Entertainment

Find the Green Grump who stole Foo-Ville

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Tuesday, 26 November 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Downtown Foo-Ville is usually brimming with holiday cheer, but this year, the mischievous Green Grump has stolen the Christmas magic from downtown’s beloved shops. The Green Grump, known for his incredibly small heart, has been causing havoc and dampening the festive spirit. But fear not, Foo-Ville residents and visitors! Your help is needed to catch him green-handed and bring back joy to town.
Join an exciting scavenger hunt that will take you across Downtown Fayetteville. As you follow the clues and take on the Green Grump, you'll also have the chance to help him grow his heart and return the stolen Christmas magic. It's an adventure filled with fun, friendship, and a whole lot of holiday spirit!
Ready to join the hunt? Start by following the Downtown Alliance Facebook event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2030096414117532. This is where the first clue for your quest will be revealed. Dress in your grinchiest outfit to blend in and be on the lookout for the Green Grumpy Guy, his fellow grinches, and Cindy Lou. Embark on a thrilling journey to outsmart the Green Grump and restore the Christmas magic to Foo-Ville.
The hunt begins at 11 am on Dec. 7, and runs until 6 p.m. To kick off your adventure, head to the spot where the giant yellow duck is hard to miss in downtown Fayetteville. There, you'll find your Foo-Ville map and the first set of clues to guide you on your quest.The Foo-Ville scavenger hunt is designed to be an interactive and engaging experience for participants of all ages. With map in hand, you'll set off on a journey to various businesses throughout downtown, each holding a piece of the puzzle. Look for the Floating Green Grinch Globes, which will mark the locations where you can find clues and answers.
As you solve each clue and move forward in the hunt, the Green Grumpy Guy's heart will grow larger and larger. But be cautious—the Green Grump will be hot on your heels, trying to foil your plans. It will take your best efforts and clever thinking to outsmart him and complete the quest.
While you hunt for clues, don't forget to take advantage of the special offerings and discounts available at local shops. From unique experiences and gifts to perfect stocking stuffers, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The scavenger hunt is not just about catching the Green Grump; it's also an opportunity to explore and support the wonderful businesses in Downtown Fayetteville.
Participating shops will have special deals and holiday treats waiting for you. So, make sure to take your time and discover all the festive surprises along the way.
Once you've completed the scavenger hunt and collected all the clues, head back to the starting point to turn in your quest entries. Each completed entry will be entered into drawings for special prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement to the adventure.
Your participation is crucial in helping to reclaim the spirit of Foo-Ville. Bring your family and friends, make lasting memories, and enjoy a day filled with holiday cheer. Together, we can outsmart the Green Grump and restore the Christmas magic to our beloved downtown.

(Graphic courtesy of Downtown Alliance Facebook page)

