Entertainment

Stoney Point Fire Department Trail of Terror gives thrills, chills

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Tuesday, 01 October 2024

Written by Kathleen Ramsey

Paul Crenshaw walks through the “mansion” at the back of the Stoney Point Fire Department. This building has stood for years since a local dentist donated the building to the Stoney Point Fire Department’s Trail of Terror event. It has become a staple of the event.
Crenshaw walks into the first room and then says he’s going to kill the white lights inside the building to give a more realistic view of what the trail will look like on Friday and Saturday nights in October. The rooms go black except for shallow lighting that reflects off broken doll faces and cobwebs. The music kicks on and the hum of low voices can be heard throughout the room.
Despite Crenshaw’s title as part of the special effects team for the Trail of Terror, he does not like haunts.
“I despise scary things,” he says, walking through the dimly lit hallways. “I do this because I love the fire station.”
He maneuvers through the first few rooms in the mansion. Creepy dummies, lights and paintings adorn each new space. Each room Crenshaw passes between is a spookier scene than the last.
Crenshaw, who is also a volunteer firefighter for the station, takes a turn into two hallways that run parallel to each other. Inside, the only light that can be seen are a couple of spots where green lasers are placed.
“When I pump the fog in, it looks like a swamp in here,” he says. “I’m in the midst of getting all the lasers in here. The lasers will actually … hold on.”
He stops for a second, has an idea and pulls his vape from his pocket. After a puff, he blows the smoke in the area where the lasers are focused revealing swirling clouds of smoke that resemble the look of murky green water. Crenshaw admits he needs to put more lasers in this portion of the trail before the first weekend in October, the opening weekend for the trail. Behind Crenshaw is Cynthia Buie, a member of the Stoney Point Auxiliary and social media coordinator for the Trail of Terror. She has more of a grin on her face than the determined, focused one Crenshaw wears. Buie likes haunts, she says.
The Trail of Terror is the main fundraiser for the Stoney Point Fire Department — an event that brought the station about $200,000 in funds last year. Aside from the tax dollars, these are the only funds the firefighters at this station use to add on and keep all of their equipment. The Trail is run by volunteers, including a little more than 100 actors from local schools who volunteer their time from after school until about midnight on the nights when the trail is open.
“On our good nights, we’ll have roughly 100 actors. It seems like a lot but the trail is so big,” Buie says.
Like most years, Buie and Crenshaw say the trail has to change up a little bit. This year they will have some of the regular favorites on the trail like the butcher, a clown scene and the asylum but they changed some individual pieces throughout and added in a large new addition — an abandoned mine. And of course, there’s the regular room they have where people often get lost trying to navigate their way through — adding to the thrill and panic of it all.
“There’s so much fog in here that you can’t see,” Crenshaw says.
The crew who work on the Trail of Terror begin the process around March or April each year, spending hundreds of hours creating new additions or building new sites onto the show. This year, they have transitioned to a computer-controlled audio system. Crenshaw says this gives them a huge opportunity to be truly interactive throughout the entire trail.
“It’s a pretty good upgrade.”
What Crenshaw has been working on steadily is the abandoned mine. The idea came because the makeup artist for the trail asked what special effects he could bring to a new addition to help drum up ideas for what they wanted to add to the show.
“I said, ‘I can blow stuff up.’”
Eventually that led to creating a mine.
The walls of the walking space for the mine themselves took more than a month to build. It’s a large tangle of dark hallways and will be full of “hellacious” noises once the trail is completely up and running. For now, they are testing out the pressure pads and special effects to make sure the construction, the artistry of decoration and sound effects all come
together well.
“It all has to come together to put on a great show,” Buie says, pointing to the 3D shapes sticking out of the wall of the mine. “You want to give them their money’s worth for sure.”
This is also why Buie says they really try to focus on what pieces that are well-loved to keep and how to change up other portions so the repeat trailgoers can have new experiences year after year. She and Crenshaw finally step out of the mine and make their way toward the end of the trail —through a few more scenes, of course.
At the end of the trail, they say they have a few surprises planned for those attending, like a popular actor sporting a Pennywise costume. With a chunk of the special effects not up and the actors not on the trail, it took Crenshaw and Buie about 25 minutes to walk the scenes together. Buie looks back at the trail that sprawls all throughout the woods.
“It’s roughly about 40 minutes but if you run, you can get it done quicker,” she says with a laugh.
The trail has no age restrictions even though Buie and others recommend it for about ages 12 and up. According to Buie, the people who come out are kids who come in on their parents’ hips all the way to guests who are in their 70s. The trail has been made accessible for the handicapped goers as well, Crenshaw adds. Stoney Point Fire Station is located at 7221 Stoney Point Road. The trail will begin the first weekend of October and run each Friday and Saturday night as well as Halloween night itself.
Buie looks back at the building that will soon be filled with 100 to 140 actors and 4 or 5 makeup artists. They get ready in there, she points, and then they hang out in the bays of the fire department. Once the clock hits 9 p.m. on those nights, someone will call out that the trail is “hot,” and the monsters will be ready to play.
For more information or for tickets, visit https://www.undeadfd.com. VIP passes will also be available allowing eventgoers to skip the line and go straight to the trail.

