Entertainment

The Hive in Hope Mills presents Mercantile Market

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Tuesday, 28 July 2026

Written by Katie Herring

It is safe to say that the food truck boom of the past several years has made its way to the Cumberland County area, with lots of successful and well-known food trucks and more arriving on the scene regularly. While it’s easy to stumble upon one set up in a parking lot here and there, food truck hubs are becoming more popular, both for the businesses and the patrons. The latest option for such a location is The Hive in Hope Mills, located at 3414 Bullard Street. Open seven days a week, The Hive offers a family-friendly environment for food, drinks, and fun. But every first and third Saturday, The Hive also hosts the Mercantile Market.
The Mercantile Market at the Hive is a relatively new event that Operations Coordinator Lisbeth Anne Marin hopes will quickly become a “community destination” for food, outdoor fun and shopping. There is space at The Hive for up to 20 vendors and up to 15 food trucks, providing several options for customers to peruse, explore and find new favorites.
While the food trucks rotate and can change from week to week, one constant is Big T’s Grill and Ice Cream, a Hope Mills institution whose original location is in the concession stand at Hope Mills Lake. On Mercantile Market mornings, Big T’s offers a breakfast menu from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., with stick-to-your-ribs breakfast sandwiches and other fare off the grill. While other breakfast food truck options could be added in the future, Big T’s has plenty of options for early shoppers.
On Mercantile Market mornings, vendors begin set-up at 8 a.m., then the shopping kicks off and lasts all day. The Hive is open until 10 p.m. on Saturdays, with live music kicking off at 6 p.m. The line-up rotates, so you can come back every week for a different musical offering. Live music takes place every Saturday, not just the first and third weeks of the Mercantile Market.
The Market is more than just a shopping destination; it is a curated collection of small businesses selling good-quality products. Marin works to ensure that the products being sold by vendors are varied and that thought goes into the placement of different vendors at the market.
All products must be hand-made or grown by the seller and each market day has no two booths selling the same types of products. All food products must be prepared in a commercially-inspected kitchen and carry the NC Department of Agriculture Home Processor label, to ensure that patrons can be confident in the safety of the food they buy.
Marin also works to support the small businesses by offering advice and guidance on everything from booth set-up and display to pricing and marketing. In addition to the Mercantile Market, starting in August, on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, The Hive will host a monthly business mixer for small business owners.
For more information on the Mercantile Market at The Hive, visit thehiveofhopemills.com. There, you can find links to applications for both food trucks and vendors.

Walk on wild side at Parkton Animal Oasis Summer Fest

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Tuesday, 28 July 2026

Written by Mahalia Cooks

Petting zoos with barnyard favorites such as sheep and rabbits are fun, but what if you could get up close and personal with emus, ostriches and wallabies? Parkton Animal Oasis offers a chance to meet these critters and more at their Summer Fest.
On Saturday, Aug. 1, families can enjoy a day full of outdoor action featuring yard games and exotic animal experiences. The Summer Fest will run from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 1585 Armory Road in Parkton. No need to fill up on food beforehand; food trucks will abound to present a range of tasty options, including Muddled and Fresh Beverage Co., Pazzo’s Italian Cuisine, Queen’s Seafood and The Chill Zone Ice Cream and Coffee.
Admission is $10 for each person, with free admittance for kids 2 and under. Families with a valid military ID receive a $2 discount on each ticket. For an additional $5, children get unlimited access to a dual water slide. Buy your tickets at the gate or secure them ahead of time at https://www.parkton-animal-oasis.com/event-details/summer-fest-2026.
The petting zoo is the crown jewel of this summer festival. Some of the animals that kids and parents will be able to see include a fun-loving baby camel named Dune, a sociable capybara named Dexter and adorable fennec foxes who are full of energy. Specially approved animal feed is available in the gift shop for $2 per bag.
For a truly unique time, families can add on another $10 per person for access to the park’s exclusive petting zoo featuring a baby ring-tailed lemur and baby spider monkey. This meet-and-greet allows visitors to take pictures with both animals for an unforgettable memory.
Not quite wild enough for you? Guests can visit the gift shop for an opportunity to hold the park’s therapy python, Zara. She’s a small, fully trained ball python and has previously participated in hundreds of educational encounters with kids.
Games like cornhole, inflatable axe-throwing, XL four-in-a-row and XL tic-tac-toe will be available for kids and families to play. Stop by the vendor stalls throughout the park to buy souvenirs for the ride back home; the Summer Fest offers a diverse variety of artisans, specialty food vendors and crafters selling unique items. Some vendors include Critters N Crystals LLC, Crafty Oma and Grandma Ada’s Sweets Bakery.
Don’t forget to take your child by the free face-painting booth and watch them transform into a fierce, grinning tiger or colorful butterfly.
A free watermelon eating contest will also be held for those who want to test their speed and endurance and try for the chance to come out on top.
The wildlife center enforces several protective measures for everyone’s safety and peace of mind during events and animal encounters. Guests will not enter the enclosures during the Summer Fest; there are designated interaction and viewing areas within the park. Staff members supervise each enclosure to ensure safe interactions. The park itself operates under North Carolina wildlife permits and is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture, undergoing regular inspections to ensure the facilities satisfy federal standards.
As for the animals, they live comfortably in USDA-compliant enclosures or climate-controlled environments as needed for their physiologies, and they receive regular veterinary care, including preventive care and examinations.
For any questions about the Summer Fest or the park’s operations, contact Parkton Animal Oasis at ParktonAnimalOasis@gmail.com or 910-635-6621.

