Entertainment

Fayetteville Run Club celebrates with Firecracker 4 Miler

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Tuesday, 09 June 2026

Written by Amanda Ransom

Before the fireworks begin, hundreds of runners, walkers and families will gather downtown for the Firecracker 4 Miler, a Fourth of July tradition hosted by the Fayetteville Running Club that celebrates community, fitness and local student-athletes.
"The Firecracker 4 Miler is woven directly into Fayetteville's identity as the All-American City," said Shawn Wussow of the Fayetteville Running Club. "With a 7 a.m. start, the morning transforms into a magnificent sea of red, white and blue."
Nearly everyone arrives wearing patriotic colors, and for many local families, participating has become a cherished holiday tradition.
"It's a nice way to start the holiday before you head out to those BBQs, fireworks and other festivities," Wussow said.
The Firecracker 4 Miler continues to attract strong community support, with organizers expecting approximately 850 participants this year, a level of participation that allows the Fayetteville Running Club to expand its scholarship program and enhance the race experience for runners.
“We've grown every year, and that means better scholarships and swag for the participants," Wussow said.
Beyond the festive atmosphere, the Firecracker 4 Miler serves a larger purpose. Proceeds from the event support the Fayetteville Running Club's Student Athlete Scholarship Program, which awards scholarships to local students pursuing higher education.
"We award up to four local students scholarships to the college they will attend," Wussow said. "It's not about being the fastest or having the highest GPA. Sometimes it's the personal stories that help win the scholarships."
For Wussow, one of the most rewarding aspects of the event is seeing the impact firsthand.
"It's really nice to be a part of a tangible effort that you can see the results from," he said. "Often the students come back and join one of our group runs after college."
The course winds through downtown Fayetteville, passing landmarks such as Arsenal Park, Hay Street and Segra Stadium before finishing at North South Brewing Company. Beyond the race, participants can enjoy brunch, local vendors, family activities and visits from Woodpeckers mascot Bunker.
"We strive to provide a premium experience," Wussow said. "We want every participant to leave with lasting holiday memories."
One of the event's defining characteristics is its welcoming atmosphere. Elite runners share the course with first-time participants, families with strollers, walkers and dogs.
"As a member of the Road Runners Club of America, we pledge to be inclusive and supportive of all abilities," Wussow said. "We all started somewhere, and along the way we met others and became like family."
That sense of inclusion has created memorable moments over the years.
Community partnerships also play a major role in the event's success. Local businesses, sponsors and volunteers help support race operations, scholarships and participant experiences.
"Local businesses, sponsors and our volunteers are the lifeblood of any charitable event," Wussow said. "When the Firecracker flourishes, our downtown partners flourish right alongside us, and that collective success is the very essence of community partnership."
For first-time participants who may be hesitant to sign up, Wussow offers simple encouragement.
"Do not hesitate simply lace up your shoes and join us," he said. "Whether you choose to run or walk, you'll be embraced by the most supportive community in the city. You'll see not only tears of joy, but tears of triumph. Come take a walk or run with your neighbors and make some new friends. No shortage of cowbells and high-fives here."
The Firecracker 4 Miler takes place July 4 in downtown Fayetteville. Registration is available online through RunSignUp at https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Fayetteville/Firecracker4MilerFayetteville. For more information, course maps and registration details, visit the Fayetteville Running Club's social media pages or race website.

(Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Running Club's Facebook page)

Cumberland County honors the past, inspires the future

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Tuesday, 09 June 2026

Written by Amber Little

Juneteenth isn’t just a celebration of Black culture and excellence for Black Americans in the United States. It’s a day of remembrance, observance and living Black joy out loud in a country that once extinguished that with bondage, violence and law. On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, over two years after slavery was abolished, a U.S. Major General read General Order #3, proclaiming all slaves in Texas free. This is believed to be the last part of the country to receive the news, marking that day as the day every Black American was free. This became known as Juneteenth.
The whole country has something planned for Juneteenth, from city-sponsored events to neighborhood block parties. There will be no shortage of fun, educational, informative and inspiring experiences to enjoy. Cumberland County is no different, with a range of family-friendly events happening around the county all weekend. Grab your sunscreen, folding chair and joy, and head to any of the amazing events below.

