Entertainment

FAPS holds annual Woofstock: Paw-ty for a cause

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Wednesday, 25 September 2024

Written by Lisa Stevens

Animal lovers – join Fayetteville Animal Protection Society's 11th Annual Woofstock on Oct. 4th, from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., at the picturesque Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N Eastern Blvd. You do not want to miss this event that showcases the incredible bond between humans and canines. It promises to be a true haven that offers a day filled with excitement, entertainment, and unparalleled canine camaraderie.
Woofstock is more than just a dog show. It promises that from the moment you step into the garden, you will be immersed in a world where dogs are the true stars.
Jackie Peery is the Executive Director at Fayetteville Animal Protection Society, and shares that every ticket sold, every raffle entry, and every auction bid goes directly to supporting the homeless cats and dogs in their care, giving them the love and medical attention they need until they find their forever homes.
Peery has been the Executive Director of FAPS since 2013 and adds, “My passion lies in helping those who cannot help themselves. It fills my heart with joy to witness animals transform from their worst to their best days while under our care until they’re ready for their forever homes. Being a part of that transformation is truly heartwarming.”
Woofstock stands as one of FAPS's largest fundraisers – helping raise vital funds for the area's only no-kill, nonprofit animal shelter. FAPS has been saving lives and providing a safe haven for homeless animals for more than 40 years, thanks to the generous support of individuals and businesses. As the only licensed no-kill shelter in the region, they heavily rely on donations to continue life-saving work.
Attendees will enjoy an evening filled with delicious dinner options, refreshing drinks, and live performances from the incredible bands 80 Unleashed and The Zack Guinn Band. Plus, thanks to generous sponsors, attendees will leave with fabulous swag. Please note that this event is exclusively for adults aged 21 and over due to safety considerations related to large crowds and nighttime festivities; unfortunately, pets cannot be accommodated.
This year FAPS will host a silent auction featuring a 50/50 cash raffle, and even if you cannot make it in person, participating in these activities is an excellent way to support the mission.
Tickets are available online at https://givebutter.com/c/woofstock24. For those seeking an elevated experience, VIP tickets are available to purchase offering exclusive access to Tito’s VIP area with a “no-wait bar,” and extra-special swag! These coveted VIP passes are limited, so it is highly recommended that you secure a seat early.
But the true magic of Woofstock lies in the sense of community it fosters. Dog owners from all walks of life come together to revel in their shared passion, creating an atmosphere of pure, unadulterated happiness. Whether you are looking to make new furry friends or soak up the infectious energy, this event will leave an indelible mark on your heart.

One People Reggae and Arts Festival held at Festival Park

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Wednesday, 25 September 2024

