Happenings: Country Days, Ashetoberfest highlight weekend events

THIS WEEK

Southern Randolph Country Days returns to Seagrove 

SEAGROVE — Southern Randolph Country Days, a two-day event set for downtown Seagrove, will take place on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19 and 20.

The event brings together community members, visitors, local businesses, musicians, food vendors and crafters. 

On Friday evening, Southbound 49 kicks off the festivities at 7 p.m. on an outdoor stage in downtown Seagrove at 233 East Ave. Bring your lawn chair. However, food and vendors are also part of the Friday package, which runs from 5 pm to 11 pm.

On Saturday, look for a full day of events as the festival takes place from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Peruse craft vendors, food trucks and kids activities throughout the day including bounce houses. At 2 p.m. there will be a parade; lineup happens on Wright Street. No registration needed, just be in line by 1:30 p.m.

Throughout the day, it’s also a music fest: Ty Miller plays from 10 a.m. to noon, Sin Smashers from 1 to 3 p.m. and The Sand Band from 4 to 7 p.m.

Best of all, it’s free and the public is welcome. 

Ashetoberfest returns to Bicentennial Park

ASHEBORO — German-inspired eats and drinks highlight a day of fall celebration on Sept. 20 from 12 to 5 p.m. in Bicentennial Park in downtown Asheboro.

The annual Ashetoberfest sponsored by Four Saints Brewing Company and the Pharmacy, both of downtown Asheboro, and in support of the Randolph County United Way, offers food, games, vendors and, if you’re lucky, maybe even some green beer.

Meanwhile, the Randolph Jazz Band and Southbound 49 will take the stage during the event, created to welcome in the fall weather with a family-friend celebration.

Walk Thru the Past returns for September 

ASHEBORO — Walk Thru the Past is back for September, taking interested walkers on a tour of the Old Asheboro Cemetery to hear tales about some of the “residents” there.

The walk is set for Sunday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m.

Tour director Ricky Allred promises an  eclectic selection of stories as the monthly walks return for the fall.

The Old Asheboro Cemetery is located at 180 West Salisbury Street, Asheboro.

Pair of library events focus on birds, ‘light pollution’ 

ASHEBORO — The Asheboro Public Library has several events lined up for the remainder of September.

■ On Thursday, Sept. 18, feathered friends will return for “Birding with CLAWS Animal Rescue” at 3:30 p.m.

CLAWS, which brought animal ambassadors to the library during Summer Reading, will present an educational and fun-filled program about bird watching for children of all ages and their families. Meet some of CLAWS’ birds and learn about their habitats and behaviors in our own backyards and around Randolph County.

Discover what birds visit you at home, and impress your friends with your new birdwatching skills!

■ On Tuesday, Sept. 23, get the buzz on “light pollution” in this exploration of  nighttime from the perspective of a firefly, moth, migrating songbird or tree frog.

Those and creatures will be the stars in  “What’s the BUZZ About Light Pollution?” with Kathryn Reis, environmental educator with the Randolph County Soil and Water Conservation District, at 6:30 p.m. at the Asheboro Public Library.

Reis also will discuss simple steps you can take to ensure wild nightlife flourishes for years to come.

Recovery Celebration at Keaton’s Place Saturday

ASHEBORO — Randolph County Opioid Collaborative will hold its annual Recovery Celebration event on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Keaton’s Place Parking Lot, 120 Worth St., Asheboro. The event aims to honor the strength of individuals on their journey to recovery, while raising awareness about addiction and mental health challenges in our community. 

The event is set for 1 to 4 p.m. and will feature a variety of activities, including food trucks, children’s activities, T-shirts, art show and resource booths offering information about support services. Activities are designed for individuals of all ages, families, and friends, ensuring a space for everyone to come together and celebrate resilience and hope.

This event is free and everyone is invited to participate.

UPCOMING

Two-day Liberty Antiques festival is next weekend

LIBERTY — Twice a year (in April and September), Liberty is host to a spacious Antiques Festival that draws more than 400 vendors from more than 25 states to a 100-acre farm near the small town of fewer than 3,000 people.

Many more than that will descend on Pike Family Farm, 2855 Pike Farm Rd., Staley, for the event which is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26 and 27, to see what kind of 18th- to 20th-century treasures will be available for purchase this year.

Admission is $10 for 12 and older, free otherwise. And parking is free. Check out www.libertyantiquesfestival.com to learn more.