Fall in southeastern North Carolina never looked—or tasted—so good. On Saturday, Oct. 25, the Cape Fear Haunted Wine Run 5K will once again bring together runners, walkers, wine lovers, and Halloween enthusiasts at the scenic Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery at 195 Vineyard Dr, Elizabethtown. This one-of-a-kind event combines the thrill of a 5K run with the charm of wine country and the playful spirit of the Halloween season.
Participants are encouraged to show up in their favorite costumes and immerse themselves in a day filled with laughter, exercise and fine wine. The race begins promptly at 9 a.m., starting and finishing at Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery. The course itself offers a two-lap journey through the serene grounds of Greene’s Lake Conservation Park and the adjoining vineyard property. The terrain is mostly grassy, with a cross-country feel, offering just enough challenge to keep things exciting while remaining accessible for casual runners and walkers alike. Strollers are welcome, although the path can be uneven in places. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are also invited to join the fun, as long as their owners clean up after them.
While some participants come for the race, many arrive for the full experience that awaits afterward. Every registration includes a super-soft ring-spun cotton T-shirt, a shatterproof collapsible wine glass, a wine-glass-shaped finisher medal, a chip-timed race bib, free race photos, and, of course, a well-earned pour of wine for those of legal drinking age. Younger participants aged one to twenty receive a discounted registration rate, though their race packet will not include wine-related items.
The event is professionally timed and scored by J3 Timing, with results posted online shortly after the race. Top male and female finishers in each ten-year age bracket, from nine years old and up, receive custom awards. To qualify for age group awards, runners must start in the first wave at the beginning of the event. Registration is set at $50 plus processing fees.
Those unable to attend in person can still join the fun virtually. The race offers a virtual option that allows participants to complete their 5K anywhere, anytime, and still receive their swag in the mail for a small handling fee. This flexibility makes it possible for wine and running enthusiasts across the region to take part in the Halloween-themed experience.
Beyond the race itself, Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery offers a full day’s worth of experiences to explore. The on-site Cork Room Restaurant opens early for breakfast and brunch, providing the perfect post-race meal. Guests can also enjoy the vineyard’s other attractions, including boutique lakeside cottages, a day spa, distillery, museum, and tasting rooms. Families can take a stroll around the property to visit the resident llamas and small animal sanctuary, making this an ideal weekend outing for participants of all ages.
The Cape Fear Haunted Wine Run 5K also supports a worthy cause. Proceeds from the event benefit the Cape Fear Distillery Conservation Foundation, which funds environmental and conservation initiatives in the Cape Fear region and beyond. It’s a fun, festive way to stay active while giving back to a meaningful local mission.
The race is held rain or shine, though start times may be delayed in the event of severe weather or lightning. Packet pickup is available on race day only, beginning one hour before the start. With its scenic setting, festive atmosphere, and perfect pairing of fitness and wine, this is one fall event you won’t want to miss. To learn more about the race and to register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Elizabethtown/CapeFearHauntedWineRun5k?raceRefCode=UaHJJpxU
Grab a pair of running shoes, pick out a great costume and head to Elizabethtown for a morning of running, sipping, and celebrating. Whether you’re chasing a personal record or just want to enjoy a glass of wine in the crisp autumn air, the Cape Fear Haunted Wine Run 5K promises an unforgettable experience at one of North Carolina’s most beautiful vineyards.

A decades-long piece of Hope Mills history that disappeared in 2022 is back up and running, thanks to the Hope Mills Police Department Foundation. Ole Mill Days, loved by many as a celebration of the town’s textile milling history, was a place for family fun and shared stories. While highlights included a street dance and tractor pull that haven’t been resurrected yet, Debbie Jones, president and founder of the Hope Mills Police Department Foundation, has high hopes for the event’s future.
“We just want to build it every year and see it get bigger and bigger and bigger,” she shared, mentioning the street dance and tractor pull as goals. Jones helped the town organize the event before it shut down in 2022 due to budget constraints. Now, the Hope Mills PD Foundation is hosting it for the second year in a row, and hoping they see even more interest this year.
“We don’t have the money to pay for the advertisement,” Jones explained. The Hope Mills PD Foundation, a 501(c)3, doesn’t have any paid employees and runs completely on the volunteer power of community members who want to help raise funds for officers and their loved ones. “When I saw they weren’t doing the event anymore, I said ‘Wow, this would be a great thing for a fundraiser for the foundation.’”
Their limited budget means they depend on word-of-mouth advertising. After last year’s event, they learned that many were unaware the event was running again. This year, they want to change that.
“There are a lot of people in the community helping us, but we need to get our name out better,” Jones said. She’s putting extra effort into their Facebook page this year, and is depending on the kindness of several local businesses, organizations, and churches, who, by their support and participation in the event, bring awareness.
Jones said attendees can expect “a day of total fun,” with food and beverage vendors, arts and craft vendors, and activities for the kids.
“We’ll have the inflatables for the kids, beer for dad, and shopping for mom,” she shared, “It will definitely be a family-friendly, fun-filled day for everyone.” She said attendees can come prepared to eat their dinner, shop, and watch the kids enjoy themselves—she’s noticed that grandparents particularly enjoy the last activity.
Last year they hosted nearly 50 vendors, and this year, Jones says she’ll continue accepting vendors until the night before the event. “I’m not cutting it off until I can’t squeeze another one in!” She exclaimed, adding they have a huge space to accommodate more.
Food choices include a growing number of diverse treats. Yinzers “Pittsburgh style food for North Carlinyinz,” the Juice Queen, Dessert Kingzz, and Poppy’s Sweets & Treats, which offers funnel cakes and beignets, will be there serving mouthwatering fare. Dirtbag Ales, who, according to Jones, is a “big sponsor for the foundation,” will offer beverages.
Other vendors spanning categories from virtual reality rides, to handmade jewelry to real estate services will be there. In a series of ongoing Facebook posts, Jones highlights each vendor, giving them a moment in the spotlight and sharing the Foundation’s excitement over their participation. Several recent highlighted vendors include Wiggles the Clown Balloon Art, Hope Mills Fire Department, KG Inflatables, Jones Financial Group, Fulfillity Books & More, Fort Liberty Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and U Got Game Virtual Reality.
All proceeds from the event will go to the Hope Mills Police Department Foundation, furthering their mission of serving the police officer community.
“We are here to improve the quality of life for officers and their families,” Jones explained.
In addition to providing financial support to officers and their families in need, the Foundation hosts social events like an annual ball, where attendance is free and law enforcement families are treated to a steak dinner.
As founder and president of the foundation, Jones says the mission is close to her heart, although neither she nor her family served in law enforcement. A long-time business owner in Hope Mills, Jones felt the support and protection of the department personally over the years. “The police have always been very good to me,” she shared, “they were always checking in on me and my business.”
Before the officers had unlimited Wi-Fi access while on the job, she would let them park behind her business and use the Wi-Fi as they worked. The exchange prompted her to think, “What can I do for these officers?”
One conversation with a law enforcement friend later, they formed a board and the foundation was born. Their first fundraiser was held in the parking lot of her business, where they raised close to $5,000 for an officer’s spouse with medical needs.
“It just took a citizen to decide, ‘Hey, let’s do something!’” Jones said.
Now she hopes that Ole Mill Days can serve both law enforcement and the community at large. “Please, everybody, come out and have fun and support us!” she encouraged.
Direct vendor inquiries to Debbie Jones at 910-424-4497. Ole Mill Days will be held at Hope Mills Municipal Park, Oct. 25, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free to attend.