Written by Lena Simmons

The Friends of Skateparks Foundation with PortCity Reggae Concert and Promotion presents the One People Reggae and Arts Festival at Festival Park, 345 Ray Street, on Saturday, Oct. 12. The event starts at 2 p.m. and the last performance will be held at 9 p.m. Performers for the event include Everton Blender, Inner Circle, Shuga, Determine, DHMI, Crucial, FIYA, RA Deal, DROPS DON and DJ Dimenition presented by Karma Culture. Inner Circle performs from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. They are best known by their song “Bad Boys.”
Shuga will take the stage next, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Everton Blender’s music is associated with cultural anthems such as “Lift your head” and “Blend Dem.” He performs from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The lawn seats are $37.25 plus a $4.75 processing fee. The proceeds of this concert will support the creation of a state-of-the-art skatepark in Hope Mills. VIP tickets, called “Stage Door Left” are available, featuring a bar, wait staff, and tables and chairs. Stage Door Left tickets are $65.25 plus a $4.75 processing fee. Tickets are available for sale online at onepeoplereggaefestival.com.
Sponsors include the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, Necknotz. Nature’s Herbal Cabinet, Q98, Healy Wholesale, Magic 106.9, Sakara Holistic Center, Rock 103.5, Yellow Crayons, WFNC, and DaVille Skate Shop.
“The Friends of the Skateparks Foundation was established in 2013 to help communities over the Carolinas to develop the best skateparks that will bring many positive impacts to their communities. The mission is to promote skateboarding, increase participation, enhance the quality of skateboarding parks, and educate.
"We plan to accomplish our goals by collaborating with the best skateboarders, skatepark builders, at-risk community and our experienced industry partners. The purpose is quality public skateparks that can improve the quality of life of a community by providing alternatives for at-risk youth to focus their energy away from violence, property damage, drug use and crime,” according to Friends of the Skateparks Foundation press release.
Vendor opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Terry Grimble, Director, Friends of the Skateparks Foundation at 910-229-6602
“Experiencing these legendary bands and artists is quite thrilling and something that the residents of Cumberland County rarely get to enjoy. Bands of this caliber usually pass by Fayetteville for cities like Raleigh, Asheville, or Wilmington. Reggae promotes peace, love, and harmony,” Grimble said.
The Art Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County is supportive of his concept and he was awarded a grant of $7,350 for the festival.
“We are excited to support the One People Reggae and Arts Festival, benefiting the Friends of Skateparks Foundation. The festival aims to enrich our community by creating a sense of community around music and increasing cultural tourism to our region. This Project Support Grant funded event is an investment that aligns perfectly with our mission to boost art programming in Cumberland County,” states Michael Houck, Director of Grants and Allocations.
Tourism is a major economic tool for North Carolina. According to North Carolina Department of Commerce, travel spending in 2023 was 35.6 million dollars, the percentage increase was 6.9 percent. DistINCty Fayetteville reported 667 million dollars in Cumberland County, an increase of 10% since 2022.
“Skateboarding and reggae music are two of my biggest passions in life. I started skateboarding in 1978 at the age of 7 when I lived in Hope Mills. Skateboarding is not only a sport, but also an art form, lifestyle, and culture. Reggae music is part of the skateboarding culture thanks to bands like Bad Brains, Fishbone, and the Clash,” Grimble said.
“I started my first skatepark project in 1989 in Fayetteville. In 1991, I started producing live music shows to raise money for that project. I formed a reggae band called Rhythm Tide. We played all over the region, and we even opened for the legendary band Culture at the Visulite Theatre in Charlotte.
"I went on to play in 2 other reggae bands, Streets Afire, and Give Thanks band. We had the honor of opening for Morgan Heritage and Inner Circle, respectfully, in Wilmington. I am an auxiliary percussionist, [I play] bongos, congas, djembe, bells, and blocks.
"Bringing a new and exciting reggae to Fayetteville is a dream come true for me. The cause is great, and Fayetteville needs it. We need the positive economic impact and more fun events for our community. We do not have an ocean to surf, nor mountain to ride but through skatepark building, we can create our own lifestyle with music included," Grimble said.
Festivities will be held at Festival Park on Oct. 12. The event begins at 2 p.m. and the final performance starts at 9 p.m. Do not miss this event. It is more than a concert, it is a celebration of dance, positive energy, unity, love and harmony. Tickets are available at onepeoplereggaefestival.com.

Spook-tacular Cumberland County Halloween events

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Wednesday, 25 September 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