Holiday Highlander VII, Jingle Jog celebrates veterans

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Tuesday, 26 November 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Head out to the seventh annual Holiday Highlander at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom! This exciting event kicks off on Dec. 7 at 8 a.m. and promises to be a day filled with thrilling athletic competitions. Modeled after the traditional Highland Games of Scotland, the Holiday Highlander features events such as the Caber Toss, where athletes throw a giant log into the air; the Sheaf Toss, involving a pitchfork and a 20-pound bag; Keg Runs, and more.
Spectators can look forward to an action-packed day as they cheer on the athletes competing in these challenging events. Whether you're a fan of Strongman competitions or just love the spirit of the Highland Games, the Holiday Highlander VII offers something for everyone.
If you are looking to compete in the Highland Games email theholidayhighlander@gmail.com for more information. Something important to keep in mind: Every single competitor participating in the competition must don a kilt as part of the requirements.
The Holiday Highlander is more than just a competition; it's a charity event that supports Continuing the Mission (CTM), a North Carolina 501(c)(3) organization.
“CTM Assistance Dogs are trained to perform tasks that help Veterans navigate daily life living with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries or military sexual trauma. The Holiday Highlander event has raised enough money since its inaugural event in 2018 to sponsor seven dogs: Sonny, Tippette, Jonesy, Boss, Gil, Scotty and this year RK - each named after Veterans and Active Duty Service Members close to our mission,” Kendra Danzer, Holiday Highlander founder and athletic director, explains.
“My husband (Willie) and I are strength athletes; he competes competitively in Highland Games (for the last 14 years) and I am a professional strongwoman who competes in Strongman Events and Highland games. We love strength sports and knew we wanted to use our own passion for the purpose to grow the sport, introduce more strength sports options to the community and raise money for a good cause,” says Danzer.
This year's event aims to continue this tradition of giving back to Veterans. By attending and supporting Holiday Highlander VII, you contribute to a worthy cause that makes a real difference in the lives of those who have served our country.
Participate in the 13th Annual Green Beret Jingle Jog
In addition to the Highlander events, the 13th Annual Green Beret Jingle Jog will also take place at Dirtbag Ales. This popular 5K Walk/Run and 10K Road Race starts with setup at 7 a.m., and the race begins at 8:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to dress in festive costumes, and strollers and pets are welcome.
The Jingle Jog is a fantastic way to get some exercise while supporting a great cause. All proceeds from the race will benefit and support Green Berets and their families, ensuring that the Special Forces community continues to thrive. Registration costs range from $10 to $40, and more information can be found at https://sfachapter100.org/jingle-jog/.
Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom will be buzzing with activities throughout the day. From the moment the event begins at 8 a.m., there will be food trucks offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Various vendors will be on-site for your shopping pleasure, and there will be music playing throughout the afternoon.
Don't miss the chance to take pictures with Santa in the taproom and enjoy multiple performances by the Cross Creeks Pipes and Drums. Their shows will open the event, feature a mid-day performance at 12:30 p.m., and close the day in the later afternoon.
One of the highlights of Holiday Highlander VII is the opportunity to meet the CTM Assistance Dogs. These incredible dogs are trained to help Veterans with PTSD, TBI, or MST navigate daily life. Make sure to visit the Continuing the Mission tent to say hello to the pups and learn more about their training and the critical role they play.
While the event is free to the public, donations to Continuing the Mission are highly encouraged. Your generous contributions help ensure that more Veterans can receive the support they need through these specially trained assistance dogs.
“Our hope is, that we are creating connectedness through this event that may increase a sense of community for Veterans and Service members and their families. We personally might not be that connection, but through this event, and partnership with Continuing the Mission, we are creating connections for others to increase resiliency and reduce the risk of suicide. Empowering communities through Strength Sports has become our mission and our why,” concludes Danzer.

(Participants in the Holiday Highlander VII compete for glory in several of the events held throughout the day. Photos courtesy of Holiday Highlander VII)