(Photo: Ole Mill Days celebrates the history of Hope Mills. The day also honors the police and first responders of Hope Mills. Photo courtesy of Ole Mill Days)

Three students from E.E. Smith High School died last week when the car they were riding in ran off the road on Rosehill Road, Fayetteville police said. The fourth passenger, the driver, was airlifted in critical condition.
Police have identified one of the victims as Jai’hyon Lamont Elliot, 18, and the driver as Dymond N. Monroe, 21. The other two students, both 17, were identified by Cumberland County Schools as Trevor Merritt and Nicholas Williams.
Around 7:22 p.m. on Oct. 8, officers responded to the 2700 block of Rosehill Road after a single-vehicle crash, police said. The car veered off the road, struck a telephone pole, and then hit a tree.
Three passengers died at the scene, the statement said. Monroe was airlifted to UNC Medical Center in critical condition. Police are investigating the cause.
Cumberland County Schools released a statement Oct. 9 confirming all three victims attended E.E. Smith High School and were members of the school’s football team.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of three E.E. Smith High School students … our thoughts and prayers are with their families,” the district said. “The top priority of the E.E. Smith High School administration is to provide support to students, faculty and staff as they process this tragedy. The district’s Student Services team will be on-site today to offer counseling and emotional support.”
In a message the same day, Superintendent Eric Bracy expressed condolences and spoke to the “lasting impact” the students have left behind.
“From the four corners of Cumberland County and beyond, we join together to wrap our arms around the E.E. Smith community,” he said. “We stand with their families, loved ones, classmates, teammates and school family as they grieve this devastating loss.”
Because the students were part of the football program, the school district announced that South View High School’s homecoming game, originally scheduled for Friday, Oct. 10 and in which E.E. Smith was set to play, is postponed. A new date will be announced later.
Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin, an alumnus of E.E. Smith, offered his condolences and encouragement for the families, students, and staff affected by the crash.
“Our community’s heart is broken. These young men were part of the Golden Bulls family and of Fayetteville’s future, and their loss is felt across our city. We are keeping the injured individual in our prayers and ask our community to join us in lifting up all who are hurting,” Colvin said in a statement.
The county school board also issued a statement following news of the wreck.
“The Cumberland County Board of Education extends its deepest condolences following the loss of three E.E. Smith High School seniors—young men whose energy, potential and friendships made a lasting mark on their school and community. Our hearts ache for their families and school community who are walking through this unimaginable time.”
The Fayetteville Police Department’s Traffic Unit is continuing the investigation into the crash. Police said more information will be released after next-of-kin notifications. Anyone with tips is asked to contact Officer C. Lewis at 910‑818‑1872.
CityView will continue to follow updates from the school district, police, and community as more information becomes available.
CityView Editor’s Note: This story was updated at 5 p.m. on Oct. 9 to include the correct identification of the driver of the vehicle after Fayetteville Police released additional information.

The primary is over and now residents will watch for who will win seats for mayor and the nine districts on Nov. 4. Running for mayor will be current Mayor Mitch Colvin, who is seeking a fifth term, and Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Keefe Jensen, who has served on the council since 2015.
Candidates for the nine districts are as follows: District 1 - Stephon Ferguson and James L. Thomas III, District 2 - Malik Davis and Gail Morfesis, District 3 - Antonio Jones and Jeremy Wright, District 4 - DJ Haire and Stuart A. Collick, District 6 - Derrick Thompson and Kenneth E. Odegard II, District 7 - Brenda McNair and Kathy A. Greggs, District 8 - Rodney E. Garvin and Shaun McMillan and District 9 - Deno Hondros and Joe McGee. Current Councilwoman Lynne Bissette Greene is running unopposed for District 5.
For more information about candidates running for office this year, visit https://sites.google.com/faybiz.com/gfccandidatesforum2025/home.
Possible consolidation of the Joint 911 Call Center
On Oct. 9, Chief Freddy Johnson, head of the Fire Chiefs Association, presented recommendations of public safety agencies for consolidated 911 services to the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners.
Johnson urged the consolidation at the Oct. 9 meeting citing public safety benefits and operational efficiency. The consolidated center would be housed at the county’s current facility at 500 Executive Place and the city and county would share the operational costs equally. Johnson also said that in their proposal that no employees would lose their job as a result of the consolidation and that it would include a mental health partnership with Alliance Health. Mental health professionals would be used to assist with 911 calls.
There have been three failed attempts to consolidate since 2007 due to disagreements over governance and control between the city and the county according to Johnson. The proposal presented to the county on Oct. 9 had previously been presented to the Fayetteville City Council for their consideration and was also discussed, following a presentation by a group of public safety leaders at the Joint City-County Liaison Committee meeting on Sept. 15.
Currently, Cumberland County operates a consolidated emergency communications center that handles 911 calls for the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, Hope Mills Police, Spring Lake Police, county fire departments and Cape Fear Valley EMS. The City of Fayetteville has its own 911 Communications Division, staffed 24/7 on the second floor of Fayetteville City Hall, which handles emergency and non-emergency calls within the city.
The proposed governance structure included staff members from Cumberland County, including the Sheriff’s Office and the Fire Chief Association, the City of Fayetteville, including the Police Chief and Fire Chief, the town managers from Spring Lake and Hope Mills, a licensed mental health professional from Alliance and the EMS director from Cape Fear Valley Health. However, the board asked that elected officials still lead the process.
The next step is for the governing bodies and staff at Cumberland County and the City of Fayetteville to reconvene for discussion. The county will work with the city for that future meeting date.
On Oct. 6, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners approved economic development incentives of up to $363,500, paid over five years, for a steel fabrication plant, also known as the “Project Superman” proposed expansion.
Robert Van Geons, president and CEO of the Fayetteville-Cumberland Economic Development Corporation, asked for the funds to help create 42 full-time jobs in the county by 2029 with an average wage exceeding $66,700. Capital investment, including real and business equipment for this project, is expected to be $22 million.
The Fayetteville City Council approved an incentive grant of $327,487 for the project on Sept. 22.
About the Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests. With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice shaping policies, driving economic success and building a thriving business community—together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com or email jmclaughlin@faybiz.com.

