Election season in Cumberland County is drawing to a close. Early voting began Oct. 16 and will end on Nov. 1. Election Day itself will be held Tuesday, Nov. 4. All polling stations on Election Day will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. For a full list of voting locations, visit http://bit.ly/4oCRE07
It is at these local elections that the city and county can elect local officials who can help enact policies and changes. Federal elections see more intensity throughout the years, but the biggest impact on most people’s lives comes from local elections and who we decide to put in charge of our cities and towns. Cumberland County had 61.64 percent show up to vote in the 2024 General Election. So far, the numbers for 2025 are much lower, with 10.84 percent of registered voters casting ballots in the Fayetteville Primary.
Our job at Up & Coming Weekly isn’t to tell our readers who to vote for, but rather to encourage all who can to vote! In Cumberland County, voter registration applications must be postmarked 25 days before the general election.
On Election Day, don’t forget to bring a photo ID. Voters who have disabilities or who are elderly have the ability to curbside vote at their polling locations. For a full election guide for Cumberland County, including what to expect during voting, campaign finance spending reports, and voter machine information, visit
http://bit.ly/3WSG1pO
U&CW released an election guide in September. This guide can be found at http://bit.ly/4hnEEsR
The full list of candidates for Cumberland County:
City of Fayetteville
• Mayor: Mitch Colvin; Kathy Jensen
• City Council District 1: Stephon Ferguson; James Thomas
• City Council District 2: Malik Davis; Gail Morfesis
• City Council District 3: Antonio Jones; Jeremy Wright
• City Council District 4: Stuart Collick; D.J. Haire
• City Council District 5: Lynne Greene
• City Council District 6: Kenneth E. Odegard II; Derrick Thompson
• City Council District 7: Kathy A. Greggs; Brenda McNair
• City Council District 8: Rodney E. Garvin; Shaun McMillan
• City Council District 9: Deno Hondros; Joe McGee
Town of Hope Mills
• Mayor: Jessie Bellflowers; Todd Henderson
• Town of Hope Mills Commissioners: Cynthia Hamilton; Mark Hess; Bryan A. Marley: Grilley J. Mitchell; Hope Page; Karen Smith Saracen; Elysce Craver; Joanne Scarola; Ronald Starling; Lisa F. Tremmel
Town of Spring Lake
• Mayor: Kia Anthony: Robyn Chadwick
• Town of Spring Lake Commissioners: Ryan C. Anderson; Stachia Arnold; Katrina Bell Bratcher; Tony Burgess; Sona L. Cooper; Jackie Lee Jackson; Mary C. Jackson; Dedra Parker; Tyrone Short; Fredericka Sutherland; Adrian Jones Thompson
Eastover Sanitary District
• Board Members: Helen Crumpler; Liz Reeser
Town of Eastover
• Mayor: Charles G. McLaurin
• Town Council: Wayne Beard, Jr.; Kimberly F. McPhail; Bruce Sykes
Town of Falcon
• Mayor: James Danny Nelson, Jr.; Clifton L. Turpin, Jr.
• Commissioners: Sue Brigman; R. Dwayne Dunning; Dylan H. Ivey; Chip Lucas; Chris Stone; Phillip J. Walters
Godwin
• Mayor: Willie Burnette
• Commissioners: George Cooper, Jr.; Scarlet McIntyre Hall; Ronald McNeill; Dennis C. Smith, Sr.; Joseph Smith
Town of Linden
• Mayor: Frances Collier
• Commissioners: Jonathan Collier; Barbara C. Denning; Michael Hough; Ronnie S. Maness
Town of Stedman
• Mayor: Martin (Mardy) Jones
• Commissioners: Harvey L. Cain, Jr.; Wilbert Hairr; Michael R. Hall; Melinda B. Murray; Bradley Roberts; Justine Whie; Louis Wood
Town of Wade
• Mayor: Johnny Lanthorn
• Commissioners: Kevin Herring; Beth Ritchie; Johnny B. Sawyer; George. E. Strater; Jennifer Dixon Weaver

The King’s Grant Community, the largest in the city of Fayetteville, attracts hundreds of Trick-or Treaters each year.
Last year, we had an estimated 800-1,000 trick or treaters. Shawcroft Road was so backed up, it took residents 30-40 minutes to get home after turning onto Shawcroft from Ramsey – which normally takes me 2-4 minutes depending on where you live in the community.
To help resolve the issue, the Kings Grant Homeowners Association this year has hired off-duty police officers and is asking resident volunteers to help with traffic control.
Cedar Falls Baptist Church next to the entrance to the community is allowing parking space and our Community Park on Burnside will be another parking area. The gated community in the rear is allowing the gates to be open for traffic flow out of the community.
We want to make surrounding communities who travel to our community to be aware of the problem and help us with smooth traffic flow. I am sure other neighborhoods are experiencing similar issues, but none to the degree of Kings Grant.
Thank you for your consideration in helping us get the word out – that could also serve as a model for other communities dealing with similar issues.
I was asked by the KG HOA to take the lead on getting the word out as I previously served as the Association’s Communications Director.

—Stephon Ferguson, Resident 910-988-0433
—Kasi Turner, Secretary - ktuner9744@gmail.com

The Waffle House is where America eats and learns existential truths. Within its hallowed walls, I heard a profound question escape from the lips of a Philosopher Waitress as she prepared to take the orders of the hungry Americans sitting in the next booth.
As soon as her question floated into the delicately bacon-scented air of the Waffle House, I knew that it would be the subject of a column. The question stands as a beacon of deep import. What, you might ask, did she say? Odd, you should ask in the first paragraph of this stain on World Literature.
She asked the entire booth: “Is everybody happy with their life decisions this morning?”
Let that question sink in, friends and neighbors. Are you happy with your life decisions this morning?
Tell the truth, now.
Clearly, every decision you have made in your life has led to you reading this chloroform in print right now. How can this be? Where did you go wrong in falling to this lowly state of reading this column in a local weekly? It turns out decisions matter. Why weren’t we informed?
When things get bumpy in life, my wife Lani and I head to the local Waffle House for comfort food. The syrup and cholesterol work wonders. The elegant Zen from the Waitress was an unexpected bonus.
Life decisions matter, even to Oysters. Consider Alice in Wonderland’s story of the Walrus and the Carpenter.
When was the last time you overheard a conversation between a Walrus and a Carpenter? It has probably been at least several months. Your eavesdropping drought is broken today courtesy of Up & Coming Weekly.
Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear when Walruses and Carpenters roamed freely upon the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Back before Highway 12 was just a gleam in real estate developers’ eyes.
Let us set the scene. The Walrus and the Carpenter were heading north on the beach towards Virginia when they fell into a morose conversation bemoaning the fact there was so much sand on the beach. The Walrus, in a philosophical mode, said: “If seven maids with seven mops/ Swept it for half a year/ Do you suppose they could get it clear? “
“I doubt it,” said the Carpenter/ And shed a bitter tear.
To take their minds off this distressing subject, the Walrus and the Carpenter invited some Oysters to walk with them towards Ocracoke. The oldest Oyster declined their invitation to take a romantic stroll along the beach. Four young Oysters, filled with the impetuous energies of youth, eagerly took up the Walrus’ offer for a walkabout.
Many other young Oysters, falling in thrall to the four Influencer Oysters, fearing missing out, rushed to join the Walrus and Carpenter. The madness of crowds is sometimes double plus ungood.
The happy group walked on about a mile until it was time for a rest. The host of young Oysters stood in an expectant, smiling row. The Walrus cleared his throat and began an oration: “The time has come to talk of many things/ Of shoes and ships and sealing wax/ of cabbages and kings/ and why the sea is boiling hot/ and whether pigs have wings.”
The Oysters asked to rest a bit longer because most of them were fat and tired. (Editor’s note: Oysters do not have feet, rendering effective ambulation on sand difficult) The Walrus noted they needed a loaf of bread, pepper, and vinegar before the seaside picnic could begin. The Oysters protested that after such a nice walk, it would be anti-climactic to be eaten.
The Walrus displayed a sense of near regret. But as we all know, hunger overcomes regret in every instance. He said: “It seems a shame to play them such a trick/ After we’ve brought them out so far/ and made them trot so quick.”
The Carpenter said nothing but: “The butter’s spread too thick.”
The Walrus replied, “I weep for you/ I deeply sympathize.” With sobs and tears he sorted out those of the largest size/ holding his pocket-handkerchief before his streaming eyes.
“O, Oysters,” said the Carpenter, “You’ve had a pleasant run! Shall we be trotting home again?” But answer came there was none/ And this was scarcely odd, because they’d eaten every one.
Untrigger Warning: No actual Oysters were harmed in the writing of this column. Remember, your life decisions can affect your life. Pass the cocktail sauce and melted butter, it’s Oyster Roast season.