Dance with Disney On Ice at Crown Coliseum

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Tuesday, 26 November 2024

Written by Alyson Hansen

The Crown Coliseum will play host to a beloved classic yet again. Disney On Ice makes its way back to Fayetteville, and this year, the theme is a new one.
“Let’s Dance” is the newest show from the minds behind Disney On Ice. Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy have turned into DJs, narrating and remixing Disney classics for fans to get up on their feet. Music from Frozen 2, Wish, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid and Moana will all be showcased during the event.
“Audiences will experience a nonstop party that encourages them to journey to unforgettable places, laugh, sing, dance and make magical memories together. Through the magic of music, what started as a party transforms into a fantastic adventure!” states Feld Entertainment, the company behind Disney On Ice.
Maria Starr, a seasoned performer with Disney On Ice, plays the character of Elsa, a role she says is very close to her heart.
“I skated to ‘Let it Go’ for more than seven years,” she said. “Now I get to skate to a song called ‘Show Yourself.’ I think it’s my favorite thing I’ve ever done and I’m in my 15th year on the road. I think it's a beautiful solo, it's definitely more slow, a more intimate and intense part of the show.”
Starr started skating at the age of six in her home state of Minnesota.
“I was lucky enough to grow up on a lake. It quickly turned into a lot more than that for me because I wanted to skate every single day,” she said.
Starr's love of the sport consumed her, and she skated all through high school, quitting other sports to allow more time at the rink. She passed her Senior Free Skate and Senior Moves tests, as well as her Senior Solo Free Dance test. The senior-level tests are the most difficult in the US Figure Skating Association’s curriculum and can take up to ten years to pass. Skaters who pass these tests earn the designation of “Gold Medalist.”
Starr joined Disney On Ice right out of high school in 2010. She loves to perform; to her that is the best part of being with Disney on Ice.
“I just love to perform every day. I feel like I’ve grown up here. I love performing and skating. I’ve gotten to travel, which helps shape you and you learn so much,” she said. “When all my friends were in college, I was learning a whole different set of lessons and growing in a different way.”
Starr is most known for her spiral, a move where a skater lifts their leg behind them in an arabesque. The move has been popularized by Peggy Fleming, Nancy Kerrigan, Michelle Kwan, and Starr’s skating idol, Sasha Cohen.
“I get a lot of speed into that spiral, it’s that build-up into the whole solo. It’s a very emotional one, I almost cry every time I do it,” she said.
Starr said Disney On Ice’s “Let’s Dance” is a mix of new stories and classics. The show opens with an “explosion of color and song, we are just trying to get everyone up and dance. This is definitely the ‘hippest’ Disney show I’ve been a part of.”
The show moves into music and characters from Wish, a newer Disney story. From there, the adventure continues into Frozen. Lion King rounds out the first half.
“Everyone knows it, and when you hear that music, everyone knows what is about to happen,” Starr said.
This year, Scar joins the Lion King cast.
“We have some villains in the show which I think is very special because it doesn’t happen in every Disney On Ice show,” she said.
The second half of the show features The Little Mermaid and Moana. Starr said "Under the Sea” is a number not to be missed.
“All of the daughters of Triton are in the air at the same time,” she said. “It took so much time to figure out. We were in rehearsals for three months, six days a week, trying to figure out how to be in the air with our skates on and not kicking each other. The crowd goes wild as soon as the lights come up and we are all up in the air, it feels very magical.”
Starr said the reviews of the show have all been very positive.
“I’ve been on quite a few shows at this point, and I’m very very proud of this show. The level of skating ... Those are the reviews we’ve gotten from everyone. I’m skating next to some very talented skaters,” she said.
Disney On Ice will be held at the Crown Coliseum on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., Dec. 13 at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., and Dec. 14 and 15 at 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/4fD10Vg. Attendees can also experience a “Frozen Fun” character experience ticket enhancement, which includes games, crafts, a sing-along, and photos with Elsa and Anna. Starr also encouraged attendees to come to their seats a little early, as the characters will be performing a holiday pre show.
For more information, visit the Crown’s website at https://bit.ly/492Ezqe.

(The Disney characters of Mickey, Donald, Minnie and Goofy have all turned into DJs for "Let's Dance!" Photos courtesy of Feld Entertainment)

Dirtbag Ales holds annual Christmas Market

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Tuesday, 26 November 2024

Written by Lena Simmons

“Christmas is a day that holds all time together. Christmas is not a time nor a season but a state of mind.” Alexander Smith

It’s time to celebrate Christmas magic at the 2024 Christmas Market at Dirtbag Ales. The Christmas Market takes place from Dec. 13 to Dec. 15 at 5345 Corporation Drive, Hope Mills. Food trucks, vendors, and music are features for each day. The Market will be open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Dec. 14, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 15.
Several food trucks will be on hand to deliver tasty goodies to market attendees.
Authenique Café, Beefy Buns, Kono Pizza, R Burger, Sweet Goose, Taco Arepa, Tombachi, and Vagabond will all be at Dirtbag Ales throughout the three-day event.
The Bavarian Brass Band will be playing Friday, Dec. 13 beginning at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Dec. 14, market-goers will be serenaded with Christmas Carols by Fayetteville Sound from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and again from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Bavarian Brass Band will be taking the Dirtbag stage from noon to 2 p.m., and 80s Unleashed will break out Christmas classics from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Bella Venti will close out the musical guests on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Family fun is available at the Mrs. Claus Kids’ Craft Corner.
Christmas Markets originated in Europe as sale fairs and markets that provided citizens with supplies for the winter. The oldest Christmas Market in the world is Striezelmarkt. It holds the distinction of being one of the world’s oldest markets of its kind, having been initially established as a one-day event in 1434.
“[We want to] shout out to our sponsors: Black Hive Ink, Metronet, Reverie Goods and Gifts and The Renaissance Day Spa & Alternative Wellness. Without them, our market would not be possible,” said Dirtbag Ales on their Facebook page.
Experience over 80 vendors, artists and seasonal edibles, sing and listen to international Christmas music. General admission is free. For more information, visit the Dirtbag Ales website at https://dirtbagales.com/.

(Graphic courtesy of Dirtbag Ales Facebook Page)