Entertainment

Trucks Gone Wild comes to the Wreck Yard in Fayetteville

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Tuesday, 11 June 2024

Written by Kaitlyn Potts

Trucks Gone Wild’s twentieth-anniversary tour is coming to Fayetteville! They are coming back to The Wreck Yard for this special four-day event, which will go from June 20 to June 23.
“Last year's event was epic and now it's time to make it even better!” says the Black Ops Paintball & Airsoft website page about the event, as this would be the 2nd installment with Trucks Gone Wild. The Wreck Yard is located at 2555 Custer Ave. in East Fayetteville. If you have any questions regarding the event, you can email contact@carolinamudpark.com.
The Wreck Yard is a local mud park owned by Black Ops Paintball & Airsoft, a company founded by combat veterans in 2012.
It consists of dry camping, wet camping, a race track, mud pits, and hundreds of acres of trails. This mud park is only open as an event space, open for events like Trucks Gone Wild. Be sure to keep an eye out for future events at The Wreck Yard on their Facebook page. More information about Trucks Gone Wild can also be found at http://www.TrucksGoneWild.Com.
Free camping is available at this event, with limited first-come first-serve water hookups available. There are also going to be various food vendors and merchandise vendors on-site at The Wreck Yard.
Alongside this, there is an option to purchase a Shower Pass, which is priced at $20. The waiver for this event can be signed electronically on the Black Ops Paintball & Airsoft website's page regarding this specific event. Side by Sides, All Trucks, and ATVs are welcome.
“There’s all new trails and roads. All new mud holes, Tug of Wars, The Booty Barn, and the Kings of the Deep Bounty Hole Competition…there’s literally something for everybody at the rec yard,” says Trucks Gone Wild on their official YouTube channel with a short advertisement about the event.
There will be trail riding, mudding, open bogging, truck competitions, camping, and parties after dark. This four-day event is a great opportunity to get outdoors this summer and make wonderful memories.
Tickets are $90. Kids 12 and under have free entry to Trucks Gone Wild 2024. Tickets can be purchased online at https://blackopspaintball.org/trucks-gone-wild/
On Friday, June 21, there will be live performances by various artists. Trucks Gone Wild will present Who TF Is Justin Time vs Lil Wyte, who are both country rap musicians. Who TF Is Justin Time is the founder of Redneck Rave, and Lil Wyte is a member of the rap collective known as Hypnotize Minds. Other performances by Larry Dale Reed, King Cole, Fedora Mike, and Kaio Kane will also take place. This performance also features DJ Cannon Banyon.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with Sweet Carolina Delights

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Tuesday, 11 June 2024

Written by Crissy Neville

“Carolina Girls are the Best in the World,” crooned the bastions of beach music, The Chairmen of the Board. And, since we know this is true, it’s no conjecture to say the sweetest treats on the planet are also Carolina-born and bred. Enter Sweet Carolina Delights, a mobile business owned and operated by Fayetteville native Bobbie Johnson, a “Sweet Carolina Girl,” if there ever was one.
Hand-spun cotton candy and other delightful concessions were merely sugar plums dancing in the head of the local technologist — until her sweet dreams became a reality in 2023.
“Everyone is familiar with the traditional blue and pink cotton candy, but we offer different flavors such as tropical punch, piña colada, strawberry shortcake and passion fruit cotton candy,” Johnson said. One fun combination is the Pickle-Rito, a whole dill pickle and cotton candy pairing with the option of toppings.
Another fan favorite is cotton candy cake, a true feast for the eyes and the taste buds. The sliceable 9 or 6-inch “cakes” are made of up to six different layers and flavors of cotton, which can be customized with various toppings and decorations. And who can resist Johnson’s cotton candy glitter clouds? Filled with edible glitter, the fluffy foodstuffs add whimsy to any beverage.
“The cotton candy glitter clouds can be dropped into a drink to make it shimmer and shine. These game changers can elevate birthday parties, baby showers, weddings, etc.,” Johnson continued.
With an ice-cream-like enticement, SCD’s cotton candy push-up pops and waffle cones are perfect for gift bags and party favors. The Flavor of the Month cotton candy feature evokes similar vibes: Blue Raspberry for June and Watermelon for May. What will they think of next? Channel your inner child and just imagine!
The versatile pop-up shop brings its sweetness on a stick to public and private events in the greater Fayetteville area. An edible experience, the cotton candy concoctions are nearly as fun to watch take shape as they are to eat. Owner-and operators Bobbie Johnson and her 14-year-old, Alana, deliver their sugar-coated confections to birthday parties, weddings, showers, family reunions, retirement celebrations, church and school gatherings, grand openings and customer appreciations, fundraisers, corporate events, brand activations and community events of all kinds. So far in 2024, the pair has set up shop at “Er’Body Eatz!” Community Kickback, the Harlem Globetrotters show, Cool Spring Downtown District’s 4th Friday, Follow the Spectrum autism awareness event, The Sandhills Dog Fair, Lexington Plantation Spring Market, The Official Easter Egg Hunt in Sanford, Hope Mills Parks & Recreation 2024 Cotton Tail Trail, Fayetteville Eats Food Festival, Fayetteville Marksmen School Day/Fun Day, Fit4Life Fayetteville Fort Bragg Spring Fling, Jai6 Youth Foundation’s Youth Empowerment Brunch, CityView Magazine’s Ladies Night Out, Monster Truck Nitro Tour, Partnership for Children of Cumberland County’s Little Land: Big Play for Families and more.
Johnson emphasized her daughter’s vital role in their budding business, “Nothing compares to being able to share these moments with my daughter, Alana. She is a huge help in curating memorable cotton candy experiences for our customers and creating social media content.” SCD’s founder further revealed that building entrepreneurial spirit in her children, much like her business-owner parents did for her, was a goal all along.
“The business stems from my desire to provide entrepreneurial skills to my children. My oldest now has an Idea Book where she writes all her business ideas, no matter how big or small. My youngest, Alexandra, is on the spectrum, and this business will be a space where she also learns to be an entrepreneur and build confidence to know that she can take on anything and be successful.”
Johnson also seeks to make her mark in the marketplace. A college internship with Walt Disney World taught her the importance of creating magical experiences for customers, she said. She pays that lesson forward by “providing a magical cotton candy experience in every interaction.” Winning 7th place in the People’s Choice category of the largest dessert festival in America, Dessert Wars, held this April in Raleigh, was a highlight for the mother-and-daughter enterprise.
“It was an honor and not bad for first-timers with a non-traditional dessert,” Johnson quipped proudly.
Look for Sweet Carolina Delights at the June 22 Juneteenth Freedom Block Party in Downtown Fayetteville, or connect with the business on social media @sweetcarolinadelights, by email at sweetcarolinadelights@gmail.com or by phone at 910-494-7692. You can also find the company’s cotton candy and other treats at Kandy Apples by K in Raleigh. Like Carolina girls, they’re “one of a kind.”