It is officially Spooky Season, and Fayetteville, along with its surrounding areas, offers a wide array of festive activities that promise to keep everyone entertained. From haunted houses to pumpkin patches, here is a round-up of some exciting events you definitely won’t want to miss.
SEPTEMBER 27-OCTOBER 27
• Zombie Hayride & Haunted House, Black Ops Paintball at 2112 River Rd, 8 p.m.-11 p.m.
Defend your hayride from the onslaught of zombies with the glow ammo from your paintball gun. Or take on the Haunted House Trail with both indoor and outdoor experiences. Tickets are $10 and spots need to be secured 24 hours in advance. https://tinyurl.com/bde8wezv
OCTOBER 1
• Urban Legends Trivia, Dirtbag Ales at 5435 Corporation Drive, Hope Mills, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
How much do you know about chilling tales or mysterious creatures? Test that knowledge of Bigfoot, Bloody Mary, Area 51 and more. Free to play. https://tinyurl.com/yc6a5yh2
OCTOBER 4-OCTOBER 31
• Stoney Point Trail of Terror, 7221 Stoney Point Rd.,
A unique area band will entertain you as you queue for the Trail, setting the spooky mood. This eerie woodland stroll provides Halloween thrills and chills. Admission costs between $15 and $20. https://www.undeadfd.com/
OCTOBER 5
• Gaston Brewery Halloween Event, Gaston Brewing Taproom at 421 Chicago Dr., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Explore 20 local vendors, sip drinks, savor tasty food, get your face painted, have your cards read, and watch an outdoor film. Don't forget a blanket or chair. This free event welcomes pets too. https://tinyurl.com/3f499kh2
OCTOBER 8
• Vampire Trivia, Dirtbag Ales, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
Are you the expert on all things vampire? Sink your teeth into trivia about legendary bloodsuckers from Dracula and Nosferatu to modern favorites like Buffy and Twilight. Free to play! Top 3 teams win prizes! https://tinyurl.com/39ydyx87
OCTOBER 12
• Nosferatu Movie Night Featuring FSO, Dirtbag Ales, 8 p.m.
Enjoy the screening of the 1922 German silent film Nosferatu while the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra plays live music to intensify the eerie atmosphere. https://tinyurl.com/2kcz4spp
OCTOBER 13
• Spooktacular Drag Brunch, Gaston Brewing Taproom at 421 Chicago Dr, 11 a.m.
It's Spooky Time and this brunch is hosted by Tatianna Matthews with special guests Amanda Playwith, Alora Parque, Hannah Rae Rinse, Emory Starr, and Chloe Cassidy. There will be music by DJ Alan. Tickets are between $17.18-$32.96. This is a 21+ only event. https://tinyurl.com/mut994yh
• American Gothic Ghouls, Haymount Truck Stop at 100 Broadfoot Ave, 4 p.m.
Ready to get creative? Paint a well-known scene with a little bit of a twist. Tickets are $40. Food and drink are not covered in the ticket price but may be purchased at the location. Reservations are required. https://tinyurl.com/u9mdsm6w
OCTOBER 15
• Serial Killers Trivia, Dirtbag Ales. 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Dive into the eerie realm of notorious murderers at this quiz event by 910comedy! Challenge yourself with spine-tingling facts about real-life criminal cases. It's free to play, and the top 3 winners will receive prizes. https://tinyurl.com/3d6anujw
OCTOBER 17-19, 24-25
• Halloween Revels: Poetry & Prophecy, The Poe House at 801 Arsenal Ave, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
Prepare for an immersive historical Halloween experience. Evening tours offer a 30-minute journey through the Poe House, featuring brief theatrical scenes that bring spooky history to life. Tickets are $10 and it is recommended that you purchase them early. https://tinyurl.com/2s4frb5e
OCTOBER 18
• Trunk or Treat, EXIT Realty Preferred-Raeford at 8144-48 Fayetteville Rd., Raeford, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Bring the little ones out for a trunk or treat event that will include trick or treating, games, photo booth and more. https://tinyurl.com/3uve4a3a
OCTOBER 19
• Outdoor Patio Movie Night: Hocus Pocus, Anchor Allie's at 1204 Bragg Blvd, 7 p.m.
What could be better than dinner and a movie on an outdoor patio? Or bring your own chair and blanket to get comfy while watching the Halloween classic Hocus Pocus. https://tinyurl.com/y9r6t8e5
• Stoney Point's Annual Trunk or Treat, Stoney Point Trail of Terror, Noon-2 p.m.
Get the kids in their costumes and enjoy a fun and safe environment to enjoy some Halloween fun. https://tinyurl.com/yck62zyn
• Halloween Vendor Crawl Market, Mendoza Park at 1774 Little Rive Rd., Spring Lake, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
This vendor crawl is a great day of fun, food and shopping for the entire family. Besides vendors, there will be bouncy houses, face painting, and food trucks. This is a free event and open to the public. https://tinyurl.com/4ykr2a2m
OCTOBER 22
• Hocus Pocus/Beetlejuice Trivia, Dirtbag Ales, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Get ready for a trivia night that celebrates two iconic Halloween movies. Test your knowledge on the Sanderson sisters' mischief and Beetlejuice's antics. It's free to play, and the top 3 teams will win enchanting prizes. https://tinyurl.com/mu4wk64w
OCTOBER 24-27
• Halloween at the BOOtanical Garden, Cape Fear Botanical Garden at 536 N Eastern Blvd, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Always a great family event, the BOOtanical Garden has so much to see and do. Thousands of light and light displays, candy stations, costume contests, animations, photo opportunities, food, beverages, vendor market and more. Tickets range from $7-$25. https://tinyurl.com/ch3jmtaw
OCTOBER 25
• Trunk or Treat, Hope Mills Shrine Club at 4461 Cameron Rd, Hope Mills, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
A great community Trunk or Treat for the kiddos to enjoy Halloween in a safe and fun environment. If you would like to set up a vehicle and participate in the Trunk or Treat email hopemillsshrinettes@gmail.com. https://tinyurl.com/bdmnuwuv
• Hocus Pocus & Beetlejuice Movie Night, Dirtbag Ales, 6:30 p.m.
A double-feature packed with Halloween fun. Round up the family and friends and don't forget the costumes. This event will be outside. Be sure to bring chairs and blankets to sit in the Farmers Market field. This is a free event. No tickets or reservations are needed. https://tinyurl.com/mr83pd2z
• 4th Friday Zombie Walk, Downtown Fayetteville, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
It is still all of the great happenings for 4th Friday: live music, visual arts, street performers, vendors and food trucks, with a spooky Halloween twist. Dress up like a zombie, join the walk around downtown and don't miss out on the food, drink and retail specials downtown businesses will be running. https://tinyurl.com/2vhdre88
• Trunk or Treat, Rockfish Elementary School, 5763 Rockfish Rd, Hope Mills, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
A great family-friendly event with lots of decorated trunks for the kids in their costumes to enjoy a night full of fun and treats. https://tinyurl.com/4uvzxrjr
• Trunk-Or-Treat, Fit4Life Health Clubs-Cameron, 2680 NC 24-87, Cameron, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
Cameron Clubs is hosting a great trunk or treat for the family to enjoy some Halloween fun. https://tinyurl.com/4hn8bbu6
OCTOBER 26
• Halloween Costume Party, Stewart's Tavern at 116 N Main St., Raeford, 7 p.m.
Enjoy a night at Stewart's Tavern with a Halloween Costume party including a live DJ, drink specials and prizes for best costumes. https://tinyurl.com/s29a4sva
• Ghoulish Gathering, Dirtbag Ales, 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
Halloween fun awaits at Dirtbag Ales with a costume and karaoke contest. Winners will take home a $100 Dirtbag Ales gift card. Grab a bite from Kono Pizza, The BBQ Lab or Napkins. https://tinyurl.com/sedpnctr
OCTOBER 27
• Trick or Treat the Market, Dirtbag Ales, 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Trick-or-treating will begin after the Farmers Market is over. Also enjoy face painting, a pumpkin patch, food trucks, live music and more. Tickets are $5 per child and are available at Dirtbag Ales for purchase (cash only). Tickets sell out fast so get yours now. https://tinyurl.com/ymauxye5
OCTOBER 29
• General Halloween Trivia, Dirtbag Ales, 7 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Do you know about all things Halloween? Test your knowledge on all things Halloween-themed for a fun-filled night. Prizes await the top participants, and it’s free to play. Don your best costume and get ready for a ghoulishly good time. https://tinyurl.com/mrpxwrx3
OCTOBER 30
• Stranger Things Themed Trivia, WOB Bar & Kitchen at 1944 Skibo Rd, 7 p.m.
Obsessed with Stranger Things? Think you're an expert on Eleven, Hawkins, and the Upside Down? Round up your friends and prove your skills at our Stranger Things Trivia Challenge! https://tinyurl.com/34unhfxu
• Halloween Movie Night, Hoke County Public Library at 334 N Main St, Raeford, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
Join the Hoke County Public Library for a thrilling Halloween movie night and savor some delicious snacks. https://tinyurl.com/2836sy9z