(Visitors to Parkton Animal Oasis can pet a capybara, among other creatures. Photo courtesy of Parkton Animal Oasis)

Community events give away supplies to students, teachers

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Tuesday, 28 July 2026

Written by Staff Report

Children, parents and teachers across Cumberland County are already looking ahead to an exciting new school year.
I share that excitement—because this fall marks 29 years of providing Kidsville News!, our free reading and educational newspaper, to families and teachers in Cumberland County’s public, private and Christian schools.
Strong reading skills are essential to every child’s success, and Kidsville News! has always made reading fun, engaging and confidence building. This year, families won’t have to wait until school starts to get their copy. Thanks to the generosity of many local businesses and community organizations, Kidsville News! will be available at numerous Back to School events happening throughout Fayetteville and Cumberland County.
These partners are stepping up in a big way—offering backpack giveaways, free school supplies, health screenings, haircuts and other vital educational resources to help families prepare for a successful school year. I love working with these folks, and I’ve made sure they have plenty of Kidsville News! newspapers to distribute right alongside those backpacks and school supplies.
These Back to School events are designed to help students begin the year with pride, excitement and confidence. The community is coming together to help prepare for the school year, and we are excited to be a part of it. Together with my friends at Up & Coming Weekly, we’ve rounded up a list of upcoming events so families can easily find the one closest to them.
Kidsville News! remains a free reading and educational resource filled with STEM content that is both challenging and fun. Quantities will be limited at each event, so if your location runs out, call me at 910 391 3859, and I’ll direct you to the nearest spot where you can pick up a copy.
Here’s to a great school year ahead—and to the children, families, educators, and community partners who make Cumberland County such a wonderful place to live, play, and learn.
Oh, yeah! Thank you for reading Publisher Bill’s newspaper.
Best Regards,
Truman

August 1

Back to School Supply Giveaway at Sherwood Park Elementary School, 2115 Hope Mills Rd., 10 a.m.: Free school supplies while supplies last. There will be fun surprises and additional giveaways.

Back to School Book Bag & Supplies Giveaway at Powerhouse of Love and Faith, 4919 Murchison Rd., noon: Clear/mesh book bags and school supplies will be given away
until supplies last.

August 8

Back to School Jam & Health Fair at 301 North Cool Spring St., 11 a.m.: There will be a backpack and school supply giveaway. The Back to School Jam will include games, bounce houses, face painting and food trucks.

Back to School Jamboree at 5777 Holland St., 11 a.m.: They will be giving away backpacks, toiletry packs, haircut and hairstyling vouchers and clothing. Also enjoy games, prizes, resource vendors, food and drinks.

Back 2 School Community Giveback at 6900 Cliffdale Rd., Suite 307, 11 a.m.: Give a pair of new shoes to start the school year. The child must be present and going to school in the 26/27 school year. There will be on-site registration and one pair per child.

Back 2 School Fest at 6830 Ramsey St., 10 a.m.: School supplies will be given away with free haircuts, haircare sessions and a dental clinic. Enjoy games, bounce houses, a dunking booth, Zumba class and live music.

Community Bash at 451 Buhmann Dr., 10 a.m.: Free food, backpacks, health screenings and dental screenings available.

1st Annual Back to School Bash at 6773 Overhills Rd., 11 a.m.: Enjoy free haircuts, mini manicures and a school supply giveaway while supplies last. Also enjoy games, music, food, raffles, door prizes, vendor shopping, community resources and live music.