Get ready for epic concert with Autumn Tyde

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Tuesday, 11 June 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of live music at the upcoming Rock'n On The River concert featuring Autumn Tyde! This talented band is known for their ability to captivate audiences with their incredible performances.
Whether you're a fan of beach music, oldies, rhythm and blues, or are simply looking for some fresh original songs, Autumn Tyde has got you covered. With their diverse range of genres, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this sensational summer concert.
Autumn Tyde members are Doyle Wood on guitar and vocals, Dez Humphrey on drums and vocals, Bob James on the keyboard, guitar, and vocals, Russell Garland on bass guitar, vocals, keyboard, and drums, and Ted Ray, aka TR, on tenor sax, soprano sax, flute, aerophone, and percussion. This talented group has been captivating audiences since 2022, and they made their debut performance on May 6th of that year at a sensational barbecue festival in Kinston, NC.
They have also unveiled three original songs that have made it to the top 10 charts. Their two most recent releases even reached the number one spot on the Cash Box/Billboard Chart for Beach Music Top 40.
Since their unforgettable debut, Autumn Tyde has been wowing crowds at numerous festivals, private parties, and special events throughout North Carolina. No matter the occasion, this band knows how to bring the energy and get the crowd grooving to their infectious tunes.
With their diverse musical abilities and impressive range of instruments, Autumn Tyde creates a unique sound that is sure to leave you wanting more.
On Friday, June 21, Autumn Tyde will be at Campbellton Landing for an incredible live music experience. Joyner Young Marie & Friends will be the opening act for this amazing event.
Located at 1122 Person Street, this concert is completely free to attend, with a small fee of $10 per car for parking. Make sure to bring your own chair, although you might not even be sitting still once the music starts! The concert area will open its doors at 5:30 p.m., giving you plenty of time to find the perfect spot.
The talented Joyner Young Marie & Friends will take the stage at 6 p.m., followed by Autumn Tyde at 8 p.m. Prepare your taste buds too, because there will be a variety of delicious food options and ice-cold beer available for purchase right on site.
Don't miss out on this unforgettable summer concert experience. Grab your friends and get ready to rock'n on the river!