(Photos: Current mayor Mitch Colvin, left, and Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen, right, come out as the two top contenders for the Fayetteville Mayoral race after the Oct. 7 primary. The two will be on the ballot for the Nov. 4 election.)

Trigger warning, this column is not suitable for UNC football fans, Snowflakes irritated by mangled Greek Mythology, or small house plants. Parental discretion is advised. You would be better off binge-watching pre-season Hallmark Channel Christmas movies rather than wasting your time reading this drivel. I personally witnessed the recent UNC- Clemson football debacle. I am scarred for life as a result of the traumatic events at Kenan Stadium. Unlike what Andy Griffith once said, what it was, was not football. It was Slaughter House 38-10 in Chapel Hill. Andy at least got a big Orange soda at his Tar Heel game. I did not even have the comfort of adult beverages to ease the gridiron pain as I had to drive back home after the game.
To be a Tar Heel football fan is to suffer, to know great pre-season hopes only to see them dashed to bits on the shores of a non-existent defense and an at best mediocre offense. It is to be Charlie Brown hoping that this time Lucy will not snatch the football away at the last minute. It is to understand the depths of Charlie’s anguish as he screams, “AAUGH!” The Heels gave up 28 points to Clemson in the first quarter. There is no Mercy Rule in college football to stop scoring carnage. UNC, like Blanche Dubois in A Streetcar Named Desire, must depend upon the kindness of strangers. In this case, the kind strangers wore Clemson orange. If Clemson had not played its second and third strings after the first quarter, the score might have been a Zillion to 3.
Unfortunately, like Humpty Dumpty’s issues, UNC’s Bill Belichick, our $50 million 73-year-old coach, and Jordan, his 24-year-old girlfriend, could not put the Tar Heels back together again. To rationalize why Tar Heel fans still pull for the football team, kindly turn to the story of Sisyphus, the patron saint of Carolina Football. At some point in the past, UNC football must have offended the Greek Gods. We are the Sisyphus of college football. Were you asleep when Sisyphus was discussed in your Greek Mythology class? Allow me to refresh your recollection. Post Tarheel Sisyphus Disorder (PTSD) explains what happens in Kenan Stadium each Autumn.
Sisyphus considered himself smarter than Zeus. He ticked off Zeus by ratting him out about kidnapping the River God’s daughter. It is not wise to aggravate the King of the Gods. Zeus ordered Thanatos the God of Death to chain up Sisyphus. Sisyphus pulled the old switcheroo and chained up Thanatos instead. Because Thanatos was chained up, no humans could die on Earth. This situation frustrated Ares, the God of War, because battles couldn’t result in killing his enemies. Death was stingless while Thanatos was imprisoned. Ares finally captured Sisyphus and unchained Thanatos so people could start dying again.
Sisyphus ended up in the custody of Hades, the God of the Underworld. Being a smooth talker, Sisyphus conned Hades into letting him temporarily go back to the world of the living to remonstrate with his wife. Once above ground, Sisyphus refused to go back to the Underworld until he died of old age. On returning to the Underworld, Hades made Sisyphus push a giant enchanted rock up a hill. When Sisyphus got the rock almost to the top of the hill, the rock would roll back down the hill, forcing Sisyphus to start pushing the rock back up the hill again. This goes on for eternity. Sisyphus is the universal symbol of “useless efforts and unending frustration.”
Speaking of useless efforts and unending frustration, Gentle Reader, now do you see why UNC football fans suffer PTSD every Autumn? Hope springs eternal each pre-season. We dream the impossible dream. We will fight the unbeatable foe. We will bear with unbearable sorrow. We will run where the brave dare not go. This season will be different. The Heels will go all the way. We will push the Enchanted Rock up the hill. Victory will be in sight. Then the month of September arrives. The football-shaped rock rolls back down Chapel Hill, crushing the hopes of the Village Faithful in Kenan Stadium. By October, there is no pressure on Tar Heel football fans. We leave during the 3rd quarter. The season was wrecked during September. We long for the return of basketball season and UNC Women’s Field Hockey.
Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright/ The band is playing somewhere/ And somewhere hearts are light/ And somewhere men are laughing/ And somewhere children shout/ But there is no joy in Chapel Hill/ Mighty Belichick has struck out.

(Illustration by Pitt Dickey)

Is time travel possible? Of course! On this matter, you’d be wise to consult not physicists but artists — including the faculty of a certain highland school that once existed in a time all its own.
No, it wasn’t nestled inside Brigadoon. I refer to the John C. Campbell Folk School in beautiful Brasstown, North Carolina, which straddles the boundary between Clay and Cherokee counties.
When the United States was initially divided into four standard time zones in 1883, the far western corner of our state lay within Central Time. Over the ensuing decades, many communities voted to join the rest of North Carolina in observing Eastern Time. Clay County was one of them. Cherokee wasn’t. So the folks in Brasstown decided to split the difference. When it was 4 o’clock in Hayesville and 3 o’clock in Murphy, the clock at Campbell Folk School read 3:30!
Speaking of time, this fall marks the 100th anniversary of the school’s founding. Olive Dame Campbell, the widow of scholar John C. Campbell, incorporated the institution in late 1925 with her friend Marguerite Butler, a Kentucky schoolteacher. Residents of Brasstown and neighboring communities contributed land, labor, and resources to the emerging folk school, a form of education borrowed from Northern Europe that imparts knowledge and skills without conferring grades or credentials.
Campbell Folk School is, in fact, the oldest and largest such institution in the United States, serving thousands of students and tens of thousands of visitors annually with weeklong and weekend classes, longer work-study programs for young people, and hundreds of concerts and dances a year for everyone.
What can you study at the folk school? Here’s a partial list: music, dance, gardening, quilting, photography, weaving, marbling, storytelling, painting, and puppetry. Fair warning, though: don’t expect to spend much of your time in classrooms listening to lectures. Campbell is very much a learn-by-doing school. Its motto? “We sing behind the plow.”
It was, indeed, sound that Olive Campbell used to describe what she had in mind. “We listen to sound of hammer,” she wrote, to “saw and plane in the carpentry room, to the thud of the loom and whirr of spinning wheel in the weaving and sewing room. We watch them at their daily physical training in the gymnasium. We hear them singing — for it is song that welds the group.”
Bethany Chaney, executive director of Campbell Folk School, relishes the opportunity to honor its past while serving new generations.
“We are this anchor here in far western North Carolina,” she told my Carolina Journal colleague Katherine Zender, “and because so few of us who’ve grown up in North Carolina ever get out here, we may not know what an incredibly special, beautiful, vibrant 100-year-old institution we have and how the folk school has changed people’s lives, perspectives, and even vocations.”
The school just completed its Fall Festival and is now preparing to host its Forge After Dark event, which will feature a blacksmithing demonstration and live music on Nov. 7 and a craft auction on Nov. 8.
No, you won’t find a mysterious TARDIS or souped-up DeLorean in Brasstown. Still, the kind of time travel practiced there is no less powerful and exciting.
By teaching the fine arts, agricultural practices, foodways, and traditional culture of the Southern Appalachians, the John C. Campbell Folk School spirits its students and visitors away to a rich and deservedly cherished past.
At the same time, teacher and learner alike are building a bridge to a brighter future, one dedicated to the proposition that, as Olive Campbell put it, “education should not discredit” the “humble tasks of farm, shop and home.” Education should link “the culture of toil and culture of books,” she continued. “It should be enlightened action.”
Now, in our seemingly perpetual winter of discontent and disconnection, it’s a promise that beckons us with convivial warmth and glorious light — both available in ample quantities in Brasstown, at a time of your choosing.
Editors’ note: John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books Mountain Folk, Forest Folk, and Water Folk combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com).

