Car, truck and motorcycle enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting event this June. Not only will participants get to show off their sleek vehicles and win awards for it, but have a chance to give to those in need. Fight 4 Cure’s annual Charity Car, Truck and Bike Show offers the opportunity to help raise funding for support programs provided to adult cancer patients. Scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., this event is located at the Jordan Soccer Complex at 445 Treetop Dr, Fayetteville. This event is much more than an automotive show. The charity show isn't just about the vehicles but the people behind them. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with fellow car, truck, and bike lovers, share tips and tricks, and forge longstanding bonds that go past automotives. It's a community coming together, united by a shared love for wheels and a shared commitment to making a difference. Fight 4 Cure was founded in 2018 to assist adult cancer patients who might not have the support needed for their journey. Dr. Lisa Wright, who spoke on Fight 4 Cure Inc’s behalf, said, “We work one-on-one with adult cancer patients as well as with their healthcare team. Any funds received are allocated to the various support programs provided and dispersed via grant checks to patients, via gift cards, and the purchase of various items for care boxes provided to adult cancer patients in active treatment or about to start treatment. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is difficult for many and for those not having the support to get through this can have a lasting effect, so we try to provide support to let adult cancer patients know 'They Are Not Alone' and help promote their well-being while they are in active treatment, about to start treatment or in follow up care.” Enthusiasts and aficionados from all corners of North Carolina have the chance to display their prized possessions. From classic and nostalgic cars to cutting-edge motorcycles that embody speed and innovation, every make and model will have its moment to shine. Each vehicle requires an entry fee. Participants can expect to pay $20 per vehicle and $15 per motorcycle. 100% of fees and proceeds will be used for the support programs mentioned above. Those participating can register once they arrive at the show anywhere between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Once registrations are complete, judging for both motorcycles and vehicles will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Awards in the form of plaques and trophies are set to be presented at 4 p.m. Expect to see vendors of all kinds for everyone to enjoy. Those who can’t make it to the show can make a donation through https://www.fight4cure.org/be-a-champion or attend any of the other events Fight 4 Cure Inc hosts each quarter. Whether you're a die-hard gearhead or simply looking for a fun-filled day to show off something you love, the annual Fight 4 Cure's Charity Car, Truck, and Bike Show promises an experience unlike any other. So mark your calendars, polish your vehicles, and get ready to rev your engines for a cause that truly drives change.
J’Kwon Fulmore is looking to make an impact when it comes to food security in Cumberland County. He is hosting the inaugural community kickback, essentially a big cookout, at the Crown Coliseum VIP Parking Lot West located at 1960 Coliseum Drive on June 8 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. through his nonprofit Er’Body Eatz. This event is free to the community and will feature food, vendors and live music. The purpose of the kickback is to bring the community together to learn about the fresh food options around the Cumberland County area, such as butchers and farmers. “It’s our first community kickback. This is essentially our introduction to the Fayetteville area. We are working on introducing ourselves to the whole Sandhills region. But we are starting in our own backyard. We are going to be utilizing the Crown West VIP parking lot to congregate with the communities and allow them to meet their local farmers, butchers, vendors, and resources they may not get to interact with on a daily basis. "Essentially this is just going to be one giant Saturday cookout. We are going to have 9 or 10 volunteer grill masters on the grills. I do teach at FTCC, culinary arts, so I am going to have some of my students out there doing their thing as well. It’s completely free to the public, we are applying for grants to fund the whole thing so we just ask that you guys come out, hang out, and come hungry. We will have a bunch of vendor tables out there. They are also selling some things they want to as well,” Fulmore said of the upcoming event. A Fayetteville native, J’Kwon Fulmore's life journey has taken him all over the country, picking up new skills and experience at every stop. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and retired private chef, Fulmore is well-versed in food. Er’Body Eatz is a passion movement of Fulmore. After traveling with his pro-athlete clients to their hometowns to teach about nutrition and sustainability, he knew it was time to come home and spread that knowledge to the people in his hometown. “The point of Er’Body Eatz is to one, teach sustainability, gardening, and homesteading in an urban environment, but number two, what to do with that produce after we harvest it because it’s only half the battle to receive those goods, the farm fresh groceries and things of that sort. But if you don’t know what to do with it, that’s how you end up boiling broccoli until all the nutrients are out of it or using your fresh potatoes and deep fry them in oil. You’re not getting any of the benefits of the things you’re supposed to be getting,” Fulmore said, explaining the purpose behind the project. From the kitchen of Le Cordon Bleu to the classroom at FTCC, Fulmore plans to pour his experience, knowledge, and passion back into the community that raised him and create a more food-secure and sustainable future for the coming generations. Fulmore is on a mission to put community gardens all over Cumberland County and beyond. Er’Body Eatz is currently seeking monetary donations and land donations for the community gardens. To donate to Er’Body Eatz, visit the GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/9ac40a43. To learn more about what the organization does and how you can get involved, visit the website, https://erbodyeatzordering.wixsite.com/mysite.