(Graphic courtesy of Autumn Tyde Facebook page)

American Friends of Lafayette to visit Fayetteville in 2025

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Tuesday, 11 June 2024

Written by Tracey Morrison and Aly Hansen

On March 4 and 5, 2025, Fayetteville will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette's visit to the city. The American Friends of Lafayette, based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is coordinating the bicentennial and recognized Fayetteville as a premier bicentennial site. The celebration will be both fun and educational, with symbolic connections to the past. This event is part of the national bicentennial celebration of Lafayette's "Farewell Tour" of the United States in 1824–1825 in Fayetteville, creating an immersive living history experience that will educate visitors about Lafayette's historical significance.
The City Center Gallery and Books, a local bookstore, is a key partner in the bicentennial celebration. In honor of the bicentennial site, they have calendars highlighting other locations throughout the tour.
"It's a 13-month tour. The celebration is expected to start in August in New York," shared Diane Parfitt, the City Center Gallery and Books co-owner. The bookstore also offers a wide selection of books about Lafayette, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn more about Lafayette's life and legacy.
Fayetteville, the first city named after Lafayette in 1783, holds a significant place in history. Lafayette, a French nobleman who fought for American freedom during the Revolutionary War, left an indelible mark on our city. Gen. George Washington awarded him a command, which influenced Louis XVI of France to ally with America. Lafayette led the Continental Army in the Virginia Campaign and played a pivotal role in the Siege of Yorktown. After returning to France, he drafted legislation in the National Assembly guaranteeing citizens' rights to Protestants and free black men. Lafayette remained a steadfast opponent of slavery and believed in full rights for all men, regardless of color. His visit to Fayetteville is a testament to our shared history and values.
"There is no more important location than Fayetteville, North Carolina. We expect thousands to descend upon Fayetteville for the purpose of commemorating, celebrating, and educating," Chuck Schwam, AFL Chief Operating Officer, shared in a press release.
As part of the upcoming celebrations, the Lafayette Society of Fayetteville will be holding two creativity contests throughout 2024. Aspiring Fayetteville based poets are asked to write poems, 25 lines or less, inspired by Lafayette’s principles. He espoused the ideals of liberty, human rights, equality, religious tolerance and the abolition of slavery. There is one entry per author, and online entries are welcomed through the Lafayette Society website at https://www.lafayettesociety.org/. Cash prizes will be awarded.
All poems will be judged anonymously and must be written in English. The deadline for submission is Dec. 1, 2024. Winners will be invited to perform their original works at the 2025 Lafayette Bicentennial Luncheon on March 2, 2025. For more information, email creativity@lafayettesociety.com
The second contest is visually driven. Enthusiastic filmmakers are encouraged to create a short film under 4 minutes long inspired by Lafayette’s ideals. The rating should be PG-13 or lower. All video, music and lyrics must be the work of the video artists and producers. The submission must be hosted on YouTube, and the submission deadline is also Dec. 1, 2024.
Both competitions are open to Cumberland County and Fort Liberty residents and students.
“We hope to get a diverse array of entries from the young, the old, and everyone in between,” said Christopher Thrasher, Lafayette Society board member.
“I can't wait to see the wonderful ways that people will use new ideas and new technologies to bring Lafayette's enduring values into the twenty-first century. Lafayette's ideas are old, but they are as relevant today as they were when he visited our city almost two hundred years ago,” he said.
“I hope that these contests will help the community feel connected to their past and to each other. Fayetteville is not just any city. Fayetteville is The All America City and there are few things more American than Lafayette's key values of liberty, human rights, and equality. Many things divide us, but Lafayette's values can help bring us together.”
More information and rules regarding these contests can be found on the Lafayette Society website.
The Lafayette Society, founded by the late Martha Duell, plays a crucial role in preserving the history of Lafayette. Fayetteville local and former Lafayette Society President Dr. Hank Parfitt chairs the Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration Tour for Fayetteville. Now under its current president, Dr. Gwen Melton, the Lafayette Society remains steadfast in recognizing the contributions of Lafayette to America's freedom, promoting his generosity, patriotism, leadership, opposition to slavery, and support for human rights.
The society also funds over $50,000 in endowment funds at Fayetteville State University to support the study of "the Age of Revolutions, Emancipation, and Civil Rights."
This supports the Lafayette Lecture Series every February and helps fund other activities for the Black History Scholars Association. Additionally, they offer online lectures.
Some of the society's highlighted achievements to commemorate Lafayette's legacy include the establishment of the Lafayette Leadership Medal. Top graduates of the Master Leader Course at the Non-commissioned Officers Academy at Ft. Liberty receive this prestigious award for their exceptional leadership and service in the spirit of Lafayette.
The society also supports leadership programs at Methodist University, Fayetteville Technical Community College, as well as partnerships with Fayetteville's local higher education institutions to provide quality educational opportunities.
As evident through history, the Marquis de Lafayette made many contributions. In return, the Lafayette Society of Fayetteville puts much effort into preserving and perpetuating Lafayette's legacy.
To stay informed and learn more about the Bicentennial Celebration tour in Fayetteville, visit the City Center Gallery and Books at 112 Hay Street, Fayetteville, or call 910-678-8899. Readers can also visit www.lafayettesociety.org.

(Photo: City Center Gallery and Books has Marquis de Lafayette merchandise in honor of the 200th Anniversary of his Farewell Tour. Locals Hank and Diane Parfitt own the shop. Hank is the chair of the Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration Tour. Photo by Tracey Morrison)