Entertainment

Mac & Cheese Fest celebrates food in all its ooey gooey glory

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Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Written by Anna White

Warm and creamy, golden and bubbly, mild or sharp—mac and cheese is one of America’s top favorite comfort foods. For the second year in a row, Segra Stadium is celebrating the drool-worthy food with exactly what it deserves: a day of its own. 

Inspiration, expertise await NC Home Expo

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Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Written by Anna White

Home expos are the perfect place to get a feel for your options before jumping into home renovations or construction projects. Whether it’s checking out the latest trends, meeting with local and national vendors, getting new ideas, or saving thousands while increasing the value of your home, the North Carolina Home Expo held at the Crown Complex at 1960 Coliseum Dr. from March 27 to 29, is a one-stop shop.
“The goal is for visitors to quickly realize they’re in a place where ideas and home renovation projects turn into real solutions,” said Digital Marketing and PR Coordinator Shanae Hardy, “Where they can see products in person, ask questions, and connect directly with local experts who can help bring their vision to life.”
Visions such as cutting your electric bill with solar energy, sprucing up the bathroom that hasn’t been changed since you moved in, or tearing out the shag carpet in your basement and replacing it with something fresh come to mind.
The Home Expo is a chance to talk with experts in a casual context, according to Hardy,
“The most helpful conversations usually start with a simple question like, ‘What are you hoping to change about your space?’” she explained. “From there, contractors and specialists can offer practical advice, whether it’s explaining timelines, discussing budget ranges, or suggesting design options people may not have considered. Those face-to-face conversations often remove uncertainty and help homeowners realize their project is more achievable than they thought.”
Learning that a project is more achievable than you thought is always a welcome realization, and one that happens over and over again at this event.
“We want people to feel inspired at each booth and energized by the possibilities for their home,” said Hardy.
While many home expos attract more commercial clients than residential, the North Carolina Home Expo is the opposite.
”We attract mostly homeowners who are actively planning home renovations within the next year, which is a win-win for attendees and vendors. Attendees get to meet trusted contractors face-to-face while vendors are connected with future customers who are more likely to book their services,” Hardy explained. These connections often turn into long-term partnerships between residential home-owners and contractors, often looking like repeat projects and returning customers.
While customers may show up thinking they know what they’re looking for, Hardy says part of the fun is unexpected discoveries.
“Visitors might stumble upon a live cooking demonstration using new kitchen appliances, meet a local artisan showcasing custom décor, or sample food from a regional vendor while exploring the show floor,” she said. “Those moments make the experience feel less like perusing booths and more like a community event where people can learn, explore, and enjoy new foods or décor ideas.”
Even in cases where visitors don’t know what they’re looking for—or if they’re looking for anything at all—showing up and asking questions can still be helpful.
“Even if you’re in the early idea stage, walking through the booths can give you a better sense of what’s possible, what things cost, and what styles or solutions you’re drawn to,” said Hardy. “Many people come just to gather inspiration, and they leave with a clearer vision for their home, even if their project is a year away.”
The North Carolina Spring Home Expo will be held March 27 from noon to 6 p.m., March 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and March 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Find more information at northcarolinahomeexpo.com

Fayetteville Chapter of The Links Inc. hosts exhibition

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Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Written by Amber Little