Fayetteville
400 Years: The Evolution of Black America
Cameo Art House Theater
Thursday, June 18, 7 p.m.
The unofficial, official kickoff to the Cumberland County Juneteenth festivities, 400 Years: The Evolution of Black America, is in its fourth year. This is an inspiring contemporary production by the extraordinarily talented women of Book Black Women, Inc, led by Ayana Washington and Cerina Thomas of No Longer Bound Entertainment. It features and highlights talented local musicians, actors, dancers, poets and other creatives.
The production has found a second home at the Clayton Center as part of its Juneteenth celebration on June 13, expanding the experience far beyond Cumberland County. This year is extra special, with the release and screening of the 400 Years Documentary, chronicling the evolution of the production from conception to its now multi-city performance.
Washington is rightfully proud of the growth and success of 400 Years, as well as its impact on the community, stating, “I want the community to know that Juneteenth is both a celebration and an opportunity to reflect on the resilience, contributions and ongoing story of Black Americans. Our goal is not only to entertain but also to inspire conversations that continue long after the curtain closes. We are grateful for every organization, artist, volunteer, and audience member who has helped this production grow over the years.”
Tickets can be purchased at http://www.bookblackwomen.org/ or https://tr.ee/z7XWqXFPAW

Juneteenth Jubilee
Friday, June 19
5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Festival Park
The 4th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee has a packed roster of performers, vendors and artists. Sponsored by the City of Fayetteville and Cool Spring Downtown District, this year’s Afrofuturism-themed celebration is tapped to be the biggest yet, with Mississippi-born songbird Kirby headlining. You may have never heard the name, but you’ve heard her words, writing for some of the biggest names in the business like Rihanna and Beyoncé.
Her music is a mix of blues and soul with a hint of that Deep South Mississippi country twang. Her lyrics are intentional and her performance is magnetic. The names and talent don’t stop there. Atlanta-native, but now North Carolina based country crooner Misha Fair will grace the stage with some of her biggest hits like Blood, Sweat & Wine. The lineup will also include a lineup of Fayetteville’s favorite local artists, including Trev Truth.
Festival Park will be packed with food, craft and cultural vendors, as well as art. A celebration of the achievements and creation of Black Americans, in the past, present, and in the future will be showcased.
Ashanti Bennett, President and CEO of Cool Spring Downtown District, a leading force behind the event, is excited for the community to come out and make connections, commenting, “Our Juneteenth Jubilee infuses the spirit of that history in a community gathering that celebrates the contributions, resilience, and relentless joy of Black Americans today. It is a chance to come together and reflect on a shadowed past, while leaning towards the light, and imagining a limitless future. We celebrate through curated art, music, food, education, entrepreneurship and overall camaraderie.”
“Cool Spring Downtown District is proud to be the curators of this event on behalf of the City of Fayetteville, for the fifth year,” she added. “The Jubilee embodies our mission to make downtown Fayetteville a dynamic hub where creativity, culture, and commerce thrive. See you at the Jubilee!”
This event is free to the public. Festival Park has a clear bag policy that is strictly enforced.

Juneteenth Celebration 5K
Saturday, June 20
7:30 a.m.
Runner Check-in 6:15 a.m. to 7:15 a.m.
Evans Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
What started as a 150-strong first-year 5K in honor of Juneteenth has grown to an estimated 600 runners and walkers, taking on 5k (3.2 miles). The race was first started by Shawn Wussow, a race organizer and co-owner of Stubborn Donkey Running. In 2023, the race was transferred over to the Fayetteville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and has continued its success and size. There are currently no openings to participate, but there is a waiting list and some merchandise for sale to help the cause. Proceeds from the race go to the FAC DST Scholarship fund. To join the waiting list or make a donation, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Fayetteville/JuneteenthFAY5k.

Spring Lake
Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, June 19
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Mendoza Park, 1770 Little River Rd., Spring Lake
Spring Lake is hosting a Juneteenth Celebration in Mendoza Park. The family-friendly event will feature food trucks, live music and performances, arts and crafts, games, and poetry; a community celebration for all to enjoy. Grab a lawn chair and your dancing shoes.

