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Tuesday, 07 April 2026
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Written by Jamie Bishop
The hum of tattoo machines, the energy of live competition and the weight of deeply personal stories will once again converge in Fayetteville as the All-American Tattoo Convention returns April 17–19 at the Crown Complex.
Now in its latest installment, the three-day event brings together more than 300 tattoo artists from across the country, along with entertainers, vendors and spectators, for what organizers describe as more than just a convention; it's an immersive cultural experience rooted in artistry, storytelling and community.
Founded under the umbrella of the American Tattoo Society, the convention has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated annual events, drawing national attention while maintaining a strong connection to Fayetteville’s military identity.
At the center of that vision is co-founder Ryan Harrell, who said the event was intentionally built with service members and veterans in mind.
“The All American Tattoo Convention was built with the military community at its core,” Harrell said. “Being based in Fayetteville, we’re surrounded by active-duty service members, veterans, and families who have sacrificed a lot for this country. From day one, the goal has been to give back in a meaningful way while also creating something that celebrates the art and culture of tattooing.”
That mission is reflected in the partnerships and programming woven throughout the weekend. Organizers collaborate with veteran-focused groups such as Veteran Ink and other nonprofits to raise awareness and support for those dealing with combat-related injuries. Special experiences, including a Gold Star Family VIP meet-and-greet, are designed to create intentional spaces for connection and recognition.
Harrell emphasized that tattoo culture and military life have long shared a meaningful bond.
“Tattoos have always had a deep connection to the military, whether it’s honoring a unit, remembering a fallen friend, or marking a chapter in someone’s life,” he said. “This convention brings that to the forefront. It’s a place where those stories are respected, shared, and permanently expressed through art.”
While that sense of purpose anchors the event, the convention’s scale and entertainment value continue to expand each year.
“What makes this year’s convention truly unique is the experience,” Harrell said. “We’ve built something that goes far beyond a traditional tattoo show.”
Attendees can expect to see hundreds of artists representing a wide range of styles from traditional and realism to blackwork and fine line work live throughout the weekend. For many, the opportunity to be tattooed by nationally recognized artists in one place is a major draw.
But the convention extends beyond the tattoo chair.
This year’s lineup introduces armored knights competing in full-contact, MMA-style combat, adding an unexpected and high-intensity element to the event. Returning attractions include a strongman competition, the Miss All American Pin-Up Contest and a tattoo-themed dating game all designed to keep the atmosphere energetic and engaging for a diverse audience.
At the core of the weekend, however, are the tattoo competitions themselves. With more than 50 categories judged live, the contests showcase some of the industry’s most skilled work and serve as a central gathering point for artists and collectors alike.
“You’re seeing some of the best work in the industry, judged live, with a level of competition that continues to grow every year,” Harrell said.
For first-time attendees, the convention offers a comprehensive introduction to tattoo culture at its highest level. For returning supporters, it provides a continually evolving experience that blends artistry with entertainment.
“It’s not just a convention,” Harrell said. “It’s an experience.”
Beyond the spectacle and scale, organizers say the most lasting impact often comes from quieter, more personal moments that unfold throughout the weekend.
“Some of the most meaningful moments from the convention have come from our connection with Gold Star Families,” Harrell said. “Being able to give them VIP access and invite them into our meet and greet is something we take very seriously.”
Those interactions, he said, create opportunities for families to feel seen and supported within a community that understands the weight of their sacrifice.
The convention has also served as a platform to recognize influential figures within the tattoo industry. During its inaugural year, organizers honored renowned artist Bill Claydon with a lifetime achievement award, setting a precedent for celebrating legacy alongside emerging talent.
Still, it is often the everyday stories that define the event’s emotional core.
“Seeing someone get a memorial tattoo for a fallen friend, or families coming together to honor a loved one, that really defines the impact of the show,” Harrell said. “It’s not just about tattoos, it’s about what those tattoos represent.”
As Fayetteville continues to position itself as a hub where military tradition and cultural expression intersect, the All-American Tattoo Convention stands as a reflection of both—blending ink, identity and community into one shared space.
Tickets and additional information are available through the event’s official website at https://allamericantattooconvention.com
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Tuesday, 07 April 2026
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Written by Amanda Ransom
As spring arrives across the Sandhills and warmer days begin to replace the chill of winter, many families start looking for ways to keep children active, engaged and connected in the months ahead. For the YMCA of the Sandhills, that seasonal shift signals the return of one of its most anticipated community events, Healthy Kids Day. The national YMCA initiative returns on April 18, offering a free, family-friendly celebration designed to encourage healthy habits, strengthen community connections and remind children what it means to simply play.
From climbing walls and bounce houses to STEM activities and family fitness sessions, Healthy Kids Day is more than just an event. It is a celebration of movement, connection and possibility that encourages families to step outside, explore new opportunities and begin building routines that support long-term health and well-being. This year’s Healthy Kids Day will take place on April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at both YMCA of the Sandhills locations: the Fayetteville branch at 2717 Fort Bragg Road and the Cameron location at 107 Carletta Cagle Drive. Families are encouraged to drop in, explore the activities, meet community partners and learn more about the many programs available through the YMCA.