Gather for the Royal Tea Women’s Empowerment event

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Tuesday, 17 September 2024

Written by Lisa Stevens

Join The Royal Tea Women’s Empowerment, LLC, for a day of inspiration, connection, and empowerment on Oct. 5, from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at John D. Fuller Recreational Center, 6627 Old Bunce Rd.
Celebrate the strength and power of women from all walks of life. Join like-minded individuals to network, learn, and grow. The lineup of empowering speakers and transformative workshops will leave you feeling motivated and ready to conquer the world. Dress to impress in your finest TEA PARTY outfits!
Terequa Rucker is the Founder of The Royal Tea Women’s Empowerment, LLC, and shares that she is a married mother of three children who struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
A veteran of the U.S. Army, her mental health declined after being deployed, so she was discharged from the military and experienced some of the roughest times of her life. Because of her PTSD, she didn’t work immediately after being discharged, putting a strain on the family to financially survive on the little income in the household as the bills piled up. Getting the necessary help to work on her mental and emotional well-being, Rucker knew there were more women out there who were going through the same challenges as she did.
She started The Royal Tea Women’s Empowerment, LLC to give women better opportunities and resources to navigate through their hardships and mental challenges.
Rucker’s mission is to create a safe space for women and their families, connecting them with women who are going through or who have gone through similar situations so they can support one another and raise their children in healthy, thriving environments.
“When I was at my worst dealing with mental illness, food was my comfort, and I became obese. After reading posts from mostly women who commented about my weight on the internet, I was mortified and shut down. But giving it further thought, I decided to start my nonprofit to help women unite and uplift one another,” Rucker said..
During this impactful event, speakers Tina George, Dr. Alena Barosa, Marissa Ortiz, and Allisha Smith will share their powerful stories of struggle and triumph. Local artists Chyna Vonne, Brelashayy, Kelsey Hall, The Elegant Emerald Dance Studio, and Therealluxxluxx will provide inspiring performances.
Housing experts, tutors, teachers, and resumé builders will also be on hand to provide valuable resources to help women get on their feet. Bring your resumé. A portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to the BEU Foundation, a nonprofit that supports children who struggle with behavior issues.
This event is more than just a celebration - it's a chance to make a real difference in the lives of women and their families. Join in for a day of empowerment, connection, and community. Enjoy a spread of appetizers and shop with local vendors.
Tickets are available now at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-royal-tea-womens-empowerment-event-tickets-843140745667?aff=oddtdtcreator

(Photo courtesy of Royal Tea Women's Empowerment, LLC)