Cape Fear Botanical Garden provides the citizens of Fayetteville with a bright and beautiful spot to enjoy the beauty of nature. The once small garden, which opened in 1989 and is cradled by the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek, now contains more than 2,000 plants of numerous varieties. One of the ways that this garden has kept and expanded its beauty is through fundraising. This year the gardens will host Mr. Potato Head for the garden’s annual Rhythm and Blooms fundraiser on Nov. 8.

Mr. Potato Head is a North Carolina-based band that provides a wide variety of music. The four musicians perform everything from Sinatra to The Rolling Stones to Michael Jackson. The range in performance that Mr. Potato Head delivers is sure to offer a little something for everybody and will make a truly exciting night. Kensley Edge, the director of development and marketing at Cape Fear Botanical Garden, has high expectations for the event.

“People should expect to have a really good time at Rhythm & Blooms. This is the perfect time of the year to throw in a relaxed and entertaining evening of great music — before the rush of the holidays sets in,” she said. “Mr. Potato Head will perform, which is exciting. I have heard great reviews of them. They’ll be a lot of fun for our audience!”

This night includes far more than just great music, however; there will also be great food. While the menu has not been finalized yet, Elliott’s Catering Company will provide an amazing meal that is covered in the cost of the ticket, according to Edge.

Not only is this event an opportunity for those familiar with the garden to enjoy it in a new way, it is also an opportunity for those unfamiliar with the garden to experience one of the most beautiful places in the area.

“It is always rewarding to host events that bring new faces into the garden. Of course, we love our regulars and couldn’t exist without them, but we love sharing what we have here with others,” Edge explained. “This place still surprises people — even longtime residents of this community. We are almost 25 years old, and many people have yet to experience all that the Garden offers. It’s quite special!”

Proceeds from this fundraiser will go to maintenance and operating costs in the garden, but also to fund the ongoing programming and education initiatives. The garden is much more than a conglomeration of plants. It is a place for the people of the community to engage and to learn. The Cape Fear Botanical Garden offers many classes that range in interest from books and boats to survival skills. Rhythm and Blooms is a fundraiser to keep the community active and the garden and its plants growing.

The gates open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Ticket price includes entertainment and food. Tickets are $15 for members and $25 for general admission. For more information about Mr. Potato Head, visit www.mphead.com. Tickets are available for purchase at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. For more information visit www.capefearbg.org/RythmsandBlooms.php.

Photo: Mr. Potato will entertain at the Rhythm and Blooms Party to benefit the Cape Fear Botanical Garden.