(Photos by Kathleen Ramsey)

Unravel mysteries at The Vampyre’s Ball: Garden of Earthly Delights

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Tuesday, 01 October 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Prepare to be transported to a realm of nocturnal elegance and intrigue at The Garden of Earthly Delights Murder Mystery. As you step into the opulent venue of Dirtbag Ales on Oct. 13, the sight of decadent décor and flickering candlelight will immediately captivate your senses.
Dressed in your finest attire, you will be welcomed into a world where glamour intertwines with the macabre. The evening promises an enchanting blend of murder mystery and immersive theater, making it a night to remember.
From the moment you enter, you will encounter a mesmerizing cast of characters, each weaving their own tale in the shadows. These characters, shrouded in mystery, will guide you through the evening’s events, offering vital clues and adding depth to the unfolding story.
Will they be allies or adversaries? The choice is yours to discern as you navigate through the layers of intrigue and deception that define this immersive experience.
The tragic demise of the esteemed leader of the vampire coven sets the stage for an evening of suspense and detective work. As whispers of suspicion swirl through the air, you and your fellow guests will be tasked with unraveling the web of deceit to uncover the truth behind this sinister crime.
Throughout the evening, gripping scenes performed by talented actors will provide essential clues. Pay close attention, as each interaction could bring you one step closer to solving the mystery.
Some of the characters you may encounter:
• Red Eminence - Member of the Ethereal Sovereignty, who acts as a High Council for the King.
• BOBAN, Menovin (High Ruler) of the Andalusian Conclave (Gypsies): His Coven is down to party, they love a good hunt, a questionable deal, and they love to vanish into the night.
• ALIFAIR, High Priestess of Gaia’s Guardians: They use magic to control their world. No other coven is as supportive of the Humans.
• OSSORY, Princess of Gaia’s Guardians: The “daughter” of ALIFAIR. Also a dreamy member of the hippie coven. • ELEK, Tigerna (Leader) of the Celtic Revelry: Fiery Celtic lass. Her Coven is full of fierce and loyal members who never turn down a good batch of Bliskey
• ZEFERINO, Don of the Crimson Syndicate: Hot-blooded leader of the Kingdom’s “enforcers”. The muscle behind the throne. They also control the Bliskey, which is made by a secret formula they protect.
• The BLACK VEIL (VALE ISWED): Affiliated with no coven. They function as Lead Investigator, Judge, and Jury for the night.
The Vampyre’s Ball offers an immersive experience where each attendee becomes a part of the story. Upon arrival, you will choose your own Vampyre Name and decide which of the five Covens you will belong to. This choice will shape your experience and interactions throughout the night.
You may choose one of the following:
Ethereal Sovereignty Description: The Ethereal Sovereignty stands as the epitome of vampire royalty, their bloodline infused with ancient magic that dates back to the dawn of vampiric existence. With minds as sharp as their enchanted blades, they reign supreme over the vampire world, their intelligence and superiority unmatched by any other coven. They are the earthly divines, revered for their innate connection to the origins of vampiric power.
Crimson Syndicate Description: The Crimson Syndicate operates as a ruthless mob-style coven, dealing in the clandestine trade of Bliskey (blood whiskey) within the bustling metropolises of New York, Chicago, and Vegas. Masters of deception, they manipulate those outside their coven with silver tongues and false promises, ensuring their dominance in the underworld of vampire society.
Celtic Revelry Description: The Celtic Revelry is a wild and spirited coven, descendants of the ancient Celtic people who embrace boldness and brashness in equal measure. While they may indulge in the thrill of a good bet, they hold honesty and loyalty above all else, forging unbreakable bonds of camaraderie among their members. With laughter as their anthem, they navigate the night with a sense of adventure and mischief.
Gypsy Conclave Description: The Gypsy Conclave traces its roots back to the fierce warriors of Spain who conquered the South American continent, instilling their coven with a fiery spirit and unyielding determination. Sassy and fiercely protective, they trust no outsiders and are always prepared to defend their territory with both wit and strength. With minds as sharp as their ancestral blades, they command respect and fear in equal measure.
Gaia’s Guardians Description: Gaia’s Guardians are the immortal children of Mother Earth, dedicated to protecting the planet and its people with unwavering devotion. Advocates of blood alternatives, they strive for peace and harmony, understanding their divine right to watch over the earth and safeguard their home. With hearts as pure as the earth itself, they embody kindness and compassion, standing as beacons of hope in a world plagued by darkness.
Embrace your inner vampire and weave your own narrative amidst the intrigue and deception. Will you align yourself with the forces of darkness or seek to bring justice to the fallen leader? The fate of the vampire kingdom hangs in the balance, and your decisions will play a crucial role.
As the night progresses, two rounds of interrogation will allow you to question the performers and gather more information. By the end of the night, a Top Detective will be chosen at random from those who guessed the correct solution to the mystery.
The Top Detective will receive a Certificate, a Trophy, and two tickets to a future J.J. Brown Productions event, rewarding their keen investigative skills and adding an extra layer of excitement to this already thrilling evening.
Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a variety of delicious food and refreshing beverages at the venue. Additionally, they can enjoy the captivating performance of Venus Moon, a talented dancer, who will be entertaining throughout the entire night.
J.J. Brown Productions is a theatrical production company based in Mount Airy, NC and they specialize in creating immersive murder mystery experiences. The interactive murder mystery is performed by local North Carolina actors. The Vampyre’s Ball script was written by members Jennifer Johnson-Brown and her husband Mark Brown. They in fact write the scripts for all their shows.
“Between us, we have over 60 years in professional theatre and entertainment. Our next closest stop will be in Raleigh Oct 4, 5, & 6 at Triangle Cinemas Six Forks,” said Johnson-Brown.
This great event is happening on Oct. 13 at Dirtbag Ales located at 5435 Corporation Drive in Hope Mills. Check in is at 7 p.m. and the ball starts at 7:30 p.m., running for about 2 hours. Tickets are $30. At the date of publication, this show had only 25 tickets left before they were sold out for this one night only event. Get yours now at https://tinyurl.com/97hh3y94