In honor of the 75th anniversary of the Fayetteville Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, they are bringing something special to the Fayetteville community on Saturday, March 28, at Embassy Suites, 4760 Lake Valley Drive.
The Curated Collection, a collaboration with the WaterKolours Fine Art Gallery, is a one-day-only Fine Art Gallery Exhibition curated by Danny Jenkins, featuring contemporary paintings, mixed media pieces, limited-edition prints, and sculptures, many highlighting themes of family, culture, history, faith, and storytelling.
Doors open at 10 a.m., allowing attendees ample time to view the collection. Art pieces will be available for sale at a range of prices, catering to collectors looking to add to their collections or for those interested in purchasing their first piece.
Nationally acclaimed artists Woodrow Nash and Charly Palmer will be on site for a Fireside Chat starting at 2 p.m. to discuss their journeys, careers, and inspirations. Woodrow Nash will be unveiling his new series from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $50 and include a glass of wine, a raffle ticket, and hors d’oeuvres and can be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fayetteville-fine-art-exhibition-meet-woodrow-nash-charly-palmer-tickets-1982112136758?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. Advanced ticket purchase isn’t required, but it is encouraged.
Woodrow Nash is a sculptor originally from Akron, Ohio. His artistic journey is varied. In the 1970s, he was illustrating jazz album covers. He worked as a technical illustrator for the Goodyear Aerospace Corporation, and then was an illustrator for the American Greetings Corporation. In 1991, he began working as a graphic artist, which used to lean heavily in clay works.
“I’m looking for that expression that cuts across a cultural grain,” Nash said.
His sculptures reflect what he has found in his journey, “the foundation of mankind,” Africa and the world tribal culture.
Charly Palmer has been an artist for over 30 years. He calls his paintbrush a “Griot,” a West African storyteller, historian and culture keeper. In his work, he focuses on “African ancestry and contemporary experiences,” leaning on visual and rhythmic stories. His greatest desire as an artist is “To be used as a vessel and expression of something higher than himself.”
In 2024, Palmer was commissioned by the USPS to create the Black Heritage stamp series honoring the late Judge Constance Baker Motley. About being an artist, Palmer says there’s nothing else he could imagine himself doing.
The Fayetteville Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, is one of the country’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations. Its mission is to “enrich, sustain, and ensure the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry through friendship, service, and leadership.”
The Fayetteville Chapter locally advances the mission by developing programs and partnerships that address important community needs in Cumberland County and surrounding areas.
Over the past 75 years, they have successfully provided educational mentorships, awarded scholarships, helped with health initiatives, and provided cultural enrichment opportunities. Some of the organization's most significant and impactful programs include its support for Fayetteville Technical Community College’s YES mentoring program, scholarships through the Fayetteville State University Endowment, and health outreach initiatives with Black Family Wellness.
The Curated Collection will raise money for the YES mentorship program, which provides resources for students who are experiencing academic and financial struggles. The organization is proud to support YES through events like these.
“The event also supports the service work of the Fayetteville (NC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and The Links Foundation, Incorporated, so attending is a way to help support programs that benefit our community. We hope people will make plans to attend, enjoy the experience, and share in what we believe will be a very special day in Fayetteville,” organizers say.
The Fayetteville (NC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, would like to thank everyone who made this event possible.
“We are grateful for the support of both sponsors and collaborators who have helped make The Curated Collection possible. Our exhibition partner, WaterKolours Fine Art Gallery, has been instrumental in helping us bring this collection to Fayetteville. We also appreciate the support of sponsors, including Piedmont Natural Gas, Cape Fear Valley Health System, Lumbee River EMC, Sigma Pi Phi, Brick Capital Video, Fred Webb Law Firm, and the Broadwell College of Business and Economics. Their support is helping us bring something special to Fayetteville and make this event possible.”

(Photo: The Fayetteville (NC) Links Chapter poses for a photograph. The organization is celebrating their 75th anniversary, and will be holding a one day fine art curated event at the Embassy Suites. Photo courtesy of Pamela Jackson)

FSO, Cape Fear Botanical Garden celebrate music, nature

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Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Written by Sheila D. Barker

 On Sunday, March 22, music and nature will come together for a unique family-friendly experience at Cape Fear Botanical Garden. Presented by the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, this special afternoon concert invites audiences of all ages to enjoy live orchestral music in the beautiful outdoor setting of the garden while exploring the connection between music and the natural world.
The event begins at 3 p.m. with a performance by the Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra, showcasing the talents of young local musicians. At 4 p.m., the full Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra will take the stage for a concert inspired by the pastoral tradition in classical music. Throughout the performance, Music Director Stefan Sanders will offer engaging commentary from the stage, helping audiences better understand the music and its connection to nature.
To further enhance the experience, nature-inspired imagery will be projected on a large screen during the concert. These visuals will complement the music, creating a multi-sensory performance that invites audiences to reflect on the beauty and power of the natural environment.
The afternoon is designed specifically for families and young music lovers. Interactive activities will begin at 2:30 p.m. before the concert, and resume after the performance until 5:30 p.m. During these times, children can participate in hands-on craft activities led by the education team at Cape Fear Botanical Garden. Kids will also have the opportunity to visit an orchestral “instrument petting zoo,” where musicians will guide them in exploring different instruments. Children will be able to see, touch, and learn about instruments up close, making the world of orchestral music feel accessible and exciting.
One of the highlights of the day is a special craft activity inspired by the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, an internationally known ensemble from Paraguay that performs using instruments made from recycled materials. Children will create their own rainmakers using recycled supplies, encouraging creativity while also highlighting the importance of sustainability.
The handmade rainmakers will become part of the concert experience itself. Young attendees will be invited to use their instruments during a special moment in the performance to help create gentle thunderstorm sounds alongside the orchestra. This playful, immersive element enables children to actively participate in the music while learning how sound reflects the natural world.
By combining live orchestral music, hands-on learning, and the beauty of a botanical garden, the event offers a welcoming introduction to classical music for families and first-time concertgoers. It also provides the community with an opportunity to gather and experience the arts in an inspiring outdoor setting.
Tickets are limited and must be purchased online at https://shop.capefearbg.org/SelectEvent.aspx?eventID=1000138. Admission is $25 for adults ($20 for garden members), $12 for college students with a valid ID, and $10 for children ages 12 and under. With engaging activities, beautiful surroundings, and an uplifting musical program, this afternoon promises to be a memorable celebration of music, creativity, and nature.