(Illustration by Pitt Dickey)

Most North Carolinians think our country is on the wrong track. That’s what 55% of respondents said in the latest High Point University survey, with 54% of likely voters offering the same critique in the latest Carolina Journal Poll.
I count myself in that majority. America has faced worse times, to be sure, including in my lifetime. What I find most disconcerting at the moment, though, is how little public dialogue is devoted to what I perceive to be the biggest problems facing our state and nation. Transfixed by devices and bamboozled by clickbait, we seem incapable of focusing on high-priority issues.
Consider these five challenges, defined by five troubling statistics:
• The first is $1.8 trillion. That’s how much the federal government borrowed over the fiscal year that ended September 30. Federal debt held by the public — that is, not counting money “borrowed” from federal trust funds — now stands at $30.3 trillion, or 98% of America’s gross domestic product.
If present trends continue, the debt will soon surpass annual economic output and reach 111% of GDP by 2030. Our federal government now spends more on debt service each year than it does on national defense. I wish I could blame Washington’s recklessness entirely on the politicians who serve there. But voters keep reelecting them! Unless we boot out irresponsible panderers and reward those willing to make tough decisions, American greatness will inevitably fade.
• The second number is 38%. That’s the share of annual health care spending financed by federal dollars — which, as I’ve just indicated, includes a vast amount of borrowed dollars. Adding in state dollars spent on Medicaid and other health plans pushes the government share of medical expenditures up close to half. Unless Congress and state legislatures accept the need to reform these programs, rather than expand them or shift their costs around, balanced budgets will remain forever out of reach.
• The third number is also 38%. According to independent tests, that’s the share of North Carolina eighth-graders who lacked basic math skills in 2024. The same assessment found 35% of eighth-graders lacked basic reading skills.
In 2019, before the COVID lockdowns, those figures were 29% and 28%, respectively. They were too high back then. Too many of our students were unprepared to work, go to college, or shoulder other responsibilities of adulthood. Still, in value-added terms, our schools in 2019 were more effective than those of all but a handful of states across the country. Now we’re far down the list.
• The fourth number is 1.6. That’s the average number of children born per American woman in 2024. It’s the lowest fertility rate yet recorded. The causes of this trend may be hotly debated, as are the effectiveness of potential policy responses, but the effects of slowing population growth are hard to dispute. Economic vitality and innovation will decline, as will the ratio of workers to retirees. A higher savings rate won’t be enough to compensate. Nor will advances in robotics. Human flourishing requires plenty of humans!
• The final number is 35%. That’s the share of North Carolina children living in single-parent households in 2023.
Unlike the figures discussed earlier, this one hasn’t gotten worse over time. The comparable figure a decade ago was 37%. Nevertheless, to have more than a third of our kids living with only one parent or guardian is a tragedy. Parenthood is a hard-enough job when performed in pairs, with plenty of support from extending family. Growing up in a single-parent household is a well-established risk factor for living in poverty, struggling in school, chronic unemployment, substance abuse, and other adverse outcomes.
These five problems aren’t the only ones worth worrying about, I grant you. But it’s hard for me to imagine a thriving nation in the absence of real progress on each of these fronts. Future generations of North Carolinians and Americans will thank us if we tackle these problems — and condemn us if we fail to do so.

Editor’s Note: John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books Mountain Folk, Forest Folk, and Water Folk combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com).

There are few things more delightful than a child’s smile and few things sadder than a child who can’t smile because they are suffering from dental pain.
Sadly, one out of every four kindergarten-aged children in North Carolina suffers from untreated tooth decay. When left untreated, tooth decay can lead to severe pain, oral abscesses, depression, and in extreme cases, even death caused by untreated tooth decay.
If you are concerned about your child’s dental health, or if you just want a fun activity that will encourage your child to get excited about staying healthy, we have great news. Fayetteville Technical Community College can help you and your child! Please join us for the Youth Dental Health Fair at Fayetteville Technical Community College.
When: Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Where: Tony Rand Student Center, 2220 Hull Road, at the Fayetteville campus of Fayetteville Technical Community College
Who: This event is primarily focused for children ages 3 to 12, but children of all ages are welcome to attend and participate in all the day’s great activities.
Activities will include
• Educational Presentations
• Free Dental Screenings
• Microscope station for children of all ages
• A Special Guest Appearance by the Tooth Fairy
• Free Athletic Mouth Guards for Young Athletes
Cost: This event is free. There is no charge for the event or any of the fun activities. The event is sponsored by a grant from United Way’s Youth Growth Stock Trust, Crest+, Oral-B, and P&G Professional Oral Health.
In addition to helping your child get or keep a great smile, this event will also help children realize that science can be fun.
FTCC’s Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting students are eager to help your child get the smile he or she deserves. To learn more about Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting training available at FTCC, please visit our website, www.faytechcc.edu, or email us at healthproadmissions@faytechcc.edu. Jessica Jones is the dental hygiene instructor, and can be reached at jonesj@faytechcc.edu or by phone at 910-678-8552. Her office is at the Health Technologies Center, 240 Hull Road, Room 101A.

The historic 200 block of Franklin Street will be abuzz on Saturday, Nov. 8, for the inaugural Vintage Vegan Block Party, an autumn block party “where sustainability meets soul!”
Come downtown for a day of upcycled and thrifted fashion finds, plant-based vendors, and plenty of music, live entertainment, dancing, and most importantly, community. Festivities start at noon and continue until 6 p.m. with DJ Tommy Gee Mix “The Throwback Kat” mixing the beats, keeping the crowd going with hits from the 70s to today.
There will be a couple of fun, interactive experiences for the whole family to enjoy. Teaching attendees the Hustle and Electric Slide is Dancing without Sin’s Stephanie Kegler. Daphne Fuller of Therapeutic Wellness will guide participants in a peaceful yoga flow with leg warmers and headbands. The party doesn’t stop there; catch the thrift and upcycle fashion show, featuring the best vintage finds from some of the day's vendors.
Between dancing and yoga, browse the many plant-based vendors and shops that will be set up along the street. Vendors include:
Food Trucks/Tent
• Romeo’s Vegan Burgers
• ZiZi’s Vegan
• HH6
• Gelu Italian Ice
• Frios
• AJs Cheesecakes
• Peacefully Made
• Just Juicee
• Soul Cakes
• Veg South
Vintage/Upcycle
• Beaver Lake
• Vintage Dink Vintage
• Elle Finds
• GC Vintage
• Hoppy 2gether Oddities
• Timeless Pieces Vintage
• Vintage In Purpose
Plant-based Products/Services
• Always Infinity Jewelry
• Cooking 4 Fitness
• Earthly Apothecary
• Squeaky Clean Soaps
• Sunmed
The first 150 people to join the party will receive a free bag, and there will be hourly giveaways. The Vintage Vegan Block Party is a can’t-miss downtown Fayetteville event. Never tried vegan food? What better place to start than a block party dedicated to the lifestyle? Have an interest in plant-based products?
Check out the vendors and learn more, and make a purchase. Whether you're a carnivore or a vegan, there will be something for everyone. Even though the party on Franklin Street ends at 6 p.m., the party continues at Sol’s Arcade, located at 421 Maiden Lane. Make sure to grab the official “After Party Voucher” before heading that way to receive a $10 game credit. Organizer Morineki Brooks, downtown resident, community activist, and practicing vegan for over 2 decades, had a vision, born from her travels.
“It's about sustainability formally, but it was actually born from trips with my bestie, who also sells vintage. We are both vegans, and our road trips usually are thrift store driven. We would end up posting vintage/antique looks and videos or pics of the cool vegan restaurants we would find while on our expeditions. I decided to create an event that celebrated my loves…set to a classic soundtrack,” she said. “All vendors and food trucks are 100% plant-based or sustainable.”
She added, “Expect cozy autumn eats from vegan food trucks, sustainable and upcycled fashion finds, plant-based vendors, live performances, DJ sets, DIY stations, and unforgettable vibes. Whether you’re a conscious shopper, a foodie, or just here for the culture, VVBP is the seasonal block party you didn’t know you needed!”

It may not be time to break out the tinsel and belt out the carols, but it’s certainly time to start checking off people on the gift list. Join the Junior League of Fayetteville for the 58th Annual Holly Day Fair at the Crown Complex for four days of craft vendors, specialty products, and one-of-a-kind finds, and Santa.
The iconic holiday-themed fair will bring over 150 vendors under one roof for a shopping experience like no other from Thursday, Nov. 6, to Sunday, Nov. 9. Shoppers looking to beat the crowds or enjoy a shopping experience outside of normal fair hours can purchase tickets for special shopping hours and events.
Super Shopper
• Early Access to the Holly Day Fair on Thursday, 9 a.m.- Noon
No strollers or rolling carts permitted, cost is $15.
Sip and Shop
• Early Access to the Holly Day Fair on Thursday, 9 a.m.- Noon
These tickets include a continental breakfast and mimosas, commemorative gift and goodie bag, cost is $30.
On Friday, the Junior League of Fayetteville has planned a special shopping event, Ladies Night Out, for shoppers who want to enjoy a smaller crowd, good music, and a spirit or two. Doors open at 7 p.m. for ticketholders and the event ends at 11 p.m.
Shoppers will be treated to live music, heavy appetizers, a photo booth, stress-free shopping with unique vendors, complimentary spirits, and more. Sunday is the last day of the Holly Day Fair, but it's the most anticipated for the fair’s smallest shoppers, as they get to meet Santa!
Photos with Santa will be purchased directly from the photographer. A general admission ticket is required to take photos with Santa. All tickets can be purchased at the Crown Complex Box Office or online at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/holly-day-fair-1.
While the fair is a fundraiser for the organization, the incredible scale of the event wouldn’t be possible without this year’s sponsors: First Health, Fayetteville State University, Cape Fear Valley Health, First Citizens Bank, Methodist University, and Carolinas Dentist.com.
The Holly Day Fair is a fun way to shop and get in the holiday spirit. It brings over 22,000 people through the Crown doors every year. But it serves a greater purpose. Junior League of Fayetteville is dedicated to serving the community through volunteerism and community funding, providing scholarships and grants to individuals and organizations in the area.
One of the biggest funding opportunities that JLFay provides (because of events like the Holly Day Fair) is through the CAP grant. This grant is open to non-profits and community-based organizations that focus on benefiting women, children, and families and serve the Cumberland County and/or surrounding areas. Applications are currently open, and more information can be found online at www.jlfay.org.
The league works on this event year-round to ensure that each year tops the last, and this year, in its 58th year, is no different.
Juelle McDonald, JLF member and Holly Day Fair leadership member, said, “We just want to express our sincere gratitude to the community for an amazing 58 years of supporting the Holly Day Fair! All funds raised directly support our community through scholarships, grants, and funding. We are excited to wrap our community in joy this year and beyond!”