(Photo: The Campbell Folk School has classes and hosts events throughout the year to showcase the talents of those who attend. Photo courtesy of the Campbell Folk School Facebook page)

The nation is facing a longstanding truck driver shortage, and Fayetteville Technical Community College is doing its part to tackle the problem in the Sandhills Region and across the state.
FTCC broke ground on Phase I of the Regional Supply Chain Management & Logistics Center on Sept. 15, celebrating the clearing of a 58-acre site on Old Raeford Road that will serve as the future home of the college’s truck driver training program and fleet maintenance technician program. The $21.2 million project will be built in two phases. Phase I consists of a 600-by-900-foot driving and maneuvering pad that will provide vital training space for students in the Commercial Driver’s License Program. The 13-acre pad will accommodate up to 14 tractor trailer trucks and include a gear shifting track and skid area. The first phase is expected to open in December 2025. The truck pad will provide vital training space for FTCC students, as well as CDL students from regional partners Bladen Community College and Robeson Community College, serving as a regional hub for training allowing all three colleges to expand enrollment for the trucking and supply chain sectors.
FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells said the new facility will reduce student waitlists and streamline the region’s workforce pipeline.
“The transportation industry urgently needs more qualified truck drivers to strengthen the supply chain for our state and nation,” Sorrells said. “This new facility will significantly expand training capacity across all three colleges, enabling us to produce more graduates to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the transportation sector.”
Phase II will focus on the construction of a 5,000-square-foot building to house classrooms, offices and a two-bay garage for the maintenance of tractors and trailers. The second phase will go out to bid in early 2026.
The construction project is made possible through $20.7 million in funding from the North Carolina General Assembly and a $500,000 grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation. To support the growth of the program, the Cannon Foundation, Inc. and the Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trust awarded FTCC over $400,000 to purchase trucks, equipment and supplies.
The transportation industry is experiencing an ongoing national truck driver shortage, with the American Trucking Association in August predicting a shortage of 115,000 drivers this year. FTCC’s current 10-week CDL program trains dozens of students each year with a 100-percent job placement rate; however, space and equipment limitations of the current training area on FTCC’s Fayetteville campus creates an enrollment waitlist that keeps students sidelined for as many as six months prior to enrollment.
Former Representative John Szoka and Chairman Kirk deViere of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, who was a member of the N.C. Senate when the project was funded, both offered remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony.
“Every single dime we ever voted for to come to FTCC has been put to great use, without a doubt,” Szoka said. “That didn’t start with me in the legislature. That started well before, with people bringing money to FTCC — not just because it’s our local community college and we love it, but because FTCC gets the job done.”
DeViere said the facility was the result of a “shared commitment” among the parties involved to prepare students for the workforce. “This state-of-the-art center will ensure that our students graduate, not just educated, but career ready and more importantly, job ready,” he said.

Cape Fear Studios is featuring their “2025 6 By Exhibit” until Nov. 25. The studio is located at 148 Maxwell Street. The exhibit can be seen Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The show consists of 43 pieces of art that feature works by visual, 2D, and 3D artists. At least one dimension of each creation needed to measure six inches before framing.
Artists are from throughout the United States. The sponsors of the “2025 6 By Exhibit” are the North Carolina Arts Council and the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. The media includes paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and digital art. General admission is free. For more information, contact Cape Fear Studios by phone at 910-433-2986, or visit their website at www.capefearstudios.com.
Jeffery Geller and Irina Shin Geller are the judges of this juried show and owners of Red Springs Artspace, located at 200 S Main Street, Red Springs, NC. Geller was the recipient of first place in the “Fall into Winter Exhibition” at Robeson Art Guild in Lumberton, North Carolina.
Geller began taking art classes in his youth and continued painting and sculpture classes while at California State University, Northridge, where he completed his BA. In graduate school at Duke University, he worked for three semesters with the painter Vernon Pratt. He has taught philosophy and logic at the University of North Carolina Pembroke and collaborated closely with the Art Department. Geller exhibited at the Hogarth Worldwide Biannual in New York in 2014.
Shin-Geller is a Korean-Russian artist. She studied graphic design at Parsons School of Design after immigrating to the U.S. In 2020, she moved to Red Springs, North Carolina, and became a Red Springs Artspace Artist.
“I like to create images that convey usual textures, patterns, shapes, and shadows. I enjoy experimenting with different techniques and media: acrylics, oils, watercolor, photography, and 3D,” Shin-Geller said. “Recently, my preferred material to work with is hanji-a, a handmade mulberry paper from Korea. Hanji-a has been known in Korea for many centuries and was used by my ancestors. I am of Korean ancestry. When I grew up in the former Soviet Union, I was not encouraged to value my ethnicity and cultural heritage. Now that I am older, I feel the need and have the freedom to get back to my Korean roots. It helps me understand what makes me unique, what is valuable to me, and what path to take in the future.”
Spend a crisp Fall Day on the “2025 6 By Exhibit” at Cape Fear Studios. . General admission is free. For more information, contact Cape Fear Studios by phone at 910-433-2986.