“In a world where kids spend so much time on screens or communicating through devices, we want families to recognize other options that allow kids to be kids,” said Jeff Darling, President and CEO of the YMCA of the Sandhills. “Healthy Kids Day gives families a chance to experience that together in a fun, safe outdoor setting.”
Healthy Kids Day is celebrated by YMCA branches across the country each spring. While every community puts its own local touch on the event, the mission remains the same: encouraging children and families to build habits that support a healthy “spirit, mind and body.” At its heart, Healthy Kids Day is about reminding families that play still matters.
Darling says the event also helps families discover opportunities available through the YMCA
and its partners.
“This event is really about showing families what is possible,” Darling said. “We want kids to experience the joy of being active and give parents a chance to discover programs and resources that can support their children throughout the year.”
Throughout the event, children will have the opportunity to explore activities designed to spark curiosity, creativity and movement. Attractions include a climbing wall, bounce house, basketball in the gym and interactive STEM learning stations. Outdoor family exercises will also take place throughout the day, including kid-friendly Zumba and line dancing, allowing families to participate together while discovering new ways to stay active. The YMCA pool will be open from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., offering another opportunity for families to enjoy time in the water. Darling notes that families typically spend one to two hours at the event exploring activities and learning about programs that might interest their children in the coming months.
Beyond the activities, Healthy Kids Day also serves as a community resource fair, bringing together organizations that support families across Cumberland and Harnett counties. Families can visit information tables hosted by local partners and service providers. Participants include representatives from medical services, the fire department, libraries, social services, youth sports organizations, educational programs and counseling services, along with groups such as the Boy Scouts and other youth-focused programs. These partnerships help families discover resources they may not have realized were available in their community.
“In many cases, resources are available to families, but people don’t always know where to find them,” Darling said. “Events like Healthy Kids Day help connect those services to the families who need them.”
Sponsors also play an important role in making the event possible. This year’s sponsors include Duke Energy, Bragg Mutual Federal Credit Union, Kidzcare Pediatrics, United Healthcare, AmeriHealth Caritas, Central Electric and Point Church of Fort Bragg. Organizations focused on mental health and family support, including Youth Villages, NAMI of Cumberland County and The Carter Clinic, will also be present to share information and resources.
The collaborative nature of Healthy Kids Day reflects the YMCA’s belief that building healthy communities requires strong partnerships.
“We’ve learned that in order to meet the needs of our community, we have to work together with many different organizations,” Darling said. “Events like this allow families to see the full network of support that exists around them.”
While Healthy Kids Day is filled with fun activities, the event also carries a broader message about the importance of physical activity, outdoor play and social connection. In recent years, many families and educators have expressed concern about the amount of time children spend indoors and on digital devices. Increased screen time is often linked to lower levels of physical activity and can affect mental and emotional well-being. Data from the North Carolina Alliance of YMCAs shows that one in three high school students reports persistent sadness, and about 34 percent say their mental health is poor.
Those concerns became even more visible during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, when many children experienced increased isolation and fewer opportunities for social interaction. Healthy Kids Day encourages families to rediscover the benefits of movement, friendship and outdoor play.
“Since COVID, isolation and depression among kids and teens has been at an all-time high,” Darling said. “Being active outdoors and building relationships goes a long way in creating a healthy balance for children.”
For the YMCA, Healthy Kids Day also introduces families to year-round programs that support youth development and healthy living.
“Healthy Kids Day is really just a taste of what happens in YMCA programs that focus on achievement, relationships and belonging,” Darling said.
During the school year, the YMCA of the Sandhills offers after-school programs that provide homework assistance, structured activities and a safe environment for children. Summer day camps operate at four locations, helping keep kids active and engaged while school is out.
Youth sports leagues and swim lessons are offered throughout the year, providing opportunities for children to stay active and build friendships through teamwork. Teenagers also have opportunities through the YMCA’s Get Summer program, which provides teens with a free summer membership. Participants can attend group exercise classes, special events and field trips while enjoying a safe place to gather with friends. Teens interested in leadership development can also participate in the Leaders in Training summer program, which focuses on mentoring, leadership skills and basic life preparation.
While youth programs remain a cornerstone of the YMCA’s mission, the organization also offers programs for adults and seniors, including group fitness classes and wellness activities. Overall, Healthy Kids Day reflects the YMCA’s goal of helping families discover ways to live healthier lives together. Darling hopes families leave the event with more than memories of a fun afternoon.
“We hope parents and grandparents find great options for their children, and for themselves, to begin the journey toward a healthy lifestyle,” Darling said.
Families interested in attending Healthy Kids Day can stop by either YMCA location during the event. More information about YMCA programs and activities can be found at www.ymcaofthesandhills.org under the Events tab. Healthy Kids Day offers a reminder that sometimes the best path to healthier kids begins with something simple: getting outside and playing together.
(Photos: The YMCA of the Sandhills will be holding their Healthy Kids Day at both of their locations. The event will bring together families and members of the community to celebrate healthy kids. Photos courtesy of YMCA of the Sandhills)
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