(Photo: J'Kwon Fulmore, the mind behind Er'Body Eatz, is a Le Cordon Bleu graduate and teacher at FTCC. Fulmore hopes to bring food security and awareness to the Sandhills region. Photo by MelaJay Photography)
The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra has curated a thrilling season that facilitates their ability to share and connect their music with audiences both inside and outside of the concert hall. The upcoming season promises to feature a diverse array of musical genres and showcase various sections of the orchestra. Along with six season concerts, the 2024-2025 lineup boasts an assortment of Community Concerts and additional Symphony on Tap dates. 2024/2025 SEASON CONCERTS
Music of the Knights — Saturday, September 21 at 7:30 p.m. | Seabrook Auditorium at Fayetteville State University Kicking off their season, the FSO pays homage to the musical prowess of three British legends: Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John, and Sir Paul McCartney. Audiences can indulge in a breathtaking showcase of talent by the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and internationally renowned vocalists. Among the memorable melodies to be performed are beloved classics such as "Hey Jude" and "Can You Feel The Love Tonight," among others.
Handel’s Water Music Suite — Saturday, November 23 at 7:30 p.m. | St. John’s Episcopal Church A delightful evening of classical chamber music awaits as 20 skilled musicians from the Fayetteville Symphony gather to present a concert featuring Handel’s Water Music Suite. The performance, which promises to be a true treat for the senses, will take place in the serene surroundings of St. John’s Episcopal Church, where the Symphony will delight the audience with a rendition of suites 1-3.
Sounds of Lafayette — Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church 2025 will mark the 200th anniversary of Lafayette's visit to Fayetteville, the sole city bearing his name that he had the opportunity to visit. To pay homage to this remarkable occasion, the FSO have planned a captivating chamber concert that will showcase music compositions crafted by renowned French composers. This exclusive event will truly be an authentic chamber music concert, as talented string and woodwind musicians will grace the stage to deliver awe-inspiring performances without a conductor. Additionally, they have invited the accomplished Maestro Stefan Sanders to share his expert commentary and insights during the concert.
The New World Reimagined — Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. | Seabrook Auditorium
Be sure to attend the world premiere of a brand-new composition by Ahmed Al Abaca, specially commissioned by the FSO. This thrilling piece will showcase the talents of Dr. Ron Ford, renowned for his exceptional saxophone solo during the 2022 John Williams concert, as well as his numerous captivating performances with the FSO Jazz Ensemble. Additionally, they will be presenting a new work by North Carolina composer Brittany J. Green, generously sponsored by the League of American Orchestras’ Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program. The second half of the program features the timeless classic New World Symphony by Dvorak, a beloved piece inspired by the rhythms and melodies of Black and Native music.
Mallet Madness — Friday & Saturday, March 14 & 15, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. | Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County Dr. Daniel McCloud, an Assistant Conductor and percussionist, will be taking the audience on an extraordinary musical journey accompanied by an eight-person percussion ensemble. Their skilled and imaginative percussion section promises an enthralling concert, making it a not to be missed event of the season. You are cordially invited to attend the performance on either of the two nights at the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County.