(Photos courtesy of Jennifer Johnson-Brown)

FSU celebrates Homecoming 2024

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Tuesday, 01 October 2024

Written by Amber Little

Homecoming is an experience unlike any other—a week-long celebration of educational excellence and culture that occurs once a year on campuses all over America. At Historically Black College/University campuses, homecoming represents the resilience of the black community and the ability to succeed and prosper. Since their inception, HBCUs have produced some of the greatest scholars in American history, including Katherine Johnson, John Lewis, and Booker T. Washington. They have also been the choices of higher education for many notable politicians like Jesse Jackson and entertainers we love today, like Samuel L. Jackson. To attend and graduate from an HBCU, for many is a rite of passage and for all a point of pride.
Fayetteville State University Homecoming 2024 is scheduled from Oct. 20-27. Most of the week’s activities and events leading to game day are reserved for students and alumni. With this year marking the “Golden Reunion” for some alumni classes, this year’s lineup is jam-packed with memory-making festivities.
Alumni Event Schedule
Thursday
• Annual Alumni & Friends Welcome Cocktail Party, Seabrook Auditorium Lobby & Terrace
Wine Down @ Dusk, Featuring DJ Energizer
($20) Wine Bar, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Hangout Thursday, Presented by The Randall Group & FSU NAA, Uptown Chicken & Waffles, 1707 Owen Dr.
Free Event, 7 p.m. to midnight
Friday
• Fayetteville State University National Alumni Association Coronation and Awards Ceremony, Seabrook Auditorium
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday
• ALL Reunion Class Lunch & Photos, Student Center Terrace
Noon to 1:30 p.m. ($20)
Buffet Lunch to Go! Live DJ! Pre-Game Gathering!
Celebrating ALL Milestone Reunion Classes
1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, 2019
Sunday
• Farewell Fellowship & Recognition Service, Embassy Suites (4760 Lake Valley Drive)
Free, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Recognition Milestone Reunion Class & Fallen Broncos
For those who are not a part of the Bronco student body or have alumni status, there will be plenty of school-sponsored events to enjoy and help celebrate the blue and white. Friday is the Homecoming Step Show. A time-honored tradition on HBCU campuses, fraternities, and sororities, also known as the Divine 9, participants will battle it out and bring out their best “stroll.”
No Homecoming would be complete without a parade, a tailgate, and a good game. Saturdays are for football, and homecoming is no different. The annual parade will begin at 9 a.m. and will feature some of the best bands and dancers in the area. The parade route starts on Murchinson Rd., at the intersection of Moore and Bruner Street, and travels northwest up Murchinson Rd., past the FSU campus. Anyone looking to attend should come early to secure a good spot.
After the parade, it’s time to gear up for everyone’s favorite fall pastime, tailgating. Tailgating is by reservation only and is limited to 2 spots per person. This year the FSU Broncos will be taking on the Shaw Bears, a game that will see two HBCU football programs face off for bragging rights. The game starts at 2:30 p.m. at Luther Nick Jerald Stadium located at 1401 Murchinson Rd. Tickets are $45 per adult and $29 for children. Military and student discounts are available. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/41643942/fayetteville-state-university-versus-shaw-university-fsu-ticket-office-9106721724-home-coming-fayetteville-luther-nick-jeralds-football-stadiumfayetteville-state-university.
Homecoming 2024 is expected to be bigger and better than last year. There are also several local businesses taking advantage of this festive occasion with many bars and venues running specials and events. There will be no shortage of things to do to celebrate FSU Homecoming. For more information on university-sanctioned homecoming events visit the website at https://www.uncfsu.edu/homecoming