Paddy’s Irish Public House will trade its familiar emerald glow for a night of gold marigolds and shadowed masks when it hosts the Day of the Dead Masquerade Ball on Saturday, Nov. 1. The event, a fusion of live music, culture, and costume, aims to honor tradition while delivering one of Fayetteville’s most visually striking nights out.
The celebration begins at 8 p.m. at the Raeford Road venue, which will be transformed into a candlelit dance hall filled with papel picado streamers, altar displays, and the hum of anticipation. Patrons are encouraged to attend in formal or festive attire, including sugar skull masks, painted faces, and black-tie attire, all of which are welcome, creating an atmosphere that balances reverence with revelry.
Anchoring the evening is THEM, a four-piece rock-and-blues outfit known for blending haunting melodies with Latin influences. The band’s following has grown steadily over the past decade, with performances described by fans as “electric,” “unforgettable,” and “a spiritual experience disguised as a concert.” At a recent appearance, one attendee praised their performance as “the tightest I’ve seen. Every song hit like a story you didn’t want to end.”
THEM’s upcoming Fayetteville set promises both spectacle and soul. Audiences can expect a mix of original material and reinvented classics, including their signature renditions of “La Llorona” and “Cielito Lindo.” Their originals, such as "Luz del Olvido" and "Alma Errante," have drawn comparisons to cinematic soundtracks starting in whispers and rising into thunder.
Between sets, the space will take on the rhythm of a festival. Guests can visit the ofrenda (altar) to place photos or notes for loved ones who have passed or stop by a face-painting station to complete their Day of the Dead transformation. Nearby, tarot reader Mama Ro will offer insight in a softly lit corner as DJs mix Latin house and cumbia tracks to keep the dance floor moving.
Behind the bar, staff will serve themed cocktails “The Bloody Marigold,” “Spirit Walker,” and “La Vida Breve” alongside plates of pan de muerto, spiced mini tacos, and cinnamon-dusted churros. The sensory mix of scent, sound, and color will make the space feel like a cross between a rock show and a sacred ritual.
Paddy’s, known primarily for its Irish-inspired menu and sports nights, has spent recent years experimenting with culturally themed events that draw Fayetteville’s diverse community together. The Day of the Dead Masquerade Ball marks the most elaborate of these efforts, emphasizing both entertainment and cultural appreciation.
Organizers say the goal is not to mimic a traditional Dia de los Muertos celebration, but to create a shared experience where remembrance and nightlife intersect. As one local promoter noted after a previous Paddy’s event, “It’s not about copying culture, it’s about creating connection. When people dance and remember at the same time, something sacred happens.”
By midnight, organizers expect the venue to pulse with life masks glinting beneath candlelight, guitars roaring against the bass, and strangers joined in spontaneous chorus. The night is expected to close with THEM’s powerful version of “Volver, Volver,” a song that bridges loss and love, ending the evening on a collective note of gratitude.
The Day of the Dead Masquerade Ball is more than a themed party; it’s an invitation to honor memory in motion. For those looking to mark the changing season with a night that’s equal parts reflection and rhythm, Paddy’s promises a rare experience: one where the living and the remembered meet on the dance floor.
Tickets are available through the official event page on Facebook or directly at Paddy’s Irish Public House, 2606 Raeford Road, Fayetteville.

Fayetteville recently unveiled a monument to the first female mayor of our city, Beth Finch. The unveiling of the Mayor Beth Finch Monument took place on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. at the Mayor Beth Finch Park on Green Street. In March 2021, the City Council unanimously approved the renaming of Cross Creek Park to the Mayor Beth Finch Park.
“The city has a naming policy that has to be adhered to, and somebody makes a motion that goes to the city council,” said Michael Gibson, director of Fayetteville Cumberland Parks & Recreation. “In this case, Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen made the motion a few years ago that we should have some dedication of a park to our first female mayor of Fayetteville.”
He added, “It is mainly for people who are deceased right now, and there are some instances where that has been changed. For the most part, that is the criterion, and there has to be some significance.”
The commemorative structure is comprised of shiny black marble and exudes the sophistication and elegance of Beth Finch.
“We designed it. It was a playoff of our former mayor, J. L. Dawkins, so we wanted to do the same kind of black marble monument for Mayor Finch with her bust on the front, the name of the park and a brief history of her major accomplishments on the back of the black marble monument,” said Gibson. “The monumental event for the unveiling included dignitaries, Finch’s family members and others.”
Gibson added, “The mayor, mayor pro tem, and Finch’s family members made some good remarks, and then we did the unveiling.”
Sarah Beth Dail Finch was born on November 13, 1921, in Dunn, North Carolina. She attended school in Dunn and graduated from preparatory school at Blackstone College in Blackstone, VA, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduating from UNC, Finch became a news reporter for the Dunn Dispatch and later, the Fayetteville Observer.
Finch served as Mayor of Fayetteville from 1975 to 1981. She won by a 6-1 margin over Larry Buie in one of more than 400 municipal elections held across the state. Ten years before her win, Finch stated that “no woman would have had a chance at being elected mayor in any North Carolina city.”
She attributed her victory to “being in this place at this time with the necessary experience” and that Fayetteville voters are very “modern and not afraid of change.”
She was passionate about supporting young people, education, having a strong city of economic growth and development, equality and building ties. Under her leadership, the city strengthened ties with Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base.
In the early 1960s, Finch became actively involved in politics. She served as co-chairman of the campaign headquarters for gubernatorial candidate Terry Sanford, and after his election, she served on the State Democratic Executive Committee. She served as the first female president of the NC League of Municipalities, the first woman on the Board of Trustees for FTI (now FTCC), and the first woman on the Board of Trustees for Pembroke State College (now University of North Carolina Pembroke).
She served two terms on the Fayetteville City Council. Other civic duties include the Governor’s Crime Commission, Fayetteville Regional Airport Commission, Women’s Club, the Book Club, the Art Guild, Museum of Art, Boy Scouts, United Way, the Salvation Army Advisory Board and other groups. Some of her accomplishments include the Distinguished Citizen’s Award from Methodist College.
She married Tom Finch, and they had one son, Hank Finch. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years. She never wavered from her marital promise to her husband that she would fix his breakfast every morning at 5:30 a.m. In her private time, she was an avid reader, golfer, UNC sports fan and old-fashioned Southern cook. She was a devout member of Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for several years. After politics, she took an active role in the family business, Finch Oil Company.
Finch, who was known for her persistence, had a paramount concern for those less fortunate and never spoke unkind words about others. She was a mentor and role model for generations of women. She passed away peacefully at the age of 91 in December 2012. Her legacy will be remembered as one of courage, persistence, and the positive changes that she enforced to make a difference in the lives of the people in the Fayetteville community.

