Join LaFayette Ford for an unforgettable day at their 4th Annual Fall Festival happening on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5202 Raeford Rd., Fayetteville. This free outdoor event promises fun for the whole family, rain or shine.
At LaFayette Ford, they believe in giving back to the community. Their Fall Festival is a celebration and an opportunity for local families to come together and enjoy a day filled with activities while supporting important causes. This year, they partnered with the Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center for a blood drive and a canned food drive benefiting the Armed Services YMCA at Ft. Liberty, so roll up your sleeves and support a great cause. As a special incentive, the first 250 guests who donate a canned food item will receive a complimentary lunch from one of the onsite food trucks—Allison’s Fast Food or Vicious Pig.
Allison’s Fast Food Truck has been operating since 2013, offering authentic Mexican foods. The owner, Maria, named the business after her daughter, Allison, and says it’s a family business using fresh herbs and spices on some of your favorite Mexican foods. Hope Mills native, Bobby Brinson, is the owner of Vicious Pig. After entering many barbeque competitions and winning many trophies, it’s safe to say that he has some of the best pork ribs in the area. He opened the truck in 2022 and people rave about his award-winning ribs, with his famous side dishes - collard greens and coleslaw.
In addition to these meaningful initiatives, they’ve invited numerous community organizations and vendors to showcase their offerings. Kids can look forward to games, prizes, and complimentary face painting. Plus, don’t miss out on their exciting “Truck or Treat” event where children are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes to celebrate the upcoming holiday, Halloween.
“Our Fall Festival is an event our team looks forward to every year,” says Rusty Hinton, General Manager of LaFayette Ford. “While there is a time and place for promotional sales events, we appreciate the opportunity to host an event centered on giving back to our community.”
Addison Fisher-Cummings is the Associate Marketing Director and shares that the idea for the fall festival was created in the wake of the pandemic.
“Recognizing a need for connection and celebration, we set out to create an event that would not only bring joy but also serve as a platform for the many organizations we partner with throughout the year. We firmly believe that our success as a business is interwoven with the community and its members, so giving back has always been at the forefront of our mission. Our Fall Festival has blossomed into an eagerly anticipated annual event,” Fisher-Cummings said. “One of my favorite highlights has been our ‘Truck or Treat’ competition, where departments go head-to-head to see who can decorate their trucks in the most creative ways. The excitement builds as we invite a local radio DJ to judge the entries. Our Sales Department proudly holds the title of two-time champion with their imaginative Alice in Wonderland and Barbie themes. It’s a fun event!”
The history of Lafayette Ford is a testament to the enduring values that have shaped its identity since its inception. In 1949, Bess Smith opened Lafayette Motor Sales in downtown Fayetteville, establishing an All-American dealership grounded in honesty, integrity, respect, and community involvement. These core principles continue to resonate deeply within Lafayette Ford today.
In 1955, George Purvis Sr. recognized the potential for growth as Fayetteville expanded and acquired Lafayette Motor Sales. His vision was instrumental in transforming the dealership into what it is now—an integral part of the community that adapts to changing times while staying true to its foundational values.
By 1982, Lafayette Ford found its permanent home on Raeford Road. Initially consisting of a modest new and used sales building along with a car wash, it soon evolved into a comprehensive service center as demand grew. The addition of a service and parts department solidified Lafayette Ford's reputation as the one-stop-shop for all automotive needs.
In 1995, Don Price took ownership of Lafayette Ford after years of dedicated service, beginning as a salesman in the mid-1960s. With his background in the Air Force and extensive experience at the dealership, Price brought a deep understanding of customer care to his leadership role. Alongside his son Tim and son-in-law Mark Fisher, they have continued over 70 years of success by fostering an environment where customers are treated like family.
As they celebrate their rich legacy during events like the Fall Festival, it's clear that Lafayette Ford remains committed to providing exceptional automotive services and nurturing strong relationships within the community—a commitment that will undoubtedly carry us into an even brighter future.
Mark your calendars and gather your loved ones for this kid-friendly, wonderful occasion that not only celebrates fall but also strengthens our Fayetteville community! For more information, visit their website at www.lafayetteford.com

(Photo: The Sales Department at Lafayette Ford show off their winning Barbie Truck for the Lafayette Ford Festival's Truck or Treat Competition in 2023)