Beethoven V — Saturday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. | Seabrook Auditorium at Fayetteville State University This performance is all about Beethoven’s epic Symphony No. 5. Accompanying this masterful piece is a collection of compositions to be performed by Billy Hunter, principal trumpeter of the Metropolitan Opera.
2024/2025 FAMILY &COMMUNITY CONCERTS Nosferatu-Saturday, October 12 | 8 p.m. | Dirtbag Ales Enjoy the black and white gothic 1922 German silent film Nosferatu while the FSO plays live music arranged by Peter B. Kay. The concert is free at Dirtbag Ales Taproom.
Messiah with Cumberland Choral Arts — Saturday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m. |Seabrook Auditorium During the upcoming holiday season, FSO and Cumberland Choral Arts will team up to present a captivating rendition of Handel's Messiah at Seabrook Auditorium. Admission is free, reservations are required to secure your spot.
The Snowman — Sunday, December 15 | 4 p.m. | Cape Fear Botanical Garden Get into the festive spirit with a family concert and movie at Cape Fear Botanical Garden. This holiday-themed event is perfect for the community to come together and celebrate. Secure your spot by purchasing tickets, which will be available soon. Keep an eye out for updates! Please note that a separate ticket is required for Cape Fear Botanical Garden’s Holiday Lights event.
Side by Side Concert — Sunday, March 30, 2025 | 4 p.m. | Huff Concert Hall at Methodist University The Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra will perform alongside the FSO's world-class musicians.
New dates for the FSO’s Symphony on Tap have yet to be announced. To get updates on these concerts, any of the concerts above, as well as season tickets, be sure to visit: https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/
(Photo: The full Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra poses for a photo. The orchestra has announced their 2024/25 season. Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra)
The United States Open Championship is returning to North Carolina, June 13 through 16. The U.S. Open will be held at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club's Course No. 2, which has been the site of more single golf championships than any other course in the U.S. The course was designed by Donald Ross in 1907, and saw a redesign in 2010 by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. The U.S. Open is truly an open competition. Anyone can compete in qualifiers to have a chance at the winner's purse. Amateurs have to have a handicap of .4 or lower to compete at a local 18 hole qualifier. Then the competition proceeds to a final 36 round qualifier before the U.S. Open. In 2023, 10,187 players competed across the U.S. for a chance to tee off in the U.S. Open. This year, Tiger Woods received a special exemption to compete at the 2024 U.S. Open, and will be a part of the more than 150 golfers, both amateur and professionals, who qualified for the event. Tickets for the event can be found at https://www.usopen.com/2024/2024-u-s--open-tickets.html. Parking for the event is outside of the resort with a complimentary shuttle. A list of prohibited items can be found at https://bit.ly/3yvb0iI The United States Golf Association also officially opened Golf House Pinehurst in early May. The seven-acre campus is located next to the Pinehurst Resort & Country Club main clubhouse. The new location includes the organization’s equipment-testing and research facility, the visitor-friendly USGA Experience, an outdoor educational landscape feature and the recently relocated World Golf Hall of Fame, as well as administrative offices. “When I joined the USGA, I shared with our internal teammates that while the USGA will always celebrate history, we’re not going to be afraid to make some. Today is proof positive that we’re just getting started,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA, during the Grand Opening Celebration. “In four years, we’ve gone from vision to reality, and achieving this important milestone is the action of more than a visitor, but a neighbor. Together, we’re going to do great things for the good of the game that will live on for another 20, 50 years and beyond.” Included within Golf House Pinehurst are: • The World Golf Hall of Fame, where sports fans can discover and relive the legacies of those who made the game great; • The Glade, the USGA’s outdoor learning landscape that will help to elevate awareness of the USGA’s ongoing work to help make golf more sustainable, with native plants and pollinator habitats; • The Grove, a restoration of the ancient longleaf pine forest native to the region, through a unique partnership with North Carolina State University; People can visit Golf House Pinehurst 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. In honor of the grand opening, admission is free through the month of June. To stay up to date to the players who will be participating in the U.S. Open, visit https://www.usopen.com/.