facebook Share on Facebook Find something fun & new to do this May in Johnston County! Whether you're a new resident or a JoCo local, we've got you covered. Check out this month's happenings.

Saturday May 1 2010 - Saturday May 22 2010 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 May Show dates: 1, 7, 8, 13, 15, 22. 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 May 1 2010 East Coast Gospel Music Association's Family Day! Come and be fed; a meal will be served, followed by some of your favorite gospel music. Event time: 4pm. Location: North Johnston High School, Kenly. Admission: Call for prices. Phone: Shirley Edwards, 919 965-6276 Saturday May 1 2010 Flower Hill Rhodo Ramble A traditional early May nature walk at this Johnston County jewel for the magnificent blooms of Catawba rhododendron and other wildflowers. Call for registration or register online at www.triangleland.org "News and Events". Location: Flower Hill NC Hwy 231 North & Flower Hill Rd. Middlesex, NC 27557 Phone: Doug Nicholas, 919 833-3662 x102

Saturday May 1 2010 - Saturday July 31 2010 Lazy O Farm Summer Dayz Learn how seeds and cows provide lots of your favorite foods. Bag up your own dirt and seeds to take home for planting. Make and eat ice cream and butter, hop on a hayride and visit the barnyard animals! Picnic shelter available. Location: 3583 Packing Plant Rd., Smithfield. 3583 Packing Plant Rd. Smithfield, NC 27577 Admission: Call for prices and appointment. Phone: Tami Thompson, 919 934-1132

Saturday May 1 2010 - Sunday May 2 2010 Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival The Annual Ham & Yam Festival is teaming with ham biscuits, barbecue pork, and sweet potatoes galore. There will be arts, crafts, kid's activities including, live entertainment with Blackhawk Band, pig cooking contest, "What's That Yam Thing?", pig races and a Motorcycle Rally. Event times: Sat 9am-10pm, Sun Noon-5pm. Location: Throughout Downtown, Third St. to Front St. Smithfield. Admission: Free. Phone: Chris Johnson, 919 934-0887 T

hursday May 6 2010 Benson Business Expo The Benson Chamber of Commerce hosts local businesses exhibiting their services and wares. Event time: 11am-6pm Location: American Legion Building, 605 N Wall St., Benson. Admission: Free. Phone: Loretta Byrd, 919 894-3825

Friday May 7 2010 - Saturday May 8 2010 Eddie Miles: A Salute to Elvis Presley Eddie Miles does a spectacular tribute to the "King" - Elvis Presley. You may have seen Eddie/Elvis at Myrtle Beach. Now you can see this great performer right here in Selma! Eddie continues to play to sell-out audiences so please reserve your seats as soon as possible for these special Rudy Theatre Concert Series performances. Call toll free 1-877-843-7839 or (919) 202-992. Show times Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm. Location: Rudy Theatre, Selma. 300 N. Raiford St. PO Box 429 Selma, NC 27576 Admission: Call for ticket prices. Phone: Spook Joyner, 919 202-9927

Friday May 7 2010 - Friday May 28 2010 The Country Tonight Music Show Great traditional country music in a down home rustic setting. Professional bands alternate each Friday night so each week the show is different. Show time: Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 7:45pm. May show dates: 7, 14, 21, 28. Location: Corner of Webb and 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

Saturday May 8 2010 Annual Open House and Herbal Tea Party Tour the greenhouse, learn about how to grow out plants, enjoy an herbal tea party under the gazebo, travel through the lavender labyrinth and explore the deer meadow. Variety of demonstrations and hands on workshops. Location: 14765-D Buffalo Rd., Clayton 14765-D Buffalo Road Clayton, NC 27527 Admission: Free. Phone: Mary Bevier, 919 553-2992

Saturday May 8 2010 Clayton 5K Road Race 5K Road Race through the streets of Clayton offered to runners and walkers of all ages. Trophies will be awarded. A 0.1 mile Tot Trot for ages 6 and under is offered after the completion of the race. Event time: 9am. Location: Streets of Clayton 715 Amelia Church Rd. PO Box 879 Clayton, NC 27520 Admission: Call for registration fees, free to spectators. Phone: Susan Jenkins, 919 553-1555

Saturday May 8 2010 Mother's Day Berry Bash/1st Annual Art's Festival Bring your Mom for the special festivities which include picking strawberries, and hot dogs and lemonade. Local artists on site with artwork for display and sale. Enjoy a beautiful selection of annuals, perennials and landscaping plants. Event time: 9-4pm. Location: Smith's Nursery and Strawberry Farm, McGee's Crossroads. 443 Sanders Rd. Benson, NC 27504 Admission: Free. Phone: Sarah Smith, 919 934-1700