(Photo: Beach Bungalows by Melanie Moschella is a textile piece in the “2025 6 By Exhibit” at Cape Fear Studios. Photo by Lena Simmons)

On Saturday, Oct. 11 at 4:30 p.m., the Cameo Art House Theatre will present a rare screening of Charlie Chaplin’s The Great Dictator. More than just a film, Chaplin’s 1940 satirical masterpiece stands as one of cinema’s most daring political statements. It’s a film that made audiences laugh while also forcing them to confront the terrifying realities of dictatorship, hate and war.
When The Great Dictator premiered in 1940, the world was in turmoil. Adolf Hitler had already plunged Europe into chaos and America had yet to join the fight. To take on such a subject in a comedy was audacious, if not outright dangerous. But Chaplin, who had spent decades captivating audiences with his silent era “Tramp” character, understood that laughter could cut sharper than anger. By creating a dual role, playing both Adenoid Hynkel, a ruthless dictator clearly modeled on Hitler and a humble Jewish barber who is his double, Chaplin highlighted the absurdity of tyranny and the humanity of its victims.
The film’s mixture of slapstick and satire is perfect. From Hynkel’s dance with the inflatable globe to the endless speeches filled with nonsensical jargon, Chaplin dismantled the image of the dictator, reducing him to a dangerous clown. Yet for all its comedy, the film is anchored by one of the most moving moments in cinema history: Chaplin’s final speech, in which the barber, mistaken for Hynkel, delivers an impassioned plea for kindness, democracy and peace. It is a speech that continues to echo across generations, often shared anew in times of global uncertainty.
For the Cameo Art House Theatre, presenting The Great Dictator is more than just programming; it is a celebration of cinema’s ability to endure and inspire. Independent theaters like the Cameo have long been champions of films that remind us why we go to the movies in the first place: not only to be entertained, but also to think, feel and see the world in new ways.
This screening is particularly special to me on a personal level. Years ago, I had the rare opportunity to hold an original 35mm print of The Great Dictator when the Cameo showed the film. As someone who has spent much of his life surrounded by movies, both in classrooms and theaters, that moment was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The film reels were heavy, encased in their metal canisters, the kind only seen in projection booths or archives. This film reel happened to be the only traveling print in the US, so gloves and extra precautions were necessary.
That encounter deepened my appreciation for Chaplin’s artistry and for the medium of film as a whole. We often forget, in the age of digital streaming, that movies were once fragile, physical things. They traveled from theater to theater, city to city, carried by projectionists and handled with care. To hold The Great Dictator in its original 35mm form was to connect not only with Chaplin, but also with everyone who had ever sat in a darkened room and watched that same piece of film flicker to life.
And now, with the Cameo’s screening, audiences will have their own chance to share in that magic. While the version on screen may not be the very same reel I once touched since the Cameo (and most theaters) is now all digital, the experience of gathering together, of seeing Chaplin’s work projected larger than life, is what truly matters.
It’s important, too, to remember that The Great Dictator was a deeply personal project for Chaplin. He financed it himself, pouring in thousands at a time when the outcome was uncertain. He risked alienating audiences who preferred his silent-era Tramp, and he risked angering governments and political leaders who saw his satire as dangerous. But Chaplin pressed forward, declaring later that had he known the full extent of Nazi atrocities, he might never have dared to make it. That tension between comedy and tragedy is what gives the film its timeless edge.
Watching it today, one can’t help but marvel at its relevance. Chaplin’s lampooning of authoritarianism, his warning about hatred, and his ultimate appeal for empathy speak just as powerfully in 2025 as they did in 1940. Perhaps that is why screenings like this one at the Cameo are so vital. They remind us that art does not fade; it continues to speak, provided we are willing to listen.
So on Oct. 11, as the lights dim and Chaplin appears once more, audiences will witness more than just a film. They will be part of a tradition that stretches back 85 years. For me, the memory of holding that 35mm print will linger as the projector whirs to life. And for everyone else who attends, perhaps there will be a moment or a line, a gesture, a laugh that connects them across time to Chaplin, to the past and to the enduring power of cinema.
Tickets for the screening are available now at the Cameo box office and online.

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra invites the community to embrace the spooky season with a cinematic classic like no other.
On Saturday, Oct. 25, at 8 p.m., Dirtbag Ales, located at 5435 Corporation Dr. in Hope Mills, will transform into a stage for music, film, and Halloween spirit during Nosferatu Movie Night. Admission is free, making it the perfect way for families, friends, and film lovers to enjoy a festive night under the stars.
This unique event pairs the eerie brilliance of the 1922 silent horror masterpiece Nosferatu with a live performance from a small ensemble of Fayetteville Symphony musicians. With music specially arranged by Peter B. Kay, the orchestra will heighten the film’s suspense and atmosphere, turning every shadow, glance, and gesture into a haunting experience.
Directed by F.W. Murnau and starring Max Schreck in his chilling role as Count Orlok, Nosferatu remains one of the most iconic horror films of all time. Though more than a century old, the German Expressionist classic continues to captivate audiences with its haunting imagery and innovative cinematography by Fritz Arno Wagner and Günther Krampf. Known as the earliest surviving adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Nosferatu has influenced countless vampire films and remains a cornerstone
of horror cinema.
The Fayetteville Symphony’s live performance adds an immersive dimension that honors the traditions of the silent film era, when live musicians often accompanied movies. With each note, the ensemble breathes new life into Murnau’s terrifying vision, making the experience both timeless and immediate.
Dirtbag Ales provides the perfect backdrop for this community gathering, offering an open, welcoming atmosphere where guests can relax with food, drinks, and the company of fellow movie enthusiasts. The outdoor setting enhances the event’s Halloween feel, making it an ideal way to kick off the spooky season.
Nosferatu Movie Night is more than just a film screening—it’s a celebration of art, history, and community. Lovers of horror movies, fans of live music, and those simply searching for a unique seasonal outing, will find this free event promises chills, thrills, and unforgettable memories.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and join the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra on Oct. 25 for a night where music and film meet in haunting harmony.

(Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate way to celebrate spooky season in Fayetteville, look no further than the Stoney Point Trail of Terror. Equal parts fright and fun, this haunted attraction has become one of the area’s most beloved Halloween traditions. Operated by the men and women of the Stoney Point Fire Department alongside dedicated community volunteers, the Trail of Terror combines eerie entertainment with a mission: to raise funds for the department while creating unforgettable memories for everyone who attends.
Whether you come with a group of friends, plan a spooky date night, or dare to face the trail alone, you’ll be treated to a stage show, a live band, and the main event—an indoor haunted trail designed to make you scream, laugh, and cling to the person next to you.
2025 Dates and Special Events
The Trail of Terror is open on select October nights from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• October 3–4 | First Responder/Medical Personnel/Teacher/Military Discount Weekend – $2 off ticket with current ID
• October 10–11
• October 17–18
• October 24–25
• October 31 (Halloween Night!)
In addition to the scares, each evening features live music from local bands:
• October 3-Michael Daughtry
• October 4-Dustin Day
• October 10-Mainstream Menace
• October 11-From the Calm
• October 17-Kevin Regan Band
• October 18-Scroggins Band
• October 24-Machinegun Earl
• October 25-Fear State
• October 31-Scroggins Band
This mix of fright and Fayetteville talent makes the Trail of Terror not just a haunted house but a community festival of fun.
Tickets
• General Admission: $20
• VIP/Speed Pass: $30 (skip the line and head straight to the scares)
• Groups of 20 or more: $15 per person
The Trail of Terror as a fundraiser has evolved throughout the years.
“We initially started with photo sales and turkey shoots in the department’s early days,” explained Cynthia McDonald Buie, event social media coordinator. “But with the rise of smartphones and changing community interests, those fundraisers lost steam. We realized one day that we could start a haunt for the locals. Did we think in 2003 that it would grow to the level it is today? Absolutely not!”
Creating an event of this scale is no small feat. Planning begins almost immediately after the trail closes on its final night. Ideas are refined, scenes evaluated, and even trips to trade shows like Transworld in St. Louis are made to gather inspiration and purchase new animatronics.
The haunt’s makeup team, led by Marcie Hanzal and Beth Collins, is essential to bringing characters to life with airbrushing, prosthetics, costumes, and props. Safety is always the top priority, followed closely by the creativity and scares that make the event unforgettable.
Assistant Fire Chief Brandon Hanzal, one of the masterminds behind the trail, heads a team of firefighters and volunteers who hand-build elaborate sets each year. What began as a simple outdoor path with rubber masks and basic jump scares has evolved into a professional-quality attraction featuring complex scenes, theatrical storytelling, and immersive detail.
Every year, the trail introduces new themes and scenes, but some fan favorites always return. Clowns are back this year.
“It will surprise you how many people are fearful of clowns,” Buie shared. Whether it’s Pennywise, Twisty, or even Ronald McDonald, clowns remain one of the most effective scare tactics.
The Vortex is also back, a spinning tunnel illusion that tricks the senses and makes visitors feel like they’re part of the spinning world. Patrons love it so much that it’s brought back annually.
The team also incorporates pop culture into their scares. When Stranger Things dominated the cultural landscape, the Upside Down made an appearance. When IT returned to theaters, Pennywise was waiting in the shadows.
Guests don’t just wait in line—they’re entertained the whole night. DJs Lieutenant Jim Buie and Paramedic Mark Gooden provide a professional sound-and-light stage show, and live bands keep the crowd energized. Characters often roam the audience to surprise guests before they even enter the trail.
For those needing a break from the screams, Wendell’s famous funnel cakes at the concession trailer are a must-try treat.
The Trail of Terror is more than a seasonal attraction—it’s a fundraiser that directly supports the Stoney Point Fire Department. Funds are used for essential needs, such as turnout gear, air packs, and updated equipment, which keep firefighters ready to serve.
The event also boosts the local economy. With visitors traveling from surrounding states, many make a full night out of their visit, grabbing dinner nearby or exploring Fayetteville’s downtown before or after the trail.
The event wouldn’t be possible without volunteers. Each September, orientation nights attract potential actors and helpers—many of whom are high school students earning community service hours, as well as parents, grandparents, and adults who simply love Halloween.
“Our volunteers are everything,” Buie emphasized. “We could not pull off this event without them.”
Beyond the scares, the Stoney Point Fire Department also gives back with its Annual Trunk or Treat, hosted by the department’s Auxiliary Members. This year, it will take place on Saturday, Oct. 18, from noon to 2 p.m. at the fire station. Families can enjoy free Halloween fun, candy, and a chance to explore the fire trucks.
Ultimately, the Stoney Point Trail of Terror is about more than scares. It’s about shared laughter, adrenaline, and the joy of being part of a community. Visitors leave with stories they’ll tell for years, and the fire department leaves with the support it needs to continue serving Fayetteville.
So if you’re ready to do something scary this October, grab your friends, your courage, and your tickets to the Stoney Point Trail of Terror. Stoney Point Trail of Terror is located at 7221 Stoney Point Road, and tickets can be purchased online at https://www.undeadfd.com/tickets.
With live entertainment, unforgettable scares, and a cause worth supporting, this is one Halloween tradition you don’t want to miss.

(Photo courtesy of Stoney Point Trail of Terror)

Money Box Academy has been rolling nonstop since its launch. Committed to their mission of closing the financial knowledge gap — one workshop, one partnership, and one empowered individual at a time, Money Box has already made a significant impact on the Cumberland County community through workshops, training programs, and financial programs geared toward adults and youth.
The nonprofit is taking financial education to new heights. On Saturday, Oct. 18, Money Box Academy will host its inaugural gala at Shabain Farms and Event Center at 469 Posey Farm Rd. in Raeford. A Night to Remember: “The Vault is Open” Gala will bring together leaders, community advocates, and business owners under one roof, all with the mission of building financially intelligent and resilient communities. The gala will feature a fine dining experience, live music, and a curated networking opportunity, as well as honor leaders in the community who are making a difference.
This year’s inaugural honorees are: Lakeisha Rolle, founder of The Financial Academy in the Bahamas; Coach Rachel Hanible of Philadelphia will be honored for her transformative teaching and advocacy; and five others will be honored for their work towards the mission of Money Box Academy and advancing financial literacy. Local insurance guru, affectionately known as The Insurance Guy, Jerome Scott, will be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of service, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to strengthening families through financial security and education.
Hosting the gala is nationally recognized, best-selling financial coach Anthony O’Neal. O’Neal was chosen because of his decades of service and mentorship. His support for Money Box Academy is proof that the nonprofit is not only making an impact, but the work is being seen beyond the city.
Organizers say attendees can look forward to “expect an atmosphere equal parts celebratory and catalytic, with proceeds funding expanded programs for youth, families, and small business owners across North Carolina. Our inaugural year’s theme, “The Vault Is Open”, symbolizes more than access to financial resources-it reflects our mission to unlock opportunity for all. We believe every individual deserves access to the tools, knowledge, and support to thrive financially. Together, we are opening doors that were once closed and building pathways for lasting change.”
Nothing Money Box Academy does is without purpose. There will be a silent auction during the gala to raise money for youth and community programming.
Founder Crystal McLean, a dedicated community leader and finance expert, said, “This night is more than a fundraiser; it is a movement. We are gathering the people who believe in creating lasting change for families, students, and entrepreneurs. Anthony’s presence, combined with the recognition of leaders like Lakeisha Rolle, Rachel Hanible, Jerome Scott, and our other honorees, signals to our community that the conversation around money, resilience, and
opportunity belongs right here in Fayetteville.”
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for Mocktail Hour, and the festivities start at 5:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at https://moneyboxacademy.info/home. Single tickets are $150.00, and Sponsorship tables are $1,215 (table seats 9 guests). Contact partnerships@moneyboxacademy.org or call 910-983-2803. There are several local businesses, banks and law firms sponsoring the inaugural gala, solidifying the work that Money Box Academy is truly doing in Cumberland County.

