Did you know that Hollywood movie actress Ava Gardner was from Smithfield, North Carolina? Each year Smithfield has the Ava Gardner Festival. This year it will be October 3-5, 2014.
Friday Oct. 3 is “Fashion Fling” where visitors will enjoy a musical tribute to Frank Sinatra by the Carolina Crooner. The museum will unveil its newest exhibit, “Ava’s Closet” showcasing Ava’s personal clothes and accessories.
Saturday morning will be guest speaker, and Project Runway Season 12 finalist, Justin LeBlanc, from 9am-11am. at the museum. Also on Saturday, tours will be scheduled throughout the day. Visitors will be shown points of interest in Ava’s hometown, including Ava’s birthplace, the Teacherage where she grew up, the Howell Theater where Ava first went to the movies, and will end with a visit to her gravesite at Sunset Memorial Park.
During the Ava Gardner festival, classic Ava Gardner films will showcase the great director and Ava’s dear friend, John Huston including The Killers, The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean and on Sunday the award winning, The African Queen.
If you love Ava Gardner and her movies you must go to the Ava Gardner Festival in Smithfield. For more information see Ava Gardner Festival 2014.
The Ava Gardner Museum is located in downtown Smithfield, North Carolina at in Johnston County.
Smithfield, NC 27577