LOCAL HAPPENINGS: Big Lick Bluegrass Festival returns next week

OAKBORO — Celebrating its 22nd year, Big Lick Bluegrass Festival, one of the first annual NC outdoor music festivals, returns to Oakboro in nearby Stanly County for a three-day event on April 16 through 18.

The park continues to make improvements with a permanent bathhouse, a picnic shelter, additional camping spots and beautiful landscaping. Serving as a wedding venue at other times, festival attendees will get to enjoy the beauty of the setting.

“There’s a lot of energy buzzing about the Big Lick Bluegrass Festival this year,” promoter Jeff Branch said. “A lot of changes have taken place at the festival. We’ve added more hours of entertainment with a stellar lineup for all three days. Fans will get to see a new improved campground. 

“Each year the park continues to make improvements to make the festival a favorite in North Carolina. This festival includes a lot of great sponsors that help bring the entertainment that people like.”

The music festival continues to offer the best in bluegrass with audio provided by GBS Productions of Ohio, emcee work by Sherry Boyd, and an all-star, award-winning line-up. 

Authentic Unlimited, a Tennessee-based award-winning vocal and gospel group, will serve as the festival’s host band for the first time.

AU banjoist Eli Johnston explains: “Our friendship with Jeff Branch goes way back. It has always been our plea-sure to work with him and we’re just so thankful he has given us the opportunity to host Big Lick. 

“I think his festival is growing into one of the finest shows in North Carolina. The boys are getting amped up for a three-day hang there with all our friends and fans.”

In addition to Authentic Unlimited, there will be performances by the Grascals, the Lonesome River Band, Southern Legacy, the Seldom Scene, Ralph Stanley II & the Clinch Mountain Boys, Deeper Shade of Blue, Tim Graves & the Farm Hands, Cutter & Cash, the Biscuit Eaters, Drive Time, and the Parlor House Band. 

“On Saturday, if you can’t make it to the first half, you can come on Saturday night for half price,” Branch said. 

Big Lick Festival Park is located at 722 S Oak Ridge Rd., Oakboro, NC.

Tickets are:

■ Thursday, April 16: $25 for adults, $10 for ages 12-16, free for under 12.

■ Friday, April 17: $40 for adults, $20 for ages 12-16, free for under 12.

■ Saturday, April 18: $45 for adults, $20 for ages 12-16, free for under 12.

A three-day ticket is available for $110.

For tickets or camping Information, call Jeff Branch at 704-985-6987.

THIS WEEK

Walk Thru the Past is back, starting Sunday, April 12

ASHEBORO — Ricky Allred’s Walk Thru the Past program at the Old Asheboro Cemetery returns for season 18 (!) on Sunday, April 12, beginning at 2 p.m.

This walk will be the first of 2026, taking visitors back to the cemetery to learn some inspiring and interesting stories about many of the “residents” there.

Allred typically conducts the visits on a monthly basis during the warmer months.

This month, he will offer a wide variety of stories and concentrate on residents with whom have not been previously visited. 

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

■ As an aside, Allred will be doing a book talk at the Public Library on Thursday, April 30, at 6:30 p.m. More details to come.

Wade Hayes visits Liberty Showcase Theater Friday

LIBERTY — The Liberty Showcase Theatre is picking up steam again, with three shows scheduled for April and a fourth on May 2. 

The first is Friday, April 11, with a visit from Wade Hayes, who pays homage to the traditional country music of his roots while establishing his own legacy in the genre. His Old Country Still Rocks set includes 11 sons that celebrate his heroes, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Bob Wills, Merle Haggard and other icons.

Showtime on Friday is 7 p.m. Tickets range from $24 to $44. Liberty Showcase is located at 101 S. Fayetteville St., Liberty.

Other upcoming shows:

■ April 18: The Travelin’ Band ... Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Showtime: 7 p.m. Tickets: $24-$44. 

■ April 24: Black Hawk. Showtime: 8 p.m. Tickets: $54-$84. 

■ May 2: TG Sheppard Showtime: 7 p.m. Tickets: $37-$77.

Healthy Communities hike for April: To Caraway Creek Preserve April 12

ASHEBORO — This month’s public-invited free hike is to the Piedmont Land Conservancy’s Caraway Creek Preserve in Asheboro.

Piedmont Land Conservancy’s Caraway Creek Preserve protects a 167-acre corridor between Caraway Mountain and Mt. Shepherd. Visitors can hike along the 4 miles of trails with beautiful views of both mountains, Caraway Creek, Little Caraway Creek and a historic stone check dam.

Date: Sunday, April 12.

Where: 829 Jerico Rd. near Asheboro.

Time: Meet at 1:30 p.m. 

at the Farmer’s Market at 134 Church St., Asheboro, to car caravan or at 2 p.m. at the trailhead.

Length: About 3.5 miles total.

Degree of Difficulty: This is a moderate hike with up and down sections.

Dogs: Welcome if on a leash.

Wear comfortable closed toe shoes, bring water and a walking stick if needed. Dress appropriately for a late spring weather hike. If it is raining at the time of the hike, the hike will be canceled. No cost to participate, no pre-registration needed. Open to all who can hike this distance unaided.

Questions: Mary Joan Pugh at 336 963 2715 or maryjoan.pugh@randolphcountync.gov

HC website: www.healthycommunitiesa3.com.

UPCOMING

Popular bluegrass band returns to Sunset stage

ASHEBORO — Friday Night Bluegrass returns on April 17 with a return visit by Just A Lil Grace. 

This Gospel-oriented group is this month’s featured band during Friday Night Bluegrass, a feature offered by the City of Asheboro on the third Friday of each month.

The Sunset Theatre is located at 234 Sunset Ave., Asheboro. Doors open at 6 and the show starts at 7. Tickets are $10.

Randleman kicks off spring with April 18 Spring Fling

RANDLEMAN — Music, food and vendors will be the draw in Randleman on Saturday, April 18, for the city’s annual Spring Fling at Commerce Square.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Randleman.

Celebration of Spring Tour covers three-day weekend

SEAGROVE — Some 43 potters are opening their doors from April 17 to 19 for visitors to enjoy a self-guided tour to see what’s new at participating Seagrove pottery shops. 

Participating shops will feature new work for spring. Some will offer demonstrations, studio tours, kiln openings and more. 

Seagrove pottery shops are all independently owned, and will feature different items and activities for the Celebration of Spring. 

Visitors can pick up maps at participating shops or download a map at www.discoverseagrove.com. 

Visitors who fill out a door prize card at participating pottery shops have an opportunity to win one of three $50 gift certificates. Winners will be chosen May 30 and will be notified. Gift certificates can be used at any Celebration of Spring participating shop.