Like the Rain, Fayetteville has fallen for Clint Black and friends. Clint Black is a legendary figure in country music. He has sold over 20 million records, won several Grammys and celebrated 22 number one hit songs. Black is slated to appear at the Crown Theater on Thursday, Oct. 16, as part of Fayetteville’s long-standing Community Concert Series.
This season marks the series’ 90th year. Community Concerts is Fayetteville’s oldest arts organization, having begun in 1935. The group is a non-profit that is comprised entirely of volunteers. They aim to bring high-quality entertainment to the community.
The Back on the Blacktop Tour promises to meet that high-quality standard. Black will grace the stage with two friends, who are also skilled and storied performers.
“Clint is bringing some amazing friends with him, “explained Gary Rogers, director of marketing, Crown Complex.
Those friends include Prestley Barker and John Foster. Barker, a North Carolina native, aims to restore authenticity to the country music genre. He has played on American Idol and as a guest of Ricky Skaggs at the Grand Ole Opry. Foster will also be on stage with Clint Black. Foster, at 19 years old, is also an American Idol Alum; he was a runner-up during the 23rd season. Foster hails from Louisiana and will be representing his home state in the 2026 Rose Parade.
The Crown feels that the Community Concert Series is a rewarding endeavor, and they truly celebrate its purpose in bringing the community together.
“It’s one of the best things we get to do here,” explained Anna Deaton, marketing manager, Crown Complex. “We are in the industry of bringing people together and making really amazing memories.”
The Clint Black Back on the Blacktop Tour is a night set to make memories.
“This is going to be a perfect night for people to make great memories with their friends and families, and meet some strangers that can turn into friends,” Deaton said.
Deaton has been a long-time country music fan and explained that she is most excited about this event, appealing to all ages.
“Growing up being a fan of country music and then getting to put on events that are here with musicians that you’ve grown up with, but I think, too, it’s just the community aspect when you look at the ticket sales and seeing people from all generations buying tickets,” she said.
Tickets for the event are available both online and at the Crown Complex box office located at 1960 Coliseum Drive. Deaton also wanted to share that tickets can be purchased on post for Fort Bragg Community Members.
“They don’t have to leave the installation to get tickets,” she said. “ That’s very important to us to make sure that the military community knows what’s happening and that our tickets are as accessible to them as possible.”
The Leisure and Travel Services on Fort Bragg is located at 2171 Rock Merritt Ave.
Doors for this event will open at 6:30 p.m., and the show is expected to start around 7:30 p.m., allowing attendees time to purchase merchandise and refreshments. A range of food will be on offer, and there will be special drink offers for those of legal drinking age.

(Photo courtesy of the Crown)

“Mammograms are really a sort of gift. You can either catch something early or count your lucky stars because nothing has been discovered. Either way. You are ahead of the game”
—Charlotte Ross

Join the Sherri Arnold Graham Foundation, Fight Like a Girl Mobile Mammography Outreach on Oct. 21 at 500 McPherson Church Road. The mobile outreach will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event highlights are free mobile mammogram screenings, VIP status for uninsured participants, community partners, resources, and support services. Spanish services (servicios en Espanol) are available to the public. Community partners involved in the outreach are the NAACP Fayetteville, Manna Church, Covenant Love Church, Good Hope Baptist Church, Dancing Without Sin, and Purple Trail Foundation. Pre-registration is encouraged for the event. For more information, contact 910-323-5774.
The Sherri Arnold Graham Foundation was founded in 2005 by Dr. Sherri Arnold Graham in Fayetteville after a successful completion of chemotherapy for breast cancer. It originally focused on breast cancer awareness through mobile mammography and community outreach, according to their Facebook page. They are creating new initiatives to broaden the impact in Cumberland County.
One in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and it is the second leading cause of death in women, next to lung cancer. Yet, many women ask themselves, “Do I really need a mammogram?”
A mammogram is an imaging test used to screen women for breast cancer. In fact, it is your best chance of detecting breast cancer early when treatment is most effective.
The American Cancer Society recommends women begin breast cancer screening with mammograms around age 40 and commit to getting yearly mammograms by the age of forty-five. Women aged 55 and older may switch to screening every two years or continue annual screening. Routine screening every year is the best way to prevent breast cancer. A mammogram may not be the best idea of fun, but it could mean a difference between life and death. Cancer or an abnormality cannot always be felt. The mammogram can detect the growth of the size of a grain of sand. Early detection of breast cancer has a ninety-nine percent rate of being curable. The mammogram can save your life and breasts. It is not the most comfortable procedure and takes 20 minutes. It can give peace of mind for oneself and loved ones. The Sherri Arnold Graham Foundation provides the VIP status for uninsured clients and Spanish-speaking services.
Fight like a girl and get your mammogram on Oct. 21, from the Sherri Arnold Graham Foundation. Pre-registration is encouraged for the event. For more information, contact 910-323-9774.