Saturday May 8 2010 Plein Air Paint Out Artists gather for brief tour of location and use remainder of day to paint in the out-of-doors. Open to all artists and free of charge to participants. Event time: 9am. Location: Smith's Nursery, Benson. Admission: Free. Phone: Zilphia Adcock, 919 553-1930

Thursday May 13 2010 Nantucket/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. Admission: Free. Phone: Bruce Naegelen, 919 553-1545 Friday

May 14 2010 - Sunday May 16 2010 Four Oaks Acorn Festival Entertainment, live music, rides, street dance, parade, tractor pull, golf tournament, games, contest and food and arts/craft vendors. Location: Elementary School Football Field, Four Oaks. Admission: Free. Phone: Cathy Allen, 919 963-4004

Saturday May 15 2010 - Sunday May 16 2010 AAA Member Days AAA members are invited to "Show their Card & Save" to receive added savings. Gift bags will be offered to the first 20 AAA members each day. Location: Carolina Premium Outlets, Smithfield. 1025 Industrial Park Dr., Ste. 905 Smithfield, NC 27577 Phone: Crystal Yelverton, 919 989-8453

Sunday May 16 2010 Bluegrass Sunday at Country Tonight! Bluegrass Sunday featuring Al Batten and the Bluegrass Reunion 3 p.m; doors open at 2 p.m. 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

Sunday May 16 2010 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

Thursday May 20 2010 Arts in Healthcare Program Trude McLaughlin featured artist demonstrating wood working techniques. Event time: 11am-1pm. Location: Johnston Health, Clayton Admission: Free. Phone: Zilphia Adcock, 919 553-1930

Thursday May 20 2010 Ava Gardner Spring Exhibit Reception At the height of her film career, Ava Gardner was the most photographed woman at MGM. In May 2010, the Ava Gardner Museum will share part of its 20,000+ strong collection through a new photography exhibit. Event time: 5:30-7:30pm. Location: 325 E. Market Street, Smithfield. 325 E. Market St. Smithfield, NC 27577 Admission: free. Phone: Jessica Meadows, 919 934-5830

Thursday May 20 2010 Sundown in Downtown Bring your family and enjoy a concert under the stars featuring The Craig Woolard Band. Event time: 5:30pm-9pm. Location: Singing Grove, Benson. Admission: Free. Phone: Loretta Byrd, 919 894-3825

Friday May 21 2010 - Sunday May 23 2010 NSA State Tournament NSA State Tournament for 8U, 10U, and 12U. Teams will have to play in State to advance to World Tournament. Location: Kenly Area Parks And Recreation Center (KAPARC) on College Avenue 406 S. College St. PO Box 519 Kenly, NC 27542 Admission: Call for info. Phone: Tim Narron, 919 284-9667

Saturday May 22 2010 Benson Saturday Spring Stroll Warm weather is hopefully just around the corner. Come on out to officially welcome the warmth in Downtown Benson! This will be an interactive experience for the entire family. Fun, food, music, shopping, games, and activities for the entire family. Local farmers selling produce and an opportunity to grow your own. Event time:10 to 3pm. Location: Downtown, Main Street Admission: Free Phone: Ben Murphrey, 919 894-1606

Saturday May 22 2010 Johnston County Horse Show Series B & M Stables horse 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, 1503 County Home Rd., Smithfield Admission: Free for spectators. Phone: Michele McLaughlin, 919 934-1344

Thursday May 27 2010 The Gizmo Guys Performing as the Gizmo Guys, Allan Jacobs and Barrett Felker have amazed and amused audiences around the world. They work in a great variety of venues including theaters, corporate functions of all types, cruise ships, numerous television appearances, won international juggling competitions, and taught at top circus schools. But what makes their act so appealing is their uniquely winning combination of dazzling technique and infectious humor. The Gizmo Guys' rapid-fire act exhilarates and inspires sidesplitting laughter in audience members of all ages. Show time: 7pm. Location: Paul A. Johnston Auditorium, Johnston Community College, Smithfield. 245 College Rd. Smithfield, NC 27577 Admission: Call for ticket prices. Phone: Ken Mitchell, 919 209-2099

Friday May 28 2010 - Monday May 31 2010 Memorial Day Sidewalk Sale Merchants offer special savings on all or specially priced merchandise. 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