56th annual Cumberland County Golf Championship

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Tuesday, 01 October 2024

Written by Anna White

Gates Four Country Club is readying itself to host the oldest continuous golf tournament in North Carolina. Now heading into its 56th season, the Cumberland County Golf Championship will highlight Cumberland County’s best golfing talent from Oct. 11 through the 13.
Bill Bowman, publisher of the Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper and CCGC tournament director, spoke of the event’s impact: “The CCGC has nurtured some of the finest amateur golfers and professional golfers in the country.”
He referenced past and current CCGC participants from the community as “celebrities in their own right,” listing names such as PGA Professional Chip Beck, seven-time CCGC champion Gary Robinson, and 10-time CCGC champion Billy West, last year’s winner who will be vying for his 11th Championship win.
“Originally from Fayetteville, PGA golfing professional Chip Beck won the tournament in the sixties, paving the way for dozens of local amateurs to go on tour, turn professional, and pursue careers in the golfing industry,” Bowman shared. “The CCGC trophy bears some very prestigious names of local golfing legends.”
Bowman initially took the reigns as tournament director for CCGC after the local daily newspaper Fayetteville Observer abandoned the event after 47 years. Because of its long, proud history and tradition of being the longest continuous golf tournament in North Carolina, Bowman did not want to see it end and accepted responsibility for what he later described as a “huge undertaking.” After the first year, Gates Four Golf and Country Club stepped up to assist with the details and logistics vital to maintaining the golfing standards, challenge, integrity, and dignity of the nearly five-decade-old tournament. In the third year, Gates Four CC was made the “official” home of the CCGC under the supervision and direction of General Manager Kevin Lavertu.
Gates Four Golf and Country Club is known to be one of the finest 18-hole Championship Golf Courses in eastern North Carolina. It was designed in 1967 by Willard Byrd, with a 2011 redesign by Kris Spence.
“It challenges you from all aspects,” Kevin Lavertu, General Manager of the Club, shared. “Looking historically at the CCGC scores, if you shoot even par for three days out here, that will leave you somewhere in contention.”
In the past, the tournament was played over several area golf courses. The transition to Gates Four Golf for the three-day event has been seamless and more convenient for the participants.
“The course is in beautiful shape and ready for the competition,” said Bowman. “Kevin and his talented crew work diligently at maintaining it to the highest standards.”
Traditionally, the CCGC tournament is played according to official PGA rules: gross scores and flighted.
“Golf is a mental game as well as a physical game, and success depends on how well you manage the course,” Bowman commented on its difficulty level. “It’s not for everybody.”
DeeDee Jarman, 2023 Senior Women’s Division Champion, Deputy Director of Athletics at Methodist University, and 2024 contestant, agreed.
“Every time I go out on the course, I want to improve my game — shoot better than in previous events. Gates Four is a very challenging course, so I go out and play the course to the best of my ability.”
Jarman said her journey with golf began when her husband introduced her to the sport on a hometown par-three course. Even before that, sports had played a significant role in her life. She played softball from 5th grade until she was 27 years old and built relationships with people that continue to impact her life.
The CCGC donates money to the Kay Yow Cancer and the Friends of the Cancer Center Foundation for each female contestant in the Women’s Division, which Jarman greatly appreciates.
“She was my mentor,” Jarman said of Yow, the Women’s Basketball Coach at NC State for 28 years. “She’s a person that will never be erased from our memory.”