Leaves haven’t started to fall yet, and since it is North Carolina, one can’t be quite sure if a shift to crisper air is the actual fall or a second false fall. What is certain, though, is that Lafayette Ford is hosting its fifth annual Fall Festival on Oct. 11. While there will be no shortage of fun Halloween-focused local events, Fall Fest offers a variety of activities for everyone at no cost.
The event began in 2021 when LaFayette Ford hosted its first Truck Day, and it has continued to grow and evolve over the last five years. What started as a means of giving back to the community and the business’s partners has evolved into a fall-focused, Halloween-themed annual extravaganza that also allows visitors to give back and support the community.
“It’s a joy to see all the kids having a great time. We also enjoy giving back. Those are two of the key reasons we do this every year,” said Paula Lindler, marketing director, LaFayette Ford.
This year, the event holds special meaning following the recent passing of the business’s owner, Don Price, who was an active member of the community and a strong advocate for Fayetteville.
“It is because of Don Price and his legacy that we have events like the Fall Festival, “explained Lindler.
“Don led the company with a mindset of how important it is to care for your community. Whether it was through his service in the Fayetteville Kiwanis Club, civic clubs, his church, the Military Affairs Council, or so many other organizations, he generously gave his time and financial support to worthy causes.”
Price sought to improve the quality of life for the community as a whole and was particularly fond of the Fall Festival event. According to Lindler, his absence will be felt this year.
“He loved Fayetteville and Fort Bragg and wanted to help make it a great place to live,” Lindler said. “He attended Fall Festivals at the dealership and loved seeing the community enjoy the event. We think he would be proud that we are continuing his legacy through our annual event.”
The event is suitable for members of all ages in the community, and there are specific kid-friendly attractions planned for the day.
Children are encouraged to come in costume, and a Fayetteville Fire Department truck will be on site for them to explore. The event will have office face painting and a Trick-or-Treat as well. There will be local vendors to shop with, and prizes will be given away.
Visitors can also donate blood to the Cape Fear Valley Center from noon to 2 p.m., and they will be entered to win tickets to the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens. Additionally, LaFayette Ford will be hosting a food drive for the Armed Services YMCA at Fort Bragg. The first 250 visitors to donate nonperishable food items to the food drive will receive lunch from one of the two onsite food trucks, courtesy of LaFayette Ford. Both Flavapalooza and Allison’s Fast Food will be serving up lunch. Flavapalooza’s specialties include hot subs and offer a self-proclaimed unique twist on everyday foods. Allison’s Latino Fast Food Truck will be serving Salvadoran fare. The event will also provide free drinks to visitors.
The event will be held at the LaFayette Ford Dealership, located at 5202 Reaford Road, and will begin at 11 a.m. Festivities will be wrapping up at 2 p.m. The event is free, and all ages are welcome to attend and enjoy the festivities. Vendor spaces are free and still available for this event. Vendors or organizations interested in participating can send an email to contactus@lafayettefl.com for additional details.

(Photos: The LaFayette Ford Fall Festival is a family friendly event that includes a trunk-or-treat, food trucks and a mobile blood drive. Photos by LaFayette Ford)

This October, Fayetteville is about to become the beating heart of gothic horror. With stage performances, a groundbreaking new film and a return to the very origins of cinematic horror, audiences will have three distinct opportunities to step into Mary Shelley’s world of Frankenstein.
The season begins with live theatre. On Oct. 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. and again on Oct. 11 at 1 p.m., the Capitol Encore Academy’s high school theatre company, New Fire Theatre Company will present a gothic double bill: Frankenstein and Dracula at 200 Mason Street.
Known for its fearless approach to classic texts and fun, New Fire has chosen two of the most iconic horror tales ever written and will bring them to life with the immediacy only live performance can deliver. The audience will sit mere feet away as Victor Frankenstein dares to play God and as Count Dracula prowls in the shadows.
Pairing Frankenstein with Dracula highlights the extraordinary breadth of 19th-century gothic imagination. Mary Shelley’s novel, published in 1818, wrestled with questions of science, morality and loneliness. Frankenstein will be presented more on the dramatic side of storytelling. Bram Stoker’s Dracula, published in 1897, terrified readers with its mix of sensuality, but New Fire presents this production as comedic parody. Seeing the two back-to-back in one evening (or afternoon) promises a visceral, spine-tingling and hilarious experience. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door.
Then, just two weeks later, Frankenstein rises again with in the hands of Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. The Cameo Art House Theatre will open the director’s long-awaited adaptation on October 24th.
Del Toro has described Shelley’s novel as one of his life’s touchstones and his new film is already being hailed as one of his most ambitious works. Starring Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, Mia Goth as Elizabeth, and Jacob Elordi as the Creature, the movie is a 2-hour-and-29-minute descent into obsession, beauty and tragedy.
Unlike many past adaptations, del Toro’s film leans heavily into the novel’s emotional core. The Creature is not merely a monster but a tragic being, desperate for connection yet cast aside by his maker. In del Toro’s hands, expect lavish gothic imagery, aching humanity and the kind of haunting visuals that have defined his career.
As if a new blockbuster weren’t enough, the Cameo is also offering a chance to revisit the classic that defined horror cinema for generations. On Friday, Oct. 24 at 9:30 p.m., as part of the monthly Fourth Friday Fright Night, the theater will screen Frankenstein (1931), directed by James Whale and starring Boris Karloff.
This is the Frankenstein that set the template for nearly every horror film that followed. With Colin Clive as the tormented Dr. Henry Frankenstein and Karloff in his legendary turn as the Monster, the film captures both the terror and the pathos of Shelley’s tale. At just over an hour long, it remains eerie and remarkably powerful nearly a century after its release.
Audiences will once again watch as Frankenstein, aided by his hunchbacked assistant Fritz, assembles his Creature from stolen body parts and dares to bring it to life. The moment when Clive shouts, “It’s alive!” remains one of the most electrifying.
Seeing the film on the big screen is a rare opportunity to appreciate its groundbreaking makeup and Karloff’s unforgettable performance. It also provides the perfect counterpoint to del Toro’s new film: one shows us where the legend began, the other where it might go next.
Fayetteville has a history of telling the story of Frankenstein including live performances by Gilbert Theater’s Young Frankenstein and Yellow Beanie’s Frankenstein. Both productions were groundbreaking hits. So, if you missed them or just enjoy the story told in new ways, check them out this year. It’s a rare chance to see how legends are born, reborn and reimagined, right here in our own community.

The Lexington Plantation neighborhood is set to welcome the community to its annual Fall Market on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This family-friendly event promises a festive afternoon filled with shopping, food, and activities for all ages—rain or shine.
More than 70 local vendors from Lexington Plantation, North Ridge, and surrounding areas will showcase their talents and small businesses. Shoppers can browse a wide variety of handmade goods, including jewelry, home décor, woodwork, and 3D-printed items, as well as baked goods, homemade jams, honey, and custom apparel. Several food trucks will also be on-site, and pet lovers can look forward to adoption opportunities through local rescues.
Children will have plenty to enjoy in the Kid Zone, which will feature a holiday-themed scavenger hunt. By collecting stamps from