Annual Back to School Giveaway at 5869 Yadkin Rd., 9 a.m.: School supplies will be given out for Kindergarten through 12th grade. The child must be present.

Back to School Bash at 1411 Rim Rd., 10 a.m.: Free school supplies will be given out to kindergarten through 12th-grade students. The child must be present to receive supplies. Also enjoy food, a bounce house, community vendors, giveaways and prizes.

August 13

Back to School Jam at 2801 Rosehill Rd., 10 a.m.: Backpacks and school supplies will be given away. Enjoy games, a bounce house, face painting and food trucks.

August 15

Back to School Giveaway at 324 Coverly Square, noon: Enjoy a day of community, shopping, and fun with a free school supply giveaway for children and classroom supplies for teachers, while supplies last. Also enjoy local vendors, food trucks, community resources and music.

Back to School Giveaway Pop-Up Shop at 3069 Cumberland Rd., Suite 102, noon: This event will feature a school supply giveaway, community resources, music, raffles and giveaways.

Back to School Giveaway at Mendoza Municipal Park, 1774 Little River, Spring Lake, 10 a.m.: They will be giving away bookbags, food and clothes while supplies last.

Books, Backpacks, & Beauty at Heritage Park, 5445 Lakeview Rd., Hope Mills, 11 a.m.: This free community back-to-school event will give out free school supplies, free haircuts, free hairdos, free hygiene products and free snacks.

Back to School Giveaway at Dick's House of Sport, Freedom Town Center, 2741 Freedom Parkway Dr., 10 a.m.: This event will support local autism families and the neurodiverse community. They will be giving away free school supplies and backpacks.

Back to School Bash at 352 Devers St., 11 a.m.: They will be giving out school supplies, hygiene products, classroom essentials, healthy snacks and gift cards.

Back to School: School Supplies Giveaway at VFW Post 6018, 116 Chance St., 11 a.m.: They will be giving out free backpacks filled with school supplies, while supplies last. Students must be present and school age, kindergarten through 12th grade. Refreshments will also be served.

Back to School Bash at East Hoke Middle School, 200 Fayetteville Rd., Raeford, 9 a.m.: They will be giving out free school supplies.

Back to School Bash at Segra Stadium, 460 Hay St., 10 a.m.: Blue Star Families has partnered with the Fayetteville Woodpeckers to host this event for 100 military-connected children. Families will enjoy meeting the Woodpecker players, batting practice, prizes, giveaways, food and drinks. Registration is required at https://tinyurl.corm/29hwf2nw.

I Love My Community Celebration & Giveaway (Day 1) at 3421 Murchison Rd., noon: Receive free school supplies while also enjoying resource vendors, music, food, community activities and community support. Students must be present to receive school supplies.

August 16

I Love My Community Celebration & Giveaway (Day 2) at Crown Complex, 1960 Coliseum Dr., 3 p.m.: This is a drive-thru school supply pick-up event. Students must be present to receive school supplies.

5th Backpack Drive-Thru Giveaway at 1866 Brawley Ave., 3 p.m.: They will be giving away essential school supplies for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. One backpack per student while supplies last. Students must be present.

Back to School Community Event at Lake Rim Rec Center, 1455 Hoke Loop, 2 p.m: They will be giving away school supplies. There will also be a bounce house, grilled food, music, face painting, and community fun for the whole family.

August 21

Ritchie the Lion's 5th Annual Back to School Event at Red Coat Design Studio, 7707 S. Raeford Rd., Ste 109, 11 a.m.: Ritchie the Lion will be giving away backpacks, school supplies, clothing, hygiene items and snacks.

Back to School Backpack Giveaway at VFW Post 670, 3928 Doc Bennett Rd., 6 p.m.: They have over 100 backpacks filled with school supplies to give away to kindergarten to High School students. Students must be present to receive supplies.

August 22

Fayetteville Community Back to School Unity Day at 500 Fisher St., noon: This event will have a free backpack giveaway with live music, dance team performances, motivational speakers, school readiness resources and local vendors.

Back 2 School Event at 1111 Ireland Dr., Suite 103, 9:30 a.m.: School-aged children will receive free backpacks with supplies. There will also be free hairstyles, haircuts, and wellness sessions. Please call to make an appointment at 910-491-9571.

Back to School Explosion at 4616 Murchison Rd., 1 p.m.: There will be free clothing for kids, teens, and adults, vendors, and resources.

August 23

Back to School Bazaar at 4101 Raeford Rd., 3 p.m.: This event will have free school supplies and backpacks. There will also be community resources, vendors, food, music, youth activities, a double-dutch competition and a dance showcase.