The Juneteenth Heritage Awards and Brunch
Sunday, June 21
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Carver’s Creek State Park, Spring Lake
A Juneteenth weekend isn’t complete without attendance at the annual Heritage Awards and Brunch, hosted on the grounds of the historically significant and beautiful Carver’s Creek State Park. The family-friendly event is the culmination of a weekend celebration of hard work, creativity, excellence and resilience of Black Americans.
Continuing the theme of the weekend, this year’s theme is Afrofuturism in Elegance: Rooted in truth. Rising in possibility. This event was founded by cultural heritage nonprofit, Circa 1865, Inc.. Their mission, “to preserve and celebrate Black cultural legacy in our region,” is the cornerstone of why they continue to make this event bigger and better every year. The immersive experience includes the Carver's Creek Heritage Journey, a guided tractor ride of the land, embarking with knowledge and a new understanding of history, memory, and freedom. Providing the entertainment are Black Note Collective and Bougie Bites and Boards will be providing the delicious fare.
This year’s award winners are
• Debora Hudson | Legacy of Service Award
• Sandhills Family Heritage Association, in memory of the late Ammie Jenkins | Cultural Preservation Award
• Commissioner Sona L. Cooper | Community Excellence Award
• Jerry and Justin Canada, Legacy Rolls | Economic Empowerment Award
• Dr. Antoinne Duane Jones, ADJ Media | Creative Visionary Award
Each one of these individuals has had a positive impact on the Spring Lake community. Spring Lake Mayor and Founder and President of Circa 1865, Inc, Kia Anthony, is proud of the legacy they are creating with this annual event, noting, “Come. Bring your family. Wear something that makes you feel good. This event is for the community, for the elders who kept this history alive, and for the young people who need to see themselves in it. Juneteenth deserves to be celebrated like it means something. We're making sure it does.”
Tickets are $40 General Admission and $65 for VIP and can be purchased at https://pay.wearecirca1865.com/juneteenthheritageawards.

Hope Mills
Juneteenth Liberty and Legacy Celebration
Saturday, June 20
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Hive of Hope Mills, 3414 Bullard Street
Hope Mills is putting on a celebration this year, with an entire day packed with fun, food and entertainment for the entire family. The celebration includes an open market, cultural art crawl, vendors and live music. Local radio personality and connection-maker, ShaDonna “The Mo You Know” McPaul, will be present with a live broadcast with Cumulus Music Group and 104.5 WCCG and live music performances by Motran, Dani Urbane and Christopher Freedom. This is a free community event.

(Top Photo: The Queens of the 2025 Juneteenth Jubilee celebration pose for a photo. The 2025 Juneteenth theme was "Sovereign." In 2026, the Juneteenth Jubilee will take over Festival Park, and the county will celebrate other Juneteenth events throughout the weekend. Photo courtesy of City of Fayetteville, NC Facebook page)

Crown hosts Pokekon

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Tuesday, 09 June 2026

Written by Tara Kamiya

North Carolina Pokemon fans are expected to gather in Fayetteville this month as PokeKon Fest returns with a full day dedicated to the popular franchise that has entertained generations of players, collectors and families.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, at the Crown Complex and will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $20, while children under 11 will be admitted free. Parking at the venue is also free.
Since its debut in 1996, Pokemon has grown into one of the most successful entertainment franchises in the world. Coordinators of PokeKon say the fan base has expanded significantly over the past decade, helped in part by the success of Pokemon Go, which introduced the franchise to new players while reconnecting longtime fans with a favorite part of their childhood.
According to organizers, the continued popularity of Pokemon among adults is not surprising. Many fans who grew up collecting cards, watching the television series and playing video games in the late 1990s and early 2000s remain active in the hobby today.
That nostalgia has helped fuel a thriving collectibles market. Rare Pokemon cards have become highly sought after, with some selling for substantial amounts. Among the most famous examples is the Pikachu Illustrator card, a rare promotional card awarded to winners of a Japanese illustration contest in 1998. The card is widely regarded as one of the most valuable and difficult Pokemon collectibles to obtain.
As the value of collectible cards has increased, so has public attention on the hobby. Organizers noted that while the overwhelming majority of collectors and vendors are honest enthusiasts, valuable collectibles can sometimes attract criminal activity. Recent reports involving stolen Pokemon cards have highlighted the growing financial value attached to rare items.
Despite those incidents, the Pokemon community is described as welcoming and family oriented. Many attendees are parents who once played Pokemon themselves and now share the experience with their children.
That generational connection is one reason it is believed Pokemon will remain popular for years to come. As longtime fans introduce younger family members to the games and trading cards, interest continues to grow across age groups.
PokeKon Fest is designed to offer more than a traditional card show. Organizers say one of the biggest challenges in planning the event is creating an experience that appeals to a wide audience.
The event will feature trading card vendors, artists, special guests and voice actors connected to the Pokemon franchise. Organizers say their goal is to create a memorable experience that offers something for collectors, casual fans and families alike.
Cosplay is also expected to play a major role in the event. Strong participation is expected from local cosplay enthusiasts ranging from experienced costume creators to newcomers attending their first convention. They describe the cosplay community as creative, supportive and open to participants of all ages and skill levels.
Coordinators hope PokeKon Fest will continue as an annual event in Fayetteville. They say the gathering provides an opportunity for fans to celebrate a franchise that has connected people around the world for nearly three decades.
As preparations continue, organizers expressed appreciation for the community members, vendors, artists and volunteers who help make the event possible. Their goal, they said, is to create a fun and memorable day for Pokemon fans of every generation.

