HAPPENINGS: Zoograss and marching bands this weekend

THIS WEEK

Thursday through Saturday, it’s Zoograss at Sunset Theatre

ASHEBORO — Zoograss, the triple-consecutive night of some of bluegrass’ best in the business, returning to the Sunset Theatre beginning Thursday.

 Performances this year feature Authentic Unlimited on Wednesday, Sept. 10; Darin & Brooke Aldridge on Thursday, Sept. 11; and Lonesome River Band on Friday, Sept. 12. 

All shows begin at 7 pm. Individual tickets are $25 per night or $70 for all three nights. Seating is general admission.

For more information, visit sunsettheatre.org.

Battle of the Bands ready to make some noise Saturday

ASHEBORO — A college band (Hampton University Marching Band) and Asheboro High School’s band will make their debuts on Saturday at the annual Battle of the Bands Competition hosted by the Russell Murphy Football Camp Organization.

The event is scheduled for Sept. 13 at 11 a.m. in Asheboro High School’s Lee J. Stone Stadium. The Battle of the Bands competition showcases local high school talent. The emcee of the competition will be radio announcer Busta Brown.

Student/youth tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the gate. Adult tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. Tickets can be purchased at Pip Printing, Real Cutz Barbershop, the Asheboro Fire Department and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.

Victory Junction’s annual Run to Victory Saturday

RANDLEMAN — Victory Junction will host its annual Run to Victory on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 7:30 a.m. on the camp’s grounds, inviting runners, walkers, rollers and strollers to help fuel life-changing camp experiences for children living with complex medical and physical needs.

Registration is $35 for the 5K or $25 for the Fun Run. All participants get an event T-shirt and goodie bag. Register at www.VictoryJunction.org/RTV. 

UPCOMING

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. 

On Saturday will be a full day of small-town fun with live music by multiple bands throughout the day, crafts vendors, kids’ games, food trucks, and a parade at 2 p.m. The Sand Band will close out festivities with a concert at 4 p.m. Hours for Saturday are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

29th Annual Fly-In at Asheboro airport Sept. 20 

ASHEBORO — It’s that time of year for the annual NC Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame Fly-In.

The 29th annual version takes place on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Antique airplanes, warbirds, home builds and more are standard for gawking fans to enjoy, inspect and watch fly through the air.

Admission of $10 (10-under get in free) also gives visitors free access to the NC Aviation Museum.

Asheborofest returns to Bicentennial Park

ASHEBORO — German-inspired eats highlight a day of fall celebration on Sept. 20 in Bicentennial Park in downtown Asheboro.

The annual Ashetoberfest combines music (Randolph Jazz Band and Southbound 49), food, vendors, games and more to create a family fun event to help celebrate the arrival of fall.

Sponsored by Four Saints Brewing Co. (expect to see some green beer), the event begins at noon and lasts until 5 p.m.

Pair of library events set for coming weeks

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.

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.

Recovery Celebration event set for Sept. 20

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.

Potters’ Pumpkin Patch makes early appearance 

SEAGROVE — The Potters’ Pumpkin Patch Trail is opening a little early this fall.

The self-guided tour of five pottery galleries each offering special Fall themed items and experiences happens throughout the month of October. But this year, there will be an early bird pottery event on Saturday, Sept. 20. 

Start out by visiting any one of the participating shops — Blue Hen Pottery, Crystal King Pottery, Seagrove Stoneware, Thomas Pottery and The Triangle Studio — and pick up a map to follow the trail through Seagrove. 

Learn what each shop has to offer at www.potterspumpkinpatch.com.