Capes, Crowns & Chaos at Fascinate-U invites families to play before school bell rings

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Tuesday, 28 July 2026

Written by Tiffany Haywood

Fascinate-U Children's Museum transforms the final days of summer into a free community celebration where imagination leads the way and families can make one more memory before school begins.
As parents, we all know summer has a funny way of feeling like it lasts forever and goes by far too fast—all at the same time. Just as we're soaking up the last carefree days of the season, the countdown to school begins. Suddenly, the calendar fills with school supply lists, open houses, earlier bedtimes and alarm clocks.
Before that first school bell rings, Fascinate-U Children's Museum is inviting families to make one more summer memory.
On Aug. 8, the downtown Fayetteville museum will transform the block outside its home at 116 Green St. into "Capes, Crowns & Chaos," its second annual End-of-the-Summer Block Party—a celebration designed to let imagination take center stage one last time before backpacks replace beach towels.
"We wanted something that really encouraged imaginative play," said Executive Director Amanda Jekel. "Whether a child dreams of being a superhero or a princess or even a prince and just wants to jump into the fun, we felt like that really reminded us of imagination."
Unlike many end-of-summer events centered on school supplies, Fascinate-U intentionally chose a different path.
For years, the museum hosted a Back-to-School Bash complete with backpack giveaways. But as more organizations across Cumberland County began meeting that need, museum leaders realized they could serve families in another meaningful way.
"What families need is just another time to be able to make memories together," Jekel said.
Families will find an entire block transformed into a place for play. Fascinate-U will close the block in front of the museum, creating space for games, community partners and hands-on activities while keeping the museum itself open throughout the event.
This year's celebration is also the first to offer completely free admission, thanks to presenting sponsor Brightspeed.
"Making it free allows for families that weren't going to be able to come," Jekel said.
The sponsorship also allowed the museum to expand the event beyond what was possible during its inaugural year.
"We were able to enhance and create more partnerships," she said. "We were able to bring in more community partners because that's really what we want—to shine a light on other organizations downtown."
The result is a block party designed around imagination rather than simply entertainment.
Outside, children can cool off in a foam party provided by Xfinity Games LLC, experience a gaming truck, bounce in an inflatable from AMA Royal Rentals LLC and help build a giant cardboard castle—perfectly fitting the event's royal theme.
For my family, Fascinate-U has long been one of those places where imagination naturally takes over. From the kid-sized grocery store and bank to the post office, doctor's office and dress-up areas, the museum creates opportunities for children to imagine who they can become.
Creative activities throughout the day will include fairy hair, face painting, a hands-on modeling clay activity with Kidcreate Studio, mobile gem mining, appearances by Gambol the Clown and opportunities for children to embrace the event's "Capes, Crowns & Chaos" theme by becoming whatever their imaginations dream up.
For Jekel, one of the most exciting additions this year is the foam party.
"I love learning through mess," she said. "People don't want to make a bunch of messes in your house because then you have to clean it up."
Fortunately for parents, Fascinate-U has already thought about that. Cleaning stations will be available, although families are encouraged to bring a change of clothes since children are likely to leave the foam party a little wet. With August temperatures in full swing, chances are they won't stay wet for long.
When it's time to refuel, guests can choose from Wild Sunflower Pizza, BADO's Louisiana Kitchen LLC and Sweet Street Treat Trailer while enjoying music and activities throughout the afternoon.
Beyond creating one memorable day before school starts, the event also introduces families to everything Fascinate-U offers throughout the year, including educational programming, art and craft classes, birthday party rentals and everyday museum experiences.
"It gives people a reason to come back," Jekel said. "You may see something and think, 'I do want to bring my kids back.' It helps us shine a light on all the things that we do."
Capes, Crowns & Chaos will take place Saturday, Aug. 8, from noon to 4 p.m. at Fascinate-U Children's Museum, 116 Green St. Admission to both the block party and the museum is free thanks to presenting sponsor Brightspeed.
Before the homework, early alarms and packed lunches return, families have one more opportunity to slow down, throw on a cape, wear a crown and embrace a little chaos together. It may be the end of summer, but it might become one of the season's favorite memories.
"It's one last chance for families to enjoy a last summer activity before everybody starts heading back to school," Jekel said.

(Photo: Fascinate-U Children's Museum will be holding a "Capes, Crowns & Chaos" Summer Block Party on Aug. 8. This year, the museum will be closing down the block in front of the museum to offer kids even more chances to play and explore. Photo courtesy of Fascinate-U)