Emma Daughtry Crowned Inaugural Winner of the ''Essence of Ava: Downtown Smithfield Scholarship Spotl
SMITHFIELD, N.C. — The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation and the Ava Gardner Museum are proud to announce Emma Marie Daughtry as the first-ever titleholder of the Miss Downtown Smithfield and winner of the Essence of Ava Scholarship. Created to introduce Ava Gardner’s enduring legacy to a new generation of young women across Johnston County,the pageant celebrates ambition, character, and deep hometown roots. As the inaugural queen, Daughtry has been awarded a $1,000 educational scholarship to
8 Seconds Hat Bar Opening in Downtown Smithfield
SMITHFIELD, NC — The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation (DSDC) is excited to welcome 8 Seconds Hat Bar, a unique new business bringing custom hat craftsmanship, boots, and more to Downtown Smithfield. Owner Jose Sanchez invites the community to celebrate the store’s grand opening on Saturday, October 31. “It’s our favorite holiday, so we’re celebrating all day,” says Sanchez. The community is also invited to join DSDC and 8 Seconds Hat Bar for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday,
Home Sweet Home Opens in Downtown Smithfield, Bringing a New Destination for Gifts, Décor and Holiday Shopping
SMITHFIELD, NC — October 6, 2026 — Downtown Smithfield is welcoming a new small business just in time for the holiday shopping season. Home Sweet Home, a charming new gift and home décor shop, will celebrate its grand opening on Friday, October 16, and the community is invited to come celebrate! A ribbon cutting will take place from 12:00–1:00 PM, followed by Maureen’s grand opening celebration continuing until 5:00 PM. Guests are encouraged to stop by throughout the afternoon to meet the owner, explore
Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation Announces the Addition of Two Dates for the Third StrEATery!
SMITHFIELD, NC – The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation (DSDC) is excited to announce the addition of two dates for the Third StrEATery, Downtown Smithfield’s Socially Distanced Outside Dining Room and Live Entertainment Venue. The event will continue on Friday, September 10 and Friday, October 1. Come downtown with your family, meet up with your friends, get takeout from a downtown restaurant, and head over to Third Street from 6-9pm to hear live music, shop from local businesses, have a beer
Smithfield River Rat Regatta on the Neuse, Cardboard Boat Race, Returns on August 14
SMITHFIELD, NC – After being delayed and then canceled in 2019 due to weather and the 2020 event being scrubbed due to the COVID-19, the Smithfield Yacht Club will open once again for the River Rat Regatta on the Neuse on Saturday, August 14 at 4:00 p.m. The event will feature a race between 2-person teams in cardboard boats from Smithfield’s Boat Ramp on N. Front Street to the Deputy C. Paul West, Sr. Bridge. The boats must be constructed entirely from corrugated cardboard, glue, and duct tape. Entries
Smithfield’s 4th of July Fireworks Display Set for July 4 at Johnston Community College
SMITHFIELD, NC– After not having an Independence Celebration in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation, Smithfield Parks & Recreation, and Johnston Community College are excited to announce the return of 4th of July fireworks! Smithfield’s 2021 4th of July Fireworks Display will be held at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 4 at Johnston Community College. JCC parking lots will open for viewing only (no restrooms available) beginning at 8:00 p.m., and the
Third StrEATery, Downtown Smithfield’s Outside Dining Room and Live Entertainment Venue, to Re-open May 7
SMITHFIELD, NC – The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation (DSDC) is excited to announce the re-opening of the Third StrEATery, Downtown Smithfield’s Socially Distanced Outside Dining Room and Live Entertainment Venue. Come downtown with your family, meet up with your friends, get takeout from a downtown restaurant, and head over to Third Street from 6-9pm to hear live music, shop from local businesses, have a beer or glass of wine, or try your hand at axe throwing! Afterward, catch a movie or
Three Local Leaders Graduate from Leadership Development Program
RALEIGH, NC— Johnston County was well represented recently by leaders from across the County participating in the NC Rural Center’s Homegrown Leaders program. Johnston County Commissioner Butch Lawter, Benson Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Loretta Byrd and Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation Executive Director Sarah Edwards graduated last month from the program, a three-day regional leadership and economic development program that develops and supports highly-motivated leaders who are
