The New Year's Eve Party and Celebration of 2024 is shaping to be an event long remembered in Cumberland County. With doors opening at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31, the Gates Four Golf & Country Club and the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre will host an event unlike any other. Themed Let Freedom Ring: America Rocks in 2025, this New Year's Eve Party promises an evening of great music, dining, and dancing, blending party and patriotism with a heartfelt appreciation and recognition of American values.
The evening is loaded with fun activities designed to be entertaining and inspiring. Gifts, door prizes, and a Patriotic Attire contest will encourage the partygoers to dress in their most original red, white, and blue outfits to win prizes. It's a party designed to excite and energize the entire community entering the new year. The event is hosted by Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper and Black's Tire Stores. The excitement has been building for weeks, with local sponsors and organizers working to ensure that every detail is perfect.
Bill Bowman, publisher of Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper, commented "..the Let Freedom Ring in 2025 event is much more than a party celebrating the new year—it's about celebrating Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and the spirit of being a proud American." He adds, "This party is about people coming together locally to launch the new year by celebrating American values and sharing the excitement, enthusiasm, and optimism that 2025 will bring to our community, state, and nation. These principles are what unite us and are worth celebrating.”
Here's what is in store for New Year partygoers:
New Year Revelers will be dancing the night away to the live music of Rivermist, a popular local variety music band based in Fayetteville that has become a regional and statewide favorite for its energetic performances. “Rivermist brings high energy and an unmatched stage presence," Bowman said. "Rivermist connects with their audiences. Their showmanship and audience appeal are what make their performances unforgettable. Their music and participation make this New Year's event so special." Since 2014, Rivermist has been earning accolades for their blend of classic rock, R&B, and original songs. They've been named "best local band" nine years in a row by Up & Coming Weekly newspaper readers. Rivermist has a real knack for creating a party atmosphere and getting people on their feet to dance. Undoubtedly, when RIVERMIST performs, it guarantees everyone will have a good time.
Chefs Brad and Kelly McLawhorn of Two Brothers Catering will have a carving station featuring a delicious spread of their award-winning heavy hors d'oeuvres.
A Patriotic Tribute to our Nation's Armed Forces, Veterans, and Gold Star families will be held. The theme America Rocks in 2025 is woven into every evening aspect, from the patriotic décor to the Armed Forces Tribute and honoring Gold Star families.
“Our soldiers stationed at Ft. Liberty are an integral part of this community," Bowman said. “This tribute is our collective way of saying ‘thank you’ and reminding everyone of their daily sacrifices for our freedoms. Fayetteville has a strong connection to the military, and this event will honor them for their service, sacrifices, and contributions while enjoying an evening of delicious food, great music, fun, and fellowship."
A Midnight Champagne Toast. As midnight approaches, everyone will gather for a Champagne Toast to welcome in 2025. And as Rivermist plays their final set of the evening, guests will enjoy a Mimosa Breakfast with all your favorite early-morning entrees prepared by Two Brothers Catering.
The evening concludes with each guest receiving a special gift from Cape Fear Winery & Distillery as a memento of the evening.
The Greater Fayetteville Chamber joins the event this year as a cosponsor, marking a new chapter for this Gates Four tradition. Chamber President and CEO Nat Robertson expressed excitement about the partnership's significance to the local business community.
"The Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and our members are very excited to be cosponsoring Gates Four's New Year's Eve celebration," Robertson said. "This will be the first year that we have offered Chamber members the opportunity to celebrate the new year with each other. It's a great way to foster camaraderie and showcase Fayetteville's vibrant business community."
Everyone—person, business, and organization—involved with producing the Let Freedom Ring in 2025 Party is a Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce member and shares the same principles of pride, honor, and love for our country.
If you go….
With limited seating, Fayetteville residents are encouraged to purchase tickets early. Tickets for the event are selling quickly, with various options. General admission tickets, priced at $140, include dinner, dancing, and access to all activities. VIP tickets, $170, offer reserved seating and additional perks, including complimentary wine, and VIP tables for eight (8) provide reserved seating, a center-stage experience with wine and champagne.
Discounts are available for Groups of eight or more, Seniors 65+, all military members and veterans, and Chamber of Commerce members. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.fayettevilledinnertheatre.com or contact the box office at 910-391-3859. Direct event partnering and sponsorship inquiries bill@upandcomingweekly.com.
A Celebration with Heart
"I want people to leave this New Year's Eve Party feeling inspired and connected," Bowman said. "This event is about celebrating our values, our community, and our shared vision for the America we want to leave for our children's children."
This is a night you won't want to miss. As the community looks forward to the new year, America Rocks in 2025 promises to be a night filled with joy, fun, music, and meaningful connections. Dress in your patriotic best, grab a partner, and prepare for an evening celebrating a revitalized America.

Gates Four and the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre support Cumberland County education with proceeds from the evening benefiting the Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation a nonprofit 501c3 organization dedicated to promoting literacy in Cumberland County.

(Photo courtesy of Rivermist Facebook)