Fayetteville's Annual Walk to End Alzheimer's will be held on Oct. 25 at Segra Stadium. The walk is held annually in over 600 communities across the United States. It supports the Alzheimer's Association financially while also driving awareness and connecting community members to various resources. While the very first walk began in 1989, this will be Fayetteville's 11th annual walk.
"The walks are a fuel for our mission from a financial standpoint," explained Christine John-Fuller, executive director, Alzheimer's Association, Eastern North Carolina Chapter. "They are the largest awareness event that we have … that means that people can connect with us sometimes for the first time."
Organizers expect a high turnout for the event.
"We are always well north of 1,000 people, sometimes scratching on the door of 2,000, so our goal for this year is $200,000, and to know that we have grown exponentially with our walk in Fayetteville because of the incredible generosity of this community," John-Fuller said.
The event has nearly doubled its fundraising expectations for the Fayetteville area in recent years.
"It really speaks to not only the generosity of the people in the area that drives that, but also the deep connections that individuals in Cumberland County and the surrounding areas have for dementia, whether that be in their family unit or people that they know as well," John-Fuller said.
One of the event's centerpieces is the organization's pinwheel flowers. Upon arrival, participants will be encouraged to select a flower color that is coded to their personal connection to the cause. Purple flowers will be available for individuals who have lost someone to the disease, blue for individuals living with the disease, yellow for caretakers and orange for supporters of the organization and its mission.
The disease has impacted many involved in the planning and production of the event, including the event sponsor, McKee Homes.
"They have a very close local personal connection to the disease, so all of their associates get involved with what we are doing," John-Fuller said.
Registration for the walk is free, and participants are encouraged to use the walk as a vehicle to help fundraise for the Alzheimer's Association. Participants can do this on their own, create a team, or even join an existing team. Those interested can sign up and receive support on how to fundraise on the organization's website https://act.alz.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=walk_homepage, or they can sign up on the day of the event.
"It's never too late to get involved when it comes to this event. We want to bring people into the fold, no matter when that is, so even if they are just walking up for the first time on walk day and registering," John-Fuller said.
The fundraising for this event will extend well past Oct. 25. Teams and participants can fundraise beyond the walk.
"They will have until Dec. 31 to keep fundraising and earn some of the incentives that the other walkers have and be part of that mission, so it is never too late to say, ‘you know what, I am going to gather some friends and family and make a team,’" John-Fuller said.
Incentives for fundraising include a Walk to End Alzheimer's T-shirt for those who secure $100 in donations, up to a Yeti backpack or a PI Woodburning stove for those who raise $10,000, with many other prizes available for raising funds at intermediate amounts.
The organization also welcomes event volunteers for those who would like to donate their time, either through committee work or by assisting on the day of the event. Additional information on how to contribute can be found on the event website. Additionally, organizers want the community to know that all are welcome at this event and that it is accessible to all abilities. If people are unable to complete the physical walk, they can still participate by cheering on walkers along the way and at the finish line. Everyone in attendance has an impact.
"This is an experience for all ability levels, so if individuals want to come out, but they are not sure [they] can physically make the walk, we have a lot of individuals that will come and celebrate with us," John-Fuller explained. "They are a part of the powerful morning that it is, and they will stay at the finish line and cheer people on when they get back."
Multiple resources will be available for those in attendance, including local services to support families on a dementia journey. At the Alzheimer's Association table, visitors will find information about the disease and how to engage with the Association. They will also have details on connecting individuals to any resources they may need.
"We want to make sure that we meet the families where they are in the journey and help them through any of the questions they may have," John-Fuller explained.
Regardless of one's connection to the disease, John-Fuller asserts that there is no time like the present to learn, get involved, and find the necessary support. She advocates heavily for the importance of early detection so that people can take advantage of the many treatment advances and breakthroughs in ways to support individuals experiencing dementia. In this respect, she feels there is a lot the organization has to offer the community.
"Our mantra this season has really been, 'now is the time,' and now is the time because we finally, for the first time, have treatments that lower the progression of the disease, and that can only happen for people if they learn and get diagnosed," John-Fuller said.
This is an event focused on resources and hope.
"There's so much hope in the ways that we can now support families that we've never been able to do before," John-Fuller said. "We're really encouraging everybody to be a part of all that is going on now."
To be a part of all that is going on, individuals are encouraged to sign up on the website or on the day of the event at the registration table. Registration on the day of the event begins at 9 a.m., and the opening ceremony and walk will commence at 10 a.m. The event will be held at Segra Stadium in Downtown Fayetteville at 460 Hay Street. For additional details, interested parties can contact Victoria Huggins at 919-241-5938, or by email at vahuggins@alz.org. 

(Photos courtesy of Kara Harrington, Alzheimer's Association-North Carolina)

The Dorothy Gilmore Adaptive Recreation Center is a lively place. Zumba classes, Gilmore baking 101, Special Olympics sports camps; there’s always something happening. Whether classes, sports, or social events, it’s a place where visitors can reach their potential and experience the Center’s tagline, “Where Abilities and dis-Abilities become POSS-ABILITIES.”
Originally known as The Teen Center & Glendale Park, then renamed in 1991 as the Dorothy D. Gilmore Youth Center and Park, and eventually closing to undergo extensive renovations, the center reopened in 2023 as the Dorothy Gilmore Adaptive Recreation Center. Along with the new name came a new focus—no longer a youth center, but instead a therapeutic recreation center. It now serves individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities, providing adaptive education, community and just plain fun.
Benjamin Kowalczyk, supervisor at the Dorothy Gilmore Adaptive Recreation Center, says they’ve been working on replacing the Center’s playground since they reopened in late 2023.
“It took time to do research and design a playground that will be more adaptive than the previous one,” he explained, adding that while he didn’t design the playground, he did contribute ideas that he wanted to see in the final product.
Made possible by funding from the City Bond and installed by the Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation team, the playground will be “entirely different” from the previous one, Kowalczyk said. There will be sensory aspects and features designed with wheelchair users in mind, with the focus being “accessibility for all.”
According to Fayettevillenc.gov, the new playground will be home to the city’s first accessible whirl feature, “an amenity that sits flush with the ground and accommodates up to two wheelchair users, in addition to more users without mobility devices.” Other installations include opportunities for teamwork; an AeroGlider by Play World Inclusive Playground Equipment, where users sway back and forth together for a rollicking ride, and a side-by-side slide that allows children and parents or guardians to descend the slide together.
From musical experiences to physical challenges and social connection, the park can’t reach completion soon enough for many regulars.
“All of our parents and participants are excited to see the playground reopen,” Kowalczyk shared. “I don’t go a day without being asked when it will reopen.”
In the meantime, visitors can enjoy the center's other programs. Adaptive Recreation Social Club includes arts and crafts, exercise, and time with friends. Adaptive Aerobics takes things a little slower than traditional aerobics, focusing on range of motion and muscle movements. For peace and quiet, check out A Moment of Zen, where participants learn yoga and breathwork while experiencing nature and creating art. Stemspire with Josh is a chance for hands-on instructional building, getting creative juices flowing!
When asked whether the playground would be part of any official programs at the Center, Kowalczyk replied, “We have some things in the works.” To stay up-to-date with the Center’s programs, visit fayettevillenc.gov/Parks-and-Recreation.
“This is an exciting asset to our facility, and we can't wait for the community to enjoy it,” Kowalczyk concluded.

(Rendering courtesy of City of Fayetteville)

Since 2015, the Community Paramedic Program has helped patients who are at higher risk of falling through the cracks after hospitalization. Ideally, patients recover best at home after they are discharged, but what if they don’t have anyone at home to help them?
That’s where the Community Paramedic Program comes in. Started with initial funding from Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation, it is now celebrating a decade of care.
Manager and paramedic Alinda Bailey joined just a few months after it began.
“Initially, we focused on some of the prime diseases that we saw people repeatedly coming into the Emergency Department for, like congestive heart failure, COPD, and pneumonia, and we worked with discharged Medicare patients, following up once or twice a week for 30 days,” Bailey said. “We might make phone calls for them, or make sure they had everything they needed, like prescriptions and oxygen, and that they could use them. We’d visit their home and check in to do proactive education, making sure they knew how often to take their nebulizer or use a pulse oximeter.”
The program quickly grew, but the common thread remains the belief that some patients need a little extra hands-on follow-up to prevent extra Emergency Department visits or 911 calls.
“We’ve gotten into working with diabetes a lot lately,” Bailey said. “As our scope has expanded, we’ve written more protocols for how to help patients with different issues. We have more tools now, too. We often work with the Discharge Clinic, which helps patients who need a primary care doctor to follow up with, or can’t make their appointment, perhaps because they’re bedbound or lack transportation.”
The team has grown as well, from one manager and two paramedics to a manager, 10 paramedics, a social worker and a behavioral health peer support specialist. Beyond medical assistance, the program also looks at the social determinants of health, such as helping a patient look for insurance, food bank assistance, or connecting them to other community resources.
The Foundation continues to support the program by funding items needed for recuperation at home, such as pulse oximeters, blood pressure cuffs and scales.
“A hospital is a good place to be when you’re really sick, but when you begin to feel better, you recuperate better at home,” Bailey said. “People want to stay with their pets and live their everyday lives as normally as possible.”
Since starting, the program has helped more than 8,300 individuals, making more than 66,000 patient contacts via phone calls, home visits, community health fairs and other community outreach events. The program sees patients on a regular basis for anywhere from a month to several years, as long as they need to.
Chief Clinical Officer and Chairman of Emergency Medicine, Michael J. Zappa, MD, FACEP has seen how the program has made a difference.
“Our Community Paramedic Program demonstrates innovation in healthcare at its finest,” Dr. Zappa said. “It gets back to the roots of medicine by delivering care in the home, yet uses modern analytics and technology to identify those patients most at risk – and takes the critical step of the correct intervention at the right time. They help people get back to their normal lives more quickly and spend less time in the hospital.”

“A true community is not just about being geographically close to someone or part of the same social web network. It is about feeling connected and responsible for what happens. The land is more than the ground beneath our feet.” — Yehuda Berg. Sustainability Directory 2025

The town of Hope Mills presents the Hope Mills Area Land Use Plan on Oct. 28. The kick-off meeting is located at the Hope Mills Recreation Center, 5766 Rockfish Road in Hope Mills, from noon to 7 p.m. For more information, contact the Town of Hope Mills at 910-424-4555.
“The Southwestern Cumberland Plan Area is now called the Hope Mills Area Land Use Plan. This planning document is for the region in Cumberland County that extends to the Robeson and Hoke County Lines. The plan outlines the recommendations for future development, aiming to balance rural, agricultural, and residential growth with the suburban and commercial needs in the area, which is also affected by the nearby town of Hope Mills. It includes specific boundaries such as being north of Fayetteville City Limits and east of 301 South (Gillespie Street). The study area is approximately thirty-nine square miles, bordered by Robeson County to the South, Hoke County to the west, Fayetteville City limits to the north, and 301 South, Interstate 95 to the east,” according to the SWC Southwest Cumberland County Land Use Plan, Cumberland County Government.
Long-term planning is vital for creating sustainability and economic prosperity. It involves planning growth, providing adequate housing, commercial and recreational spaces, infrastructure, while protecting natural resources, providing open spaces and mitigating crises from natural disasters. Strategic planning prevents irreversible damage to ecosystems, reduces pollution, and creates resilient, healthier, and more equitable communities for future generations. Long-term land use goals can be developed as comprehensive plans, to incorporate infrastructure, sustainable development, manage growth, strategically reduce future costs, smart economic growth, enhance property values, promote social equity, support public health and safety, and manage population growth, according to the Lifestyle Sustainable Directory, Fundamentals of Land Use Planning.
The Cumberland County role in the Hope Mills Land Use Plan is to lead the development of the plan as a reference for future land use decisions and implement it through its Planning and Inspection Department. The County planning staff, along with the Joint Committee Board, provides expertise and technical assistance to draft and upgrade the plan and guides the growth and development in this area. It is inclusive of properties within Hope Mills Municipal Influence.
Saragrace Mitchell, County Land Use planner, shared at the Hope Mills Commissioner’s Meeting, “Land use planning is a long-term planning tool used by town and county officials as a reference for future land use decisions. It is a thorough document that includes existing conditions, goals, and policy recommendations.”
Your voice is needed in creating a vision that reflects community values and goals. Together we can build a better tomorrow. Attend and share your views at the Hope Mills Area Land Use Plan kick-off meeting on Oct. 28, during the hours of noon to 7 p.m. The location is Hope Mills Recreation Center, 5766 Rockfish Road. For more information, contact the Town of Hope Mills by phone, 910-424-4555.