Jarman would love to see more ladies come out and play in support of women battling cancer and is happy that the CCGC tournament focuses on giving back to the community.
Billy West, the 2023 CCGC champion and ten-time title winner, said that his connections through sports were also important to him.
“I could sit here and name names all day long of people with whom I have close friendships that originated with this golf tournament,” he said.
West attended North Carolina State University from 1993 to 1997 on a golf scholarship. Born and raised in Cumberland County, his father was a casual golfer who introduced him to the sport at the age of 9. At 10, he competed in his first golfing competition. He was 16 when he entered his first CCGC tournament and has only missed one year since then.
“I played in the US Amateur in 1994 and the US Junior Amateur in 1992,” West explained. “But…my local county’s Golf Championship has always been the most significant tournament to me.”
After 40 years of competitive golf, West described CCGC as the only tournament he’s been playing his whole golf career.
“It has been a constant in my life throughout the years.”
West looks forward to the event each year.
While eager to win an 11th victory, West commented on the honor it would bring to any contestant.
“Obviously, I want to win. That goes without being said. But at the same time, I am happy for whoever wins because I know how significant it is.”
West encourages cross-generational involvement, saying his son now plays golf. “I think golf is a great game for young people.” West shared. “Teeing up in a tournament where a 16-year-old or a 65-year-old player could win is a rare experience. That’s unique to this tournament. I can’t think of another tournament that I’ve competed in that has that dynamic.”
Angelique Seymore, 2023 Women’s Division Champion and 2024 contestant, appreciated that similar dynamic. Seeing the senior and youth divisions compete motivates and inspires her to keep improving.
Seymour began playing golf at 13 with her family. After a brief hiatus while in college, she recently started playing again and perfecting her game. The break gave her time to consider how she truly feels about the sport.
“It made me realize that I am in love with golf, and I love the game. I had to find my way back to it and be sure that this is what I really wanted to do — and something to invest my time in,” she said.
As an artist, Angelique finds parallels between golf and her creative pursuits. She said it takes practice, patience, and dedication to be good, and there are plenty of good and bad days.
“I think golf is a reflection of life.” She expressed. “You’re never going to have a perfect day.”
But just like painting, she’s never satisfied with the outcome, which fuels her game. “There’s inspiration everywhere. I think that keeps me going — wanting to get better.”
The 56th Annual Cumberland County Golf Championship promises a weekend of exciting golf competition. The event starts with a Champions Reception on Thursday, Oct. 10, at Gates Four; the Men Divisions tee off on Friday the 11, and the Youth and Women play on Oct. 12 and 13. Registration is open online at www.cumerlandcountygolfclassic.com for all Divisions: Championship Division, Men’s Division, Senior Div., Super Senior Div., Women’s and Senior Women’s Div. and Youth Divisions.
CCGC supports Cumberland County School children and teachers through the 501(c3) nonprofit Kidsville News Literacy and Education Foundation. For more information, contact Bill Bowman, tournament director, at bbowman@upandcomingweekly.com or call 910-391-3859, Kevin Lavertu, General Manager at Gates Four Country Club, at 910-425- 6567, or Judy Stapleton with Up & Coming Weekly at 910-484-6200.

(Photos: Top: Local golfing legend Gary Robinson, left, and Billy West stand at Gates Four Country Club during the Cumberland County Golf Championship in 2015. Photo courtesy of Billy West.  Bottom: The winners of the 2023 CCGC pose with their hard earned awards. Photo courtesy of Dee Dee Jarman)