LOCAL HAPPENINGS: 9/11 event, food truck championships, some music and a quite unusual play.

Local Sept. 11 event will take place on lawn at sheriff’s office

ASHEBORO — On September 11, 2026, at noon, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Services will hold their third annual 9/11 Patriot Day Ceremony to honor the 25th anniversary of the attacks. 

This event is open to the public and will take place on the lawn of the Sheriff’s Office located at 727 McDowell Rd. 

The guest speakers are East Side Fire Department Chief Eric Hoffman and Pastor Mark Wilburn of Balfour Baptist Church in Asheboro.

East Side Fire Department will have one of their fire trucks, a piece of history tied to September 11th, at the event. This truck was an Elizabeth, NJ, truck used on September 11. 

This event aims to remember the nearly 3,000 victims who lost their lives that day and to pay tribute to the first responders and others who made the ultimate sacrifice in their efforts to save as many lives as possible.

THIS WEEK

In Randleman Saturday: Food Truck State Championships

RANDLEMAN — Randleman will host the North Carolina Food Truck State Championship for the 13th straight year on Saturday, Aug. 29.

It’s a day full of numerous food trucks and music. 

Saturday starts with farm fresh vendors in the Timken Farmers Market, music beginning around noon and some of the best food trucks in the state serving from 11 a.m. on. 

The afternoon gets fierce as the food trucks enter competition in a variety of categories, competing for trophies and prize money and bragging rights as the best of North Carolina. 

Meanwhile, through the day, several bands will take turns performing: His & Hers, Castaways, Gump Fiction and Chris Taylor, according to the website.

Plus there’s a kids zone. 

The event begins at 11 a.m. and runs through 10 p.m. in Randleman’s Commerce Square  Park. There’s no admission, just tough choices on what to eat and drink. 

Commerce Square Park is located at 128 Commerce Square in downtown Randleman.

Jace Burroughs performs at Sunset Theatre Aug. 28

ASHEBORO — Jace Burroughs will make a return trip to the Sunset Theatre for a concert entitled “Timeless” on Friday, Aug. 28. He’ll play timeless classics as well as original songs. Tickets are $15. See today’s calendar for ticket information.

Standing in the Gap concert Saturday at Sunset Theatre

ASHEBORO — Standing in the Gap is a free concert event to raise awareness for children and teens in foster care, and those awaiting a forever home.  The concert is headlined by the group Consumed By Fire with help from performers Stars Go Dim, V. Rose and Megan Danielle. It runs from 7 to 9 p.m. at Sunset Theatre, 234 Sunset Ave., Asheboro.

RhinoLeap gives Oliver Wilde play some new twists 

“The Importance of Being Earnest” is a play written by Oscar Wilde that is being presented in a unique way this year by Director Jeremy Skidmore and RhinoLeap Productions.

First, the play: The script throws you into the world of Jack and Algernon, two smooth-talking bachelors with a talent for deception. They’ll do anything to win love and avoid responsibility — no matter how ridiculous it gets.

Now for the unusual presentation: The play will be performed on seven occasions between Sept. 10 and Sept. 27 at a different location each time — seven unique locations in all. On top of that,  eight actors will arrive at each venue for the first time on the day of the performance. Then with nothing but their costumes, props and wits, they bring the play to life based on the location where they are performing that day.

The performance times and dates are:

■ Thursday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m., Linbrook Heritage Estate, Trinity (sold out!). 

■ Saturday, Sept. 12, 3 p.m., Starworks Cafe, Star.

■ Thursday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m., The Back Table, Greensboro.

■ Saturday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m., Broad Branch Distillery, Winston-Salem. 

■ Thursday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m., Holly Ridge Golf Links, Archdale.

■ Friday, Sept. 25, 3 p.m., Randolph Senior Adults Center, Asheboro.

■ Sunday, Sept. 27, 6 p.m., Four Saints Brewing Co., Asheboro (sold out!).

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at www.rhinoleap.com or in person at Brightside Gallery, 170 Worth St., Asheboro (save money on fees).

Caraway Speedway celebrates its 61st birthday

SOPHIA — Hit the stands for just $10 during Caraway Speedway’s 61st Anniversary Night event on Saturday, Aug. 29. Tickets are $10 for adults and 11-under get in free at the trackside gates (which open at 3 p.m.) or the grandstands (which opens at 5). The event lasts from 6:30 to 10 p.m.   

UPCOMING

‘Arsenic & Old Lace’ next Thrifty Thursday movie

ASHEBORO — The Thrifty Thursday movie for September stars Cary Grant in “Arsenic & Old Lace” about a writer soured on marriage who risks his reputation after he decides to tie the knot. Thrifty Thursday movies take place on the first Thursday of each month at Sunset Theatre, 234 Sunset Ave., Asheboro. Tickets are $5, which includes popcorn and a drink. Those 50 and over get in free thanks to local sponsors.