facebook Share on Facebook Summer will be gone before we know it -- so let's make the most of the last full month of Summer! There's lots to do in JoCo -- and we're sure there's something for you, too!

Saturday August 1 2009 - Saturday August 29 2009 American Music Jubilee This Branson-style variety show will delight audiences of all ages with comedy, music and fun. Matinees: 1:40pm, Evenings: 7:40pm. Toll free 1-877-843-7839 or (919) 202-992. August Show dates: 1, 8, 15, 20, 22, 29. Location: Rudy Theatre, Selma. 300 N. Raiford St. PO Box 429 Selma, NC 27576 Admission: Call for show times & ticket prices. Phone: Spook Joyner, 919 202-9927

Saturday August 1 2009 - Monday August 31 2009 Teacher Appreciation Month Teachers are encouraged to present their school ID at the Information Center to receive a FREE VIP Coupon Book! Hours: Mon-Sat 10-9, Sun 11-7. Location: Carolina Premium Outlets, Smithfield. 1025 Industrial Park Dr., Ste. 905 Smithfield, NC 27577 Phone: Crystal Yelverton, 919 989-8757 Wednesday August 5 2009 Kenly Public Library Summer Program Be creative at Kenly Public Library Summer Program. Featuring Ronald McDonald. Event time: 10:30am. Location: Kenly Public Library 205 E. Edgerton St. PO Box 519 Kenly, NC 27542 Admission: Free. Phone: Dianne Bailey, 919 284-4217

Wednesday August 5 2009 Music for the Lunch Bunch A series of summer concerts held every Wednesday at 12:15pm, featuring local artists performing a variety of music, with particular emphasis on classical music. Location: First Presbyterian Church, Smithfield. Admission: Free. Phone: Zilphia Adcock, 919 553-1930

Friday August 7 2009 - Sunday August 9 2009 Annual Tax Free Weekend Back-to-school sale is held in conjunction with North Carolina's Tax Free Weekend. Merchants offer added savings on specially priced merchandise. Hours: Fri- Sat 9am-10pm, Sun 10am-7pm. Location: Carolina Premium Outlets, Smithfield. 1025 Industrial Park Dr., Ste. 905 Smithfield, NC 27577 Phone: Crystal Yelverton, 919 989-8757

Friday August 7 2009 - Saturday August 8 2009 Country Music Showcase: Let Your Spirit Sing Country music is deeply rooted on the traditions of gospel music, which began in the hills of Tennessee. The CMS cast celebrates this influence with an evening of gospel and Christian music. Event time Friday 7pm, Saturday 2pm & 7pm. Location: Paul A. Johnston Auditorium, Johnston Community College, Smithfield. 245 College Rd. Smithfield, NC 27577 Admission: Call for ticket prices. Phone: Debbie Elam, 919 209-2099

Friday August 7 2009 - Friday August 28 2009 Country Tonight! Come for a family night of Country music, old and new, with Bobby Lynn and the Country Tonight Come hear the best country music from today and yesterday and comedy that will keep you laughing in your seat! Each week, Country Tonight offers a featured band that performs some of your favorite country songs. With a little family comedy added to the show, you have the ingredients for a night of fun! Show time: Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 7:45pm. Additional August dates: 7, 14, 21, 28 Location: Corner of Webb & Waddell Streets. 112 N. Webb St. Selma, NC 27576 Admission: Call for ticket prices or visit www.countrytonightmusicshow.com Phone: Bowie Martin, 252 237-6199

Friday August 7 2009 - Saturday August 8 2009 Once On This Island A tale of love, loss, and redemption, "Once On This Island" is a calypso-flavored retelling of the traditional "Little Mermaid" story. Presented by area 7th-12th graders. www.claytonyouththeater.com Show times: Fri-Sat 7:30pm,Sat 2pm. Location: The Clayton Center. Admission: $10 Adults; $5 Students. Phone: Nikki Dyke, 919-553-1737