Standing in front of the soon-to-be completed, state-of-the-art Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine building on Oct. 17, Methodist University President Stanley T. Wearden, Ph.D., shared that the proposed new school of medicine has received the official accreditation approval necessary to begin its recruitment of its inaugural class of students for the summer of 2026.
“Today marks a truly transformational milestone,” Wearden said to a crowd of medical professionals, key partners, media from around the state, and SOM faculty and staff. “This accomplishment is the result of years of dedication, planning, and collaboration… With preliminary accreditation in hand, we now begin the exciting work of recruiting our charter class – students who will one day transform healthcare throughout Southeastern North Carolina.”
The accreditation designation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education—the accrediting body for all U.S. and Canadian MD-granting medical schools—represents a significant achievement for Methodist University, in partnership with Cape Fear Valley Health, and positions the school as only the fifth MD medical school in North Carolina and the first new MD school in N.C. in four decades that isn’t tied to an existing institution.
“None of this happens in isolation,” said Dr. Hershey Bell, the founding dean of the SOM. “It takes the full partnership of our University, our health system, our faculty and staff, and the extraordinary people of this community who share a belief in what’s possible when vision meets purpose.”
The new school will provide a very unique, mission-driven MD education with world-class clinical experiences in underserved areas where students can make a difference, right away and for generations to come. The Association of American Medical Colleges has reported that when students go to medical school and complete their residency in one area, there’s a 70% chance they stay in that area to practice.
“This partnership is not just historic, it is profoundly practical,” said Michael Nagowski, CEO of Cape Fear Valley Health System. “For years, our region has faced physician shortages, particularly in primary care and key specialties. By training medical students right here in Fayetteville, we will dramatically increase the likelihood that these future doctors stay and serve the communities that need them most.”
“This achievement is about transformation,” Bell said. “The transformation of students’ lives who dream of becoming physicians; the transformation of healthcare access across our region; the transformation of opportunities for research, innovation, and economic growth right here at home.”
An Economic Impact Study by Michael Walden from N.C. State University shows the SOM will increase annual spending in the area by $72M and create nearly 850 news jobs.
The SOM has already hired more than 50 faculty and staff, and will utilize more than 200 clinical faculty with additional physician appointments to come.
“Our students will learn in an innovative, community-centered curriculum, training directly within Cape Fear Valley Health System’s hospitals and clinics,” Bell said. “They will become not only exceptional clinicians, but compassionate community leaders – doctors who know their patients, their neighborhoods, and their purpose.”
The next significant milestone for the SOM is substantive change new program approval in December. This is pending the approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges board.
More information about the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine, which has received tremendous support from the Golden LEAF Foundation and other corporate and individual donors, can be found at methodist.edu/medicine.

(Photo: The new, state-of-the-art Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine building will open for its first class of students in Summer 2026. Photo courtesy of Methodist University)

Cumberland County is home to 86 public schools, with 27 of them classified as low-performing by the State Board of Education. While an impressive 78% of our schools have met or exceeded the growth standards for academic performance, surpassing the statewide average of approximately 71%, the recent increase in low-performing schools from 15 to 27 is a cause for immediate concern. This pressing issue demands immediate and urgent action to ensure that every student has access to a quality education.
The school situation in Cumberland County is not a severe crisis, but it is certainly more than just a trivial concern. It demands our full attention and, most importantly, concerted efforts from all stakeholders to address it effectively. Every stakeholder, from school board members to educators and community members, plays a crucial role in this collective effort.
Underperforming schools play a significant role in perpetuating a cycle of poverty in communities, thereby limiting individual economic opportunities. This, in turn, leads to higher poverty rates, decreased workforce participation, and increased reliance on public services. These are not favorable outcomes for a county that is already grappling with its Tier One community status, one of the poorest counties in the state.
Addressing the issue of underperforming schools is crucial in breaking this cycle.
The 'right' superintendent is vitally important because they are the public face and ultimate communicator. They are the chief executive who leads the school district, sets its strategic direction, manages its operations, and directly influences student success and the community's educational quality.
Their leadership is crucial; our new superintendent, Dr. Eric C. Bracy, has the expertise to provide the professional guidance necessary to improve our low-performing schools. Bracy's leadership experience includes positions in Northampton, Sampson, and most recently, Johnston County Schools. Under his guidance, Johnston County Schools experienced significant improvement, rising from 83rd to 35th in statewide academic proficiency.
Additionally, the number of low-performing schools in the district decreased from 14 to just one. This success story is a beacon of hope for our own situation.
The community must actively engage with schools to address this challenge. Your involvement is not just significant, it's crucial. Together, we can make a difference. Change will not happen overnight. It is time to empower parents who believe that their children could benefit from a private school environment by providing them with the option of vouchers. The availability of vouchers, especially for students in underperforming schools, should be a fair and viable choice.

The deViere Dispatch is a regular communication from Kirk deViere, offering thoughtful perspectives and timely updates on Cumberland County initiatives, decisions, and opportunities for community engagement.
His insights help demystify complex issues and provide candid commentary on government, leadership, and the decisions that shape our daily lives. Mr. deViere currently serves as Chairman of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, representing District 2. He previously held office as a North Carolina State Senator for two terms and as a Fayetteville City Councilman for one term.
I strongly encourage our Up & Coming Weekly readers to Google and read CityView’s October 12 article by Tim White, the former editorial page editor of The Fayetteville Observer, titled: Here’s What Would Make Fayetteville a Grand Arts Mecca. In it, White shares his opinion on what “would transform Fayetteville into an unavoidable stop for arts and entertainment in North Carolina.”
Well, in my opinion, Mr. White has forfeited the right to offer such an opinion. Kirk deViere is far too much of a gentleman—and politician—to say this outright, but I’m not. Tim White is an uninformed hypocrite.
His article merely regurgitates the negative talking points of a few disgruntled and misinformed downtown Fayetteville property owners. White has zero credibility when it comes to commenting on city or county matters in which he has no direct involvement or understanding.
It is both foolish and disingenuous for him to claim a deep love for Fayetteville—its arts, culture, dining, and “cheery” downtown experiences. Really? If he “loved” and enjoyed Fayetteville so much, why did he choose to live in Moncure, a town in Chatham County, 40 miles away? Mr. deViere’s Dispatch is spot-on. We need more truth-tellers willing to bring transparency to local government and call out this kind of hypocrisy.
It’s precisely this type of illegitimate commentary that likely led The Assembly to apply bold yellow editorial disclaimers to its content—and why CityView continues to solicit support and donations to the point of ad nauseam. Jus' sayin'!
Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly newspaper.
—Bill Bowman, Publisher

