created to contact the Clayton Community and Farmer's Market Steering Committee if the public has a question or wants more information. The address is claytonmarket@earthlink.net.

The Committee is working to develop organizational structures and relationships with potential vendors for a spring 2009 opening somewhere in downtown Clayton.

Clayton Steakhouse Makes Greg Cox' Father's Day List

WOW!! Clayton Steakhouse 307 E Main Street in Clayton has found itself in some pretty impressive company in this morning's Raleigh News & Observer. In the Food section, on page 4E, Greg Cox aka The Epicurean, created a Hot List: Prime Steakhouse Picks for Father's Day and Michael Grannis' Clayton Steakhouse is listed with such stalwarts as Angus Barn, Ruth's Chris Steak House and Sullivan's!

Clayton's Northside Neighborhood Watch Plans Block Party

Clayton's Northside Neighborhood Watch Partnership is sponsoring a community day and block party on Saturday, June 14. The event, from 10 am to 3 pm, will be held at St Augustine AME Church, 405 E Stallings Street and at the All Star Park on Front Street. Creative fun and games, arts and crafts, gospel music, lectures, discussions and food are all part of the day's activities. St Augustine pastor Edward Hansley invitres all residents, church representatives and businesses in the Clayton Community to come out and participate. For more information, call 553-8695, 553-8539 or email cotten-clytn@aol.com.

“Liquid Pleasure” to Perform at Clayton Town Square Concert on June 19

The southeast’s premier show and dance band, Liquid Pleasure, will perform at the Clayton Town Square Concert Series on Thursday, June 19 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Performing a fun variety of beach music, rock, the standards and even rap, Liquid Pleasure has appeared with such notable artists as Paula Abdul, The Temptations, Whitney Houston, The Four Tops, Stacy Lattisaw, Aretha Franklin and Jeffery Osborne. Liquid Pleasure is: Kenny Mann (keyboards, leader, manager, comedian, wise-cracker and founding member); Melvin Farrington (bass guitar, original member); Leonard Hackney (lead guitar, original member); Cedric Hardin (drums); Darrin Johnson (lead guitar and background vocals); Vincent Poole (lead and background vocals). For more information about the band visit their website at www.liquidpleasureband.com

The Clayton Town Square Concert Series is presented by the Clayton Downtown Development Association. All concerts begin at 7:00 pm and upcoming concerts will feature Craig Woolard Band on July 24, Breakfast Club on August 7 and a Battle of the Bands on September 18.

Refreshments available at the Town Square will include pizza, hot dogs, beer, wine and soft drinks. Although folding chairs and blankets are encouraged for people to sit on, coolers are not allowed.

Sponsors for the concert series include Town of Clayton, Time Warner Cable, Clayton News Star, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, and Clayton Steak House. Contributing sponsors include Avent-Permenter Group Appraisals, Clayton Glass & Mirror, Hometowne Realty, Matthews Motors and True Line Surveying.

If you plan to attend the concerts, consider dinner out before the music begins. Downtown Clayton offers a variety of restaurants for an enjoyable pre-show meal. Consider The FlipSide on 408 E Second Street, 553-0123, Clayton Steakhouse, 307 E Main Street, 553-2299; Mulberry on Main Italian Restaurant 217 E Main Street, 550-7400 or El Sabor de Oaxaca, 226 E Main Street, 359-1477 for traditional Mexican cuisine. All are in the heart of downtown and within walking distance of the Town Square.

The Town Square is in downtown Clayton and sits between West Main Street and S. O’Neil and Fayetteville streets. For further information call (919) 553-1545.

Have You Tried El Sabor de Oaxaca Lately?

Just had lunch at El Sabor de Oaxaca on E Main in downtown this afternoon and they're now taking debit/credit cards! Since I'm not a cash-carrier, I had to really plan to go there for lunch or dinner with a visit to the ATM ahead of time, but no longer.

They've also got some interesting beverages, that I do not remember the names of, but one is a natural tea, that they make in-house, crushing the leaves and everything. It's very good. They also have a rice-milk concoction that involves cinnamon and is very refreshing. Another is a spicy drink that has some chilies and other ingredients. Who needs caffeine!!

If you have the chance, check it out. The menu is different from the usual Mexican restaurant, but very good. They have regular customers now coming from Wake Forest and Raleigh...and Smithfield.

Buy a Block of the Mural and Get a Free Poster!

Dorothy Demboski, the Clayton artist who is painting the mural inside the Clayton Center is now offering posters of the mural for $30.00 each. The best deal, though, is to buy a "block" of the mural for $100, and you will get a free poster!

You can participate in the mural project by purchasing a square of the mural for $100. Of course, you can buy more than 1 block. Your share will be recognized in a plaque to hang along side the mural. Be a shareholder in this exciting community art project for Clayton.

Yes, I would like to purchase a block of Clayton
1 block - 15” square $100
2 blocks $200
3 blocks $300
Etc.