The Unnecessaries bring family-friendly improv to Fayetteville

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Tuesday, 09 June 2026

Written by Sheila Barker

Nobody needs improv comedy. That is part of the joke.
For Dr. Brian King, founder and co-producer of The Unnecessaries, that idea became the name, the tagline and the spirit behind Fayetteville’s newest local improv troupe.
“The whole idea is that nobody needs improv,” King said. “It’s completely unnecessary, but a whole lot of fun.”
The Unnecessaries, co-founded by King and Matthew Jackson, are bringing a different kind of comedy to Fayetteville; one built on audience suggestions, quick thinking and family-friendly humor. The troupe has performed at churches, Paddy’s Irish Pub, North/South Brewing, Dirty Whiskey, The Cameo Art House Theatre and Fourth Friday events downtown.
King, a stand-up comedian who has lived in Los Angeles and New York, moved to Fayetteville about a year and a half ago. He said he noticed the city had a strong theater community, but not much in the way of regular comedy performances, especially improv.
“I wanted to bring to this community something that it did not have,” King said. “There is some comedy in this town, and there’s actually really good theater for a city of this size. But what we don’t have is regular comedy performances, and we don’t have anything resembling improv.”
Instead of building another stand-up comedy show, King wanted something broader, the kind of entertainment that could make his 9-year-old daughter and his 80-year-old parents laugh at the same time.
“It just seemed that improv was the perfect balance,” King said.
Unlike stand-up, improv does not rely on prepared jokes or scripted routines. Performers create scenes on the spot, using suggestions from the audience. King said that unpredictability is what makes the art form work.
“Nothing is prepared ahead of time,” he said. “There is no script, there is no set material. It is 100% made up in the moment on stage with the help of the audience.”
One of the troupe’s games, called “Diminishing Scene,” begins with a one-minute scene based on an audience suggestion. Then the actors perform the same scene in 30 seconds, then 15 seconds, with the pressure making the scene funnier each time.
The group began with auditions at a local library. King said he did not know what kind of talent pool he would find in Fayetteville, but he was quickly surprised. Jackson, an actor with years of stage, screen and improv experience, was one of the first to join.
The original group started with about 10 members, dropped to five or six, then expanded after another round of auditions in January. The troupe now has about 15 performers, including people with backgrounds in acting, music and even cruise ship entertainment.
“I’m very surprised at the talent that you can draw out of the woodwork in this city when you give people an opportunity,” King said.
The troupe’s family-friendly focus has also opened unexpected doors. King said churches have become some of the group’s most meaningful performance spaces.
“A lot of these churches in town have wonderful performance spaces,” he said. “We’re striving to be family-friendly, and it’s the kind of show you can bring your kids to, you can bring your grandparents to.”
The Unnecessaries also have performances planned beyond Fayetteville, including a show June 4 at ComedyWorx in Raleigh. They’ll be holding a June 20 show at The Cameo Art House Theatre in downtown Fayetteville.
King said the group hopes to eventually build both a local team and a road team, taking improv to smaller towns across North Carolina.
For now, the mission is simple: give people a good night out.
“I just want them to leave feeling very entertained,” King said. “Maybe it wasn’t necessary, but maybe we added value to their lives.”
The Unnecessaries post upcoming shows on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/theunnecessaries/

(Graphic courtesy of the Unnecessaries' Facebook page)