The deViere Dispatch, Oct. 14
The recent CityView editorial column paints an appealing picture of downtown Fayetteville as an arts mecca, with the Crown Event Center (originally pitched as a “DPAC-like” Performing Arts Center) as the missing puzzle piece that would complete the vision. It’s easy to understand the nostalgia for lost cultural venues and the desire to see downtown thrive with pre-show dinners and post-show drinks within walking distance.
But there’s something critical that the CityView article glosses over: this wasn’t actually about lacking “visionary leadership” it was about inherited flawed plans masquerading as vision.
The Project That Changed Beyond Recognition
The downtown facility wasn’t killed by commissioners lacking imagination. It was a project that ballooned from $80 million to $178 million (including the parking deck), with costs more than doubling from original estimates. More troubling, this wasn’t even the performing arts center many residents envisioned and had been pitched. It was an event center with a flat floor designed primarily for conventions, yet consistently marketed as something it wasn’t.
When only 28 people from user group workshops essentially designed a multi-million dollar facility, and their own cautionary notes about size and scope were ignored, that’s not visionary planning—that’s a runaway project detached from community input.
What the Community Actually Wanted
Here’s the part that should give downtown advocates pause: the community survey used to justify the downtown location actually showed majority support for renovating the existing Crown Complex before evaluation criteria were weighted to favor downtown. The data existed (https://bit.ly/ECFS2021 - slide 13), but was interpreted to support a predetermined outcome.
The Gateway Argument: Investment vs. Abandonment
The CityView article makes a compelling emotional point about the Crown Complex area: it’s become a “dilapidated landscape” that deters job-seekers arriving at the airport, a once-bustling corridor along US 301 that declined after I-95 diverted traffic. The argument goes: why turn away from this “entertainment asset” and key gateway when it needs investment?
But this framing by the skilled writer presents a false choice. The question isn’t whether to invest in the Crown Complex area or abandon it. It is whether to invest wisely in what exists versus pouring $178 million into a fundamentally flawed project.
In fact, the commissioners’ decision actually directs investment toward the Crown Complex. The board has instructed the county manager to develop a framework to modernize the existing Crown Arena and Theater that will increase use and programming of the facilities. This represents exactly the kind of investment the gateway argument calls for by improving the corridor that first-time visitors see, rather than abandoning those existing facilities.
Consider the math: if renovating and modernizing the Crown Complex was the community’s stated preference in the survey, and if that approach provides more usage days than the downtown facility while addressing the “dilapidated” gateway problem, isn’t that actually more responsive to both community input and the gateway concern?
The article dismisses the Crown Complex location as “the city’s ragged edge” near “shabby old motels,” but you don’t revitalize a struggling corridor by abandoning the anchor institutions that could drive its renewal. You revitalize it by investing in those anchors intelligently, which is precisely what a fiscally responsible Crown Complex renovation and some strategic master planning could accomplish.
The Parking Problem Nobody Solved
The romantic vision of walking from dinner to show to drinks collapses when you realize there was no on-site ADA parking, and the proposed $33 million parking garage (never acknowledged as part of the project by some) was located behind the courthouse without a connection to the facility.
The Real Question About Vision
Yes, Fayetteville needs quality arts venues. Yes, downtown Fayetteville revitalization matters. And yes, the Crown Complex corridor deserves investment as a key gateway. But is it visionary leadership to commit the full debt capacity of Food & Beverage tax revenue to a facility projected to be used only 144 days per year? That’s actually fewer days of use than existing facilities would provide.
Is it visionary to rush a groundbreaking ceremony and rip up a 200-space parking lot with a flawed replacement plan, approving $26 million in spending within two weeks of a new board taking office, leaving no time for value engineering or addressing critical flaws?
The article is right that Fayetteville deserves better than a dilapidated gateway, but the solution isn’t to abandon that gateway for downtown at any cost. The solution is to invest wisely in improving what exists while exploring future development opportunities for the downtown site that don’t require fiscal recklessness.
A Different Kind of Vision
Real visionary leadership sometimes means having the courage to stop a project that’s gone wrong, even when it disappoints people. It means being willing to say: “We can do better than spending $178 million on a misrepresented facility that would sit empty most of the year, with parking we haven’t properly planned, funded entirely by one vulnerable revenue source the state can eliminate at any time.”
It also means recognizing that you can address the gateway problem and practice fiscal responsibility by investing in Crown Complex modernization. This is an approach that the community survey actually supported and that provides more programming flexibility.
The question isn’t whether our community deserves to be an arts mecca with an impressive gateway. The question is whether pursuing that vision requires abandoning fiscal responsibility, ignoring what the community survey actually said they wanted, and turning away from strategic investment in existing entertainment infrastructure.
Perhaps the real missing piece isn’t visionary leadership, it is the willingness to build that vision on a foundation of honest planning, accurate information, and sustainable financial principles that invest in all of the community’s corridors, not just downtown Fayetteville.

(Top Photo: The Crown Event Center location in downtown Fayetteville is currently unoccupied. Bottom Photo: This artist's rendering shows what the original plan for the Crown Event Center entailed. The project cost ballooned from initial estimates.)

Whether you are an expert in folk music or if you can’t tell a banjo from a mandolin, a new biography, Doc Watson: A Life in Music, by Eddie Huffman, will draw you in. Along the way, you’ll discover not just Doc’s story, but the rich history of our state and the impact of its traditional music.
Huffman, a Burlington native and current Greensboro resident, confesses that he was more a fan of the pop music and rock-n-roll of the ‘70s and ‘80s of his youth, “dismissing country music as that cornball stuff they played on Hee-Haw.”
But he poured himself into Doc’s world: tracking down rare recordings, listening to every album, combing through archives across the state and beyond, watching old television clips, reading concert reviews, bootlegs, radio transcripts—and more.
Folks in the High Country in northwestern North Carolina welcomed him in, introduced him to people who knew and loved Doc, and even drove him through the backroads and hills that shaped Doc’s world.
Huffman gives us a close-up look at what it was like to grow up in the mountains near Boone in the 1920s and ‘30s, introducing us to Arthel Watson, the child who would one day be known as Doc.
You get the feeling that young Arthel would have happily welcomed us into his world, which was full of love—and full of hardship. In Deep Gap in Watauga County, his family had no running water, no electricity, and no insulation. Blind from toddlerhood, Watson was keenly fascinated with sound. He made instruments out of whatever he could get his hands on—from pots to cowbells—and delighted in sitting on the porch listening to the wind blowing through the trees.
Huffman paints a portrait of Watson as a jack of all trades, an Appalachian Renaissance man. He could have made a good life as a farmer, a carpenter, an electrician, a writer, a preacher, or just about anything that called for steady hands, a clear mind, and a generous heart.
Huffman’s book is, of course, not a self-help book, but it offers a powerful example: a life shaped not by ease or fame, but by courage, grit, and quiet humility. Here are just a few takeaways that reverberate through Huffman’s thoughtful exploration of Watson’s
life and legacy:
1. Take things apart… and creatively put them back together. “You can’t really love something until you understand it,” Doc said. As a boy, he tinkered with record players and homemade instruments. Later, he wired his first home by hand. Music was no different—he took songs apart, note by note, then put them back together in his own way. “I figured I’d better build on it,” he said, “so I’d be at least halfway original.”
2. Embrace… and exploit your limitations. Over and over, Doc turned his blindness into a strength. He could guess with accuracy how fast a car he was riding in was going, he could avoid stepping in potholes on a dirt road that his sighted friends stumbled into, he could identify 16 different birds singing, and he could chop wood with an axe with a crooked handle. After a stint at the School for the Blind and Deaf in Raleigh, Doc decided that was not the place for him and returned home. So, he had more free time on his hands than some sighted teenagers who had to attend school or work full-time. This allowed him to lean into his passion and become a master.
3. Grieve... and move forward. After the tragic loss of his son and musical partner, Merle, Doc Watson nearly gave it all up. But a dream—Merle guiding him from a desert toward light—changed his mind. So, Doc kept playing, knowing Merle would not want him to quit. And with his family, he started MerleFest, a tribute that still brings thousands together each year in Wilkesboro to celebrate the music they both loved.
4. Travel… and be a homebody. Doc Watson traveled from coast to coast, playing in the biggest cities. That alone—navigating it all without sight—is remarkable. But no matter how far he went, he was always ready to get home. “Us mountain folks feel pretty strongly about family,” he said. “Fireside, the supper table, breakfast with your wife—that means a whole lot. And I reckon that ain’t nothing to be ashamed of.”
These lessons—and many more—await in this moving biography. By the end, you’ll know plenty about Watson’s music. You will likely end up not just a fan of his music, but of the man himself.

Fayetteville is a community of hellos and goodbyes. With our deep ties to the military, we are adept at wishing our friends well as they travel to the next duty station and welcoming new members for as long as they call Cumberland County “home.” Each summer, the Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County practices this by removing public art that goes on to its next home and installing new works that will be a part of the community for a year. The Arts Council’s ArtScape is an annual public art series, now in its ninth year, where visitors can view outdoor 3D sculpture all over the city of Fayetteville.
The new pieces installed this summer bring a new, colorful story to Fayetteville. James Futral’s Red Bear now sits proudly outside of the Arts Center, welcoming visitors. Bright silver shines through Hanna Jubran’s Sound of the Elements on Green Street and surrounds City Hall through Jim Gallucci’s Oak Leaf Arch. The multicolored Feather by Kirk Seese looks over Market Square, and the striking Yellow Flower by Loren Costantini cheerfully greets people at the Courthouse. The new ArtScape collection includes interactive pieces as well. Magnify, which sits at the corner of Hay and Ray Streets, allows people to swivel the top of the sculpture to capture sunbeams and reflect a stained-glass effect. Artist Agnes Black hopes that people engage with her piece Through the Heart’s Lens at 201 Hay Street by photographing through the heart-shaped cutout or strumming the guitar strings attached to the sculpture.
Installing the artwork is a challenging puzzle for Arts Council Facilities Manager Chris Walker. Walker has to secure all the pieces so they are safe for the public while placing them throughout the city.
“It's hard, hot work, but while you install them, you get to see the cheerful reactions of people at that moment they see the new works for the first time,” says Walker. In some cases, like the 20-foot tall Water Drop in Festival Park, the installation even takes a crane to lift the piece high in the air. But all the work is worth it to Walker. “Helping to install these sculptures gives me a chance to work with different artists to help bring something beautiful to our community.”
While the Arts Council produces ArtScape each year, the initiative takes the entire community to be successful. No one knows that better than Director of Development Josh Murray.
“ArtScape is the perfect example of how public art can unite a community. Talented artists create attention-grabbing pieces, and individual donors make the artwork publicly accessible through their sponsorship,” says Murray. Individual donors help support the rental cost for each of the pieces selected to be a part of ArtScape. “Together, the artists and donors play a major role in developing the visual identity of Fayetteville, which is a beautiful thing!”
ArtScape mirrors the rhythm of Fayetteville. Stories arrive, settle in, and eventually move on. As new works find a home in our city, they invite us to pause, connect, and see our community through a fresh lens. View ArtScape 9 from now until June, and for more information, visit www.wearethearts.com/artscape9.