Wednesday August 12 2009 Kenly Public Library Summer Program Be creative at Kenly Public Library Summer Program. Featuring Tobacco Farm Life Museum. Event time: 10:30am. Location: Kenly Public Library 205 E. Edgerton St. PO Box 519 Kenly, NC 27542 Admission: Free. Phone: Dianne Bailey, 919 284-4217

Wednesday August 12 2009 Music for the Lunch Bunch A series of summer concerts held every Wednesday at 12:15pm, featuring local artists performing a variety of music, with particular emphasis on classical music. Location: First Presbyterian Church, Smithfield. Admission: Free. Phone: Zilphia Adcock, 919 553-1930

Saturday August 15 2009 - Sunday August 16 2009 NCUSFA Summer Smackdown Girl's Fast Pitch Softball Tournament This Girl's Fast Pitch Softball Tournament will be an opportunity to see some of the best fast pitch softball players in our area. Concession with an assortment of food/beverage available. No alcohol is permitted on premises. Event times: Sat 8:30am-10pm, Sun 8:30am-5pm. Location: Clayton Community Park - 1075 Amelia Church Rd., Clayton. 340 McCullers St. PO Box 879 Clayton, NC 27520 Admission: Call for prices. Phone: Jonathan Allen, 919 553-1551

Sunday August 16 2009 Coats Estate Open House Visit the Coats House and Museum, located on the Coats Estate. The Coats bell collection includes 60+ bells. You have the opportunity to ring the bells and tour the museum. Event time 3pm-5pm or by reservation. Location: The Coats Estate, 3317 Old Fairground Rd., Angier. Coats Estate 3317 Old Fairground Rd. Angier, NC 27501 Admission: Free Phone: Alice Honeycutt, 919 894-4443

Wednesday August 19 2009 Kenly Public Library Summer Program Be creative at Kenly Public Library Summer Program. Featuring Kenly Police Department. Event time: 10:30am. Location: Kenly Public Library 205 E. Edgerton St. PO Box 519 Kenly, NC 27542 Admission: Free. Phone: Dianne Bailey, 919 284-4217

Thursday August 20 2009 Sundown in Downtown Bring your family and enjoy a concert under the stars featuring the Roy Roberts Band. Event time: 5:30pm-9pm. Location: Singing Grove, Benson Admission: Free. Phone: Loretta Byrd, 919 894-3825

Thursday August 20 2009 Zydecopious/Town Square Concert Series Bring a blanket or sit on the grass and enjoy the music. Refreshments, including soft drinks, beer and wine will be available. Event time: 7pm-9pm. Location: Town Square - 100 W. Main St., Clayton. Admission: Free. Phone: Bruce Naegelen, 919 553-1545

Saturday August 22 2009 Benson Saturday Stroll, Fall Into Autumn Come to Main St. in Downtown Benson for a fun, interactive experience. Enjoy great food, music, shopping, games and actives for all ages. Event time: 10am - 2pm. Location: Main Street, Downtown Benson. Admission: Free. Phone: Ben Murphrey, 919 894-1606

Saturday August 22 2009 Summer Seasonal Living History Program & Artillery Demonstration Costumed living historians from the 27th NC Troops will conduct weapons demonstrations and hold discussions on the lives of the average Civil War soldier. Highly trained volunteers will demonstrate the loading and firing of a 3" ordinance rifle, a popular Civil War cannon. Event time 10am-4pm. Location: Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, Four Oaks. 5466 Harper House Rd. Four Oaks, NC 27524 Admission: Free. Phone: Derrick Brown, 910 594-0789

Saturday August 29 2009 Johnston County Horse Show Series This show series is dedicated to offering a fun and exciting horse show while still maintaining a down home atmosphere that encourages family participation. Open to riders and horses/mules from all riding levels, breeds & disciplines. Event time: 8:30am. Location: Johnston County Livestock Arena, Smithfield. Admission: Free for spectators. Phone: Michele McLaughlin, 919 934-1344