Please specify how many blocks you want to buy. ______________

Name:______________________________________
Address:____________________________________
Zip Code:_____________________
Phone, Email:__________________


Make check payable to:
Clayton Visual Arts
PO Box 698
Clayton, NC 27528

Deadline is June 15 - call Dorothy for more information (919) 333-5505 or email ddemboski@nc.rr.com

MillStock Music & Art Faire THIS SATURDAY!

Music and fine arts and crafts blend for an exciting day in downtown Clayton with the 8th Annual Millstock: Celebration of Music and Arts Faire on Saturday, June 7 from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Millstock is held at the corner of Lombard and Second streets in the parking lot of the Coffee Mill and The Flipside. Millstock is a showcase for local artists and musicians. This year more than 20 local artists will be displaying their work.

Among the art displays will be photography, jewelry, pottery, paintings, and stained glass. The Clayton Historical Association will have a booth and feature tours of the historic B.M. Robertson Mule Barn. Children’s activities will be hosted by Mother’s Unlimited. Downtown businesses will be open during the day and restaurants in the evening.

The musical lineup this year will kickoff with Rootzie, with a rock and funk sound; followed by Zydecopious, the Triangle’s only zydeco band. No Strings Attached will bring a great bluegrass flavor to Millstock and The Amateurs will bring a Caribbean end to the day with some great Reggae music.

Artist’s wishing to exhibit and sell their work must meet certain standards. Clayton Visual Arts, which sponsors the Art Faire, requires that all works must be of original design, and executed by the exhibiting artist or artisan. Application deadline is May 28. For more information on becoming an exhibitor contact Gina Moreland at millstock@gmail.com. For updates check www.myspace.com/millstockclaytonnc and www.downtownclayton.blogspot.com

Millstock is a merger of two events. The Clayton Arts Faire began in 1999 as part of the Clayton Harvest Festival and the Millstock Music Festival, which began in 2000. Both were grassroots efforts designed to bring music and art to downtown Clayton. The events merged four years ago to become an exciting downtown experience.
This event has received support from the Town of Clayton; the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment for the Arts. Johnston County Arts Council is the North Carolina Arts Council’s Designated County Partner for Johnston County.

11 AM - NOON
ROOTZIE

Rootzie is the brainchild of singer/songwriter/guitarist/bassist/ percussionist/ Gregory Blaine. Gregory has been playing and singing for some 40 years in bands up and down the eastern seaboard. Rootzie came about slowly adding one piece at a time finally jelling into a rock'n funky good sound. The musical selections come from the vast works of music Gregory was exposed to in his life: Gospel, Country, Reggae, Blues, Funk, Jazz and even as of late, Bluegrass.


12:15 PM – 1:30 PM
ZYDECOPEOUS
www.zydecopious.com


Their name means "ample amounts of zydeco," and that's what this band promises dancers and listeners alike. Zydecopious offers up not only tunes that zydeco aficionados and dancers have come to know and love (such as "Have Mercy," "I'm Comin' Home," "My YaYa," "Born in the Country," "Midland Two-Step," "Give 'em Cornbread"), but it also plays songs that reflect the heavy R&B-tinged music of Louisiana and the other Gulf Coast states, such as "Baby Please Don't Go," "Diddie-Wah-Diddie," and "Iko-Iko." And always expect some surprises, as some popular hits of the past get the zydeco treatment (remember Peggy Lee's "Fever" from 1958 and Mongo Jerry's "In the Summertime" from 1970?). Zydecopious is the Triangle's only local zydeco band. It includes Clark Aflague on frottoir; Tracy Wiebeck on bass; Mike Davis on guitar; Leo Briere on accordion; Ken Joseph on drums; and Mick Voiland on organ. They all invite you to listen, enjoy, tap your feet, and, most definitely, DANCE!


2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

NO STRINGS ATTACHED
raleighbluegrass.com/

No Strings Attached is an energetic bluegrass band based in Raleigh NC comprised of an all-star cast of local musicians specializing in a deep repertoire of original, contemporary songs, traditional favorites and blazing instrumentals. Each of the members of No Strings Attached spends time in other regional and national acts such as Barefoot Manner, The Kickin’ Grass Band, Old Habits and The Stranger Brothers. Their unique individual styles and profuse experience blend together into tight vocal harmonies, polished instrumental technique and an infectious, driving rhythm.


3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

THE AMATEURS
The Amateurs have been moving people to sway and dance with their reggae and rock style of music since 1989. The enthusiasm never wanes with original member Bill "Shep" Sheppard's rhythmic congas and unique vocals. Mike Davis, another original member, keeps the energy pumping with his masterful lead guitar and vocals. Ken Joseph's rock solid drums keeps the beat feverish. Jubal Davis' steady, thumping bass lines carry on the island groove. Rounding out the band is Mike Canali's soulful sax and kickin' keyboards. A performance by The Amateurs is a guaranteed good time; the rock laced with island spice, the reggae so authentic if you close your eyes, you can feel the ocean breeze.