(Photo: "Water Drop" by Hanna Jubran stands at Festival Park and is part of ArtScape 9. Photo courtesy of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County)

This October, the serene charm of Lazy Fox Lavender Farm in Cameron will take a whimsical turn as it transforms into the fantastical world of Wonderland for the Mad Hatter Tea Party. Guests are invited to tumble down the rabbit hole and join the Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts and Cheshire Cat for a one-of-a-kind tea experience that promises enchantment, laughter and a touch of delightful madness.
The Mad Hatter Tea Party will be held on Friday, Oct. 24, at 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 26, at 3 p.m. on the farm’s picturesque veranda at 272 Edgewood Road. Tickets are $85 per person, and seating is limited for this immersive, interactive tea designed for guests aged six and up.
This isn’t your average afternoon tea; it’s a theatrical event that blends performance, culinary artistry, and a dose of Wonderland magic. As the Queen of Hearts shouts, “Off with her head!” and the White Rabbit searches for Alice in a delightful frenzy, guests will enjoy a beautifully curated spread of tailored treats, whimsical sweets, and freshly baked scones. Each serving is paired with lavender whipped butter, farm-fresh honey, fine teas, and lavender lemonade, a nod to the farm’s signature floral touch.
“Who doesn’t love to have a little fun?” Lindsey Lochner, owner of Lazy Fox Lavender Farm, said. “I wanted to bring something whimsical and unexpected to the farm, a tea that feels like you’ve stepped into another world, full of wonder and imagination.”
Lochner’s vision is to make the veranda feel like a portal to Wonderland, where “everything is slightly topsy-turvy and delightfully out of place.” Every table, teapot, and teacup will contribute to the illusion that guests have stepped into Lewis Carroll’s fantastical universe.
One of the highlights of the experience will be the live, in-character service. Guests will be served by Wonderland’s most beloved personalities—from the frantic White Rabbit to the mischievous Cheshire Cat. Lochner explained that her team takes the performances seriously (and joyfully), rehearsing roles to ensure each character embodies the playful, unpredictable spirit of Wonderland.
“Every interaction is meant to feel authentic and surprising,” Lochner said. “In true Wonderland fashion, you never quite know what to expect!”
The tea isn’t just for children. It’s an all-ages celebration of curiosity and creativity. Adults can rediscover their sense of wonder, while younger guests delight in meeting storybook characters come to life. Lochner says this mix of nostalgia and novelty is what makes the event truly special.
“Whether you’re six or sixty, there’s something magical about stepping into Wonderland,” she said. “It brings out the inner child in everyone.”
The menu itself is part of the storytelling. Guests can expect to find “Eat Me” cakes, “Drink Me” potions, and other imaginative offerings presented on elegant china. Lochner’s team has carefully curated teas to complement both sweet and savory items, ensuring that each bite and sip enhances the fantasy.
Costumes are encouraged but not required, though many guests may find it hard to resist donning a top hat or rabbit ears for the occasion.
The event’s attention to detail, from the whimsical décor to the farm-fresh ingredients, ensures that each tea feels personal and unforgettable. For those planning to attend with friends or family, Lochner recommends booking together.
“Please book your entire party under the same last name,” she noted. “We have limited seating, especially for larger groups.”
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, but guests unable to attend are welcome to give their ticket to a friend. For parties of six or more, guests should contact Lindsey directly at 910-705-2317 to arrange accommodations.
Lazy Fox Lavender Farm has many events happening throughout the year, and this one has the possibility of becoming a yearly event.
“If guests love it as much as we think they will, it could easily become one of our signature fall events,” Lochner said.
Polish the teacups, grab some curiosity and don’t be late for this very important date. The Mad Hatter Tea Party at Lazy Fox Lavender Farm promises to be a lavender-scented adventure through imagination—a perfect way to celebrate the season in true Wonderland style. The Lazy Fox Lavender Farm is located at 272 Edgewood Rd, Cameron. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.lazyfoxlavenderfarm.com/products/autumn-leaves-lavender-teas-at-lazy-fox-lavender-farm

(Photo courtesy of Lazy Fox Lavender Farm Facebook page)

Get ready to rise from the grave and shuffle your way to downtown Fayetteville. The undead are back and hungrier than ever! The 15th Annual Zombie Walk returns on Friday, Oct. 24, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., bringing with it a night of frightful fun, outrageous costumes, and community spirit that proves being undead can be a lively affair.
This free, family-friendly event invites locals and visitors alike to don their best zombie attire and join the ghoulish gathering that has become one of Fayetteville’s favorite fall traditions.
What began fifteen years ago as a small charity event to help clean up one of downtown Fayetteville’s historic cemeteries has now grown into a massive celebration, drawing nearly 20,000 attendees each year. Organized by Downtown Cool Spring District, the Zombie Walk has become a hallmark of Fayetteville’s October 4th Friday festivities, transforming the streets into a parade of monsters, makeup, and mayhem.
“Every year we try to add a fun, new element to the Zombie Walk,” said Ashanti Bennett, president and CEO of Downtown Cool Spring District. “You’ll have to stay tuned for this year’s surprise!”
A Night of Frightful Fun
The Zombie Walk is more than just a spooky stroll; it’s a full evening of entertainment, art, and community connection. Attendees can expect a vibrant mix of live music, street performances, and art displays scattered throughout downtown. While this year’s performers haven’t yet been announced, last year’s entertainment was The Phoebe’s and The Several Devils, as well as thrilling wrestling matches from Ring Wars Carolina.
But the main event is, of course, the Zombie Processional, where hundreds of costumed participants, each more gruesomely creative than the last, shuffle through the streets in a creepy, coordinated march. The procession concludes at the District Vibe Stage, where zombies, ghouls, and goblins can dance the night away under Fayetteville’s city lights.
“The Zombie Walk is one of the more playful events in the season,” Bennett said. “Folks really put in time and effort into their costumes—you’ll see some stunning creativity on display. If you feel like letting loose in a controlled, safe environment, come downtown on Oct. 24!”

Fun for the Whole Family
While the undead might sound scary, this event is designed for all ages. Each 4th Friday includes a Children’s Area, complete with games, art activities, and seasonal crafts to keep the little ones entertained. The costume contest is a fan favorite, with multiple categories so everyone, from the tiniest trick-or-treater to the most fearsome adult zombie, has a chance to show off their look and take home bragging rights.
Community Spirit Lives On
The success of the Zombie Walk wouldn’t be possible without the enthusiastic support of Fayetteville’s small business community. Each year, downtown merchants go all out, decorating their storefronts, offering themed specials, handing out treats and samples, and even hosting their own pop-up activities inside their shops.
“Many of the merchants in our small business community decorate for the season,” Bennett noted. “Some take it a step further, hosting their own themed pop-up activities inside their stores.”
The Zombie Walk also provides an opportunity for local vendors to showcase their wares during October’s 4th Friday. Those interested in participating can apply at https://www.eventeny.com/events/october-4th-friday-october-24-2025-18280/?f
Road Closures and Event Details
To accommodate the undead parade, road closures will begin at 1 p.m. on the 100 block of Person Street and expand at 4:30 p.m. to include the 100–300 blocks of Hay Street, Anderson Street, Maxwell Street, Burgess Street, Donaldson Street, Green Street, and Gillespie Street.
Bennett says there’s one thing you absolutely shouldn’t miss: “You don’t want to miss the Zombie Processional, a stroll through the District that ends at our District Vibe stage where all the ghouls and goblins can dance the rest of the night away.”
Grab the fake blood, tattered clothes, and best undead shuffle — the Zombie Walk 2025 promises a frightfully fun night you won’t soon forget. Because in Fayetteville, even the undead know how to throw a great party.

(Photo: The Zombie Walk is a Fayetteville tradition, and hundreds come dressed up to downtown Fayetteville to show off their costumes. Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Zombie Walk)

Spooky season is here, and that means it’s time for costumes, candy, and plenty of family fun! One of the most popular traditions in our community is Trunk or Treat—a safe and festive way for kids to enjoy trick-or-treating all in one spot.
Local churches, schools, and organizations are decking out their trunks with creative themes, handing out treats, and bringing neighbors together for a night of Halloween magic.
To help you plan your celebrations, we’ve rounded up a list of trunk or treat events happening right here in our area. Grab your costumes, bring your candy bags, and get ready for a spooktacular time!
Saturday, Oct. 18
• Stoney Point Fire Department's Annual Trunk or Treat at 7221 Stoney Point Rd., Noon to 2 p.m.
• Trunk or Treat at Freddy's at 4825 Ramsey St., 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 23
• Trunk or Treat at VFW Post 6018, 116 Chance St., 6 p.m.
• Monster Mash Trunk Dash: Trunk or Treat at AmeriHealth Caritas, 4101 Raeford Rd., 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 24
• Trunk or Treat at Freedom Christian Academy, 3130 Gillespie St., 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 25
• Trick-or-Treat at Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex, 801 Arsenal Ave., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Trunk-Or-Treat/Halloween Social at Fit4Life Health Club, 650 Shell Drive, Spring Lake, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treat at Cedar Falls Baptist Church, 6181 Ramsey St., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• TRC's Annual Trunk or Treat at Triangle Rock Club, 5213 Raeford Rd., 5 p.m.
• Trunk or Treat at Freedom Biker Church, 455 Rock Hill Rd., 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Annual Trunk or Treat at Fit4Life Health Club, 2820 Hope Mills Rd., 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Trick or Treat at Lori's Ace, 2800 Raeford Rd., Noon to 2 p.m.
• BCA Trunk-or-Treat at Behavior Change Agents, 5948 Fisher Rd., 5:30 p.m.
• Trunk or Treat at Hope Mills Shrinettes Org, 4461 Cameron Rd., 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat at Anderson Creek Community Church, 2085 Ray Rd, Spring Lake, 4 p.m.
• Ray Road Tire & Auto Trunk or Treat, 1964 Ray Rd., 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• FREE Trunk or Treat at Hope Mills Shrine Club, 4461 Cameron Rd., Hope Mills, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 26
• 3rd Annual Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat at Cedar Creek Baptist Church, 4170 Tabor Church Rd., 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Ville City Jeeps Trunk or Treat, 2505 Long Valley Rd, Spring Lake, 4 p.m.
• FBCC's Trunk or Treat at Faith Builders Christian Center, 2600 Wade-Stedman Rd., Stedman, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 29
• Trunk or Treat-Cumberland County Animal Services at 4704 Corporation Dr., 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 30
• Trunk or Treat at Spa Fitness & Wellness Center, 860 Elm St., 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Trunk-or-Treat at DK Hardee, 4327 Camden Rd., 6 p.m.
• Open House Trunk or Treat at One Stop Academy, 2653 Hope Mills Rd., Hope Mills, 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 31
• Trunk or Treat at Praeceptor K9, 3760 Sycamore Dairy Rd., 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Trunk or Treat at Faymount Baptist Church, 3663 Cumberland Rd., 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Trunk or Treat! at Feather Ridge Equestrian Inc, 2132 Evans Dairy Rd., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Trunk or Treat at Village Presbyterian Church, 5303 Spruce Dr., 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• BK Cruise'N/Trunk or Treat at Burger King, 7011 Raeford Rd., 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Like the ebb and flow of ocean waves, the Cumberland Choral Arts has seen varied levels of membership over the years. This year has seen a tsunami of interest and activity. As the group prepares for its newest performance, “Water Works,” membership and participation are at an all-time high, according to Cumberland Choral Arts President Sandy Cage, following this season’s registration night.
During the COVID-19 shutdown, the group dwindled to about 30 members.
“We came back, and it was a slow build,” Cage explained.
Previously, the group had between 60 and 80 members, and recently, it reached the 100-member mark. Cumberland Choral Arts was unsure what to expect and unsure where the registration numbers would fall this season, especially with a change in directors. The hope was to see around 85 registrants.
“The first night we were like, whoa, we’re out of music, and so we ordered more music, and then people still kept coming, and it was like, okay, we have to order more music,” She explained. “That was a really good problem.”
In part, younger singers comprise the wave of new participants, including high school seniors and first-year college students, according to Cage.
“We love having them join us,” Cage said.
The upcoming “Water Works” performance is an opportunity for the ever-expanding Cumberland Choral Arts to showcase their new talent and a new artistic director, Major Curtis Kinzey. Kinzey, who served as the U.S. Army Forces Command Staff Bands Officer before joining the Cumberland Choral Arts, served as the commander of the 1st Cavalry Division Band. Between 2011 and 2016, Kinzey directed the United States Army Chorus. He has led performances for five U.S. presidents and has conducted nationally televised performances. In addition to his storied career in the armed services, Kinzey holds a master’s degree in Choral Conducting and a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance.
“We’re excited for our first concert with Curt as director. I know he’s looking forward to that,” said Cage.
“Water Works,” led by Kinzey, will feature a flowing lineup of music inspired by water. The musical selections slated for this event include folk songs, pop songs, and spirituals, all sharing a water-focused theme, featuring “Wade in the Water,” “Down to the River to Pray,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” among others.
Cage is most looking forward to learning and performing “I Dream of Rain.”
“The first time I heard it, I just thought it was so pretty,” Cage said.
Cage’s earworm from the performance catalogue is “Wellermen.”
“Monday night we rehearsed one for the first time, and it’s a sea shanty, the ‘Wellermen’, we have had such fun singing that one,” she said. “And it was in my head all night long when I tried to sleep, but it was a fun one. We all enjoy singing that one.”
The group does have a core membership, one of whom has been there for 30 years. While the group advertises through their web page and social media accounts, Cage says it’s word of mouth that keeps them growing in numbers.
“I think the best form [of advertisement] is by word of mouth. Just people that sing have friends and know people and invite them, people that come to our concerts, and we always say, ‘Would you like to sing with us?’ I give them the information for that, and the high school choral teachers have done a great job this year of identifying students and encouraging them to come join us,” Cage said.
The Cumberland Choral Arts, as an organization, has community-focused goals. They intend to bring enjoyment and art to the people of Fayetteville.
“You just need the arts in your life to bring joy, and music can do that, whether it is choral, or symphony, or whatever, because it just makes you smile, or it goes through your head all night long when you’re going to sleep, or it brings back memories,” Cage said.
But Cumberland Choral Arts also focuses on expanding the musical horizons of the local youth.
“One of our goals is also to be an advocate for getting younger people involved in music,” Cage said.
One of the ways the Cumberland Choral Arts accomplishes this is through its sponsorship of the Campbellton Youth Chorus, which offers students in grades 4 through 10 free participation. The youth group also sings before the Cumberland Choral Arts “Messiah” concert at Methodist University.
“We underwrote that so parents can have their kids be part of a choral group and have the opportunity to sing for the public, sing with a larger group, and sing with an orchestra,” Cage said.
The Campbellton Youth Chorus will also be participating in the upcoming “Water Works” performance with the Cumberland Choral Arts.
This performance season, the Fayetteville community has ample opportunities to take in a Cumberland Choral Arts performance.
“This is probably our most aggressive calendar that we have ever had,” Cage explained.
The group will present six performances to the community. The preparation for these events is extensive and involves multiple rehearsals. As a community chorus, the group works with a wide range of skill sets, and a significant amount of work is done both in rehearsals as a group and at home by the singers as individuals. Rehearsals for “Water Works” began in August, and it typically takes at least eight weeks to prepare for each performance.
“We have a wide range of abilities, from the very casual singer to the people who are professional singers … It’s important to us that everybody is included to have the opportunity to sing,” Cage said.
“Water Works” will be performed on Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Haymount United Methodist Church’s Life Center, located at 1700 Fort Bragg Road. Tickets are available on the Cumberland Choral Arts webpage, https://secure.givelively.org/event/cumberland-choral-arts/water-works, and are $20 for adults and $5 for students. Those interested can find information about the Cumberland Choral Arts’ upcoming season, as well as a bio for the new director, at https://www.cumberlandchoralarts.org. 

(Photos: Above-Cumberland Choral Arts members pose for a photograph in July. The group has seen a surge in membership over the last few months, something members are very excited about. Photo courtesy of Cumberland Choral Arts Facebook page. Below-Major Curtis Kinzey directs a practice for the Cumberland Choral Arts. Kinzey is the new director of the community choir. Photo courtesy of Sandy Cage)

Spooky season is here, and with it, a slew of fantastic Halloween-themed functions is on offer to the Fayetteville community. Each year, Dirtbag Ales Brewery has secured its spot as a tried and true source of spooky fun, and this year promises to be no different.
Kicking off the spooky week on Oct. 22, Dirtbag Ales will be playing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album in the tap room from start to finish, beginning at 7 p.m. Dirtbag Ales collaborates with a company from Raleigh called No Skips for this event. The organizer will bring custom activity coloring sheets, crafted by an artist in Durham, and share some trivia and facts about the album.
The annual Ghost and Goblin Beer Mile Run, sponsored by Rogue Alpha Athletics, is a yearly costume-filled good time. Participants are encouraged to run, jog, walk, or even crawl the one-mile course while enjoying four ten-ounce Dirtbag Ales brews. Non-drinkers and those under the age of 21 are also invited to participate and swap the beers for water.
The event will be held on Oct. 25. Check-in will be at 2 p.m., and the first wave will start at 2:15 p.m.
Tickets are $35, and participants who sign up before Oct. 20 at https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/HopeMills/GhostGoblinsBeerMile will receive a free t-shirt.
Jesse, a bartender at Dirtbag Ales, is the king of seasonal costume wearing, according to Shannon Loper, Operations Manager at Dirtbag Ales. He wins annually for his most unique choice of costumes created from found objects.
“Let’s just describe Jesse as an eccentric rambler world traveler,” Loper said. “He came in as a ghost, and it was a sheer curtain that was left in the attic of his rental home.”
The same year, he also dressed up as a wizard. Jesse assembled that costume by wrapping a towel around a cowboy hat, borrowing his wife’s robe, and using a chopstick for a wand.
“Jesse took a lot of awards for staff costumes,” Loper explained.
Beer Mile participants are encouraged to come out and, like Jesse, dress for the season.
Later that evening, once it is dark enough to turn on the projector, Dirtbag Ales will be hosting the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Nosferatu. The event usually draws around 200 people.
“We love that event every year,” said Loper.
The 1922 German silent horror film will be projected on a large screen inside the tap room, accompanied by a symphonic performance of the musical score.
“My favorite thing that we do is Nosferatu, Loper said. “It makes the symphony more accessible to people; they feel like it’s easier to come to the brewery. … so, it just makes people realize how great our local symphony is.”
Attendees can also enjoy a selection of seasonal special brews at these events, including Marzen Attacks (a Marzen-style beer), Rising Sun (a new rice lager), Alt Beer (a darker German-style ale), and Blacktoberfest (a Marzen-style beer).
The following day, the brewery will be hosting its eighth Trick-or-Treat Farmer’s Market. Tickets for the event are $5 and can be purchased only in the taproom. Approximately 60 vendors will participate, and they will distribute candy immediately after the market. Tickets are limited, and they do sell out.
Dirtbag Ales is located at 5435 Corporation Drive in Hope Mills. For additional information, readers can contact the brewery at info@dirtbag.com, visit the brewery’s Facebook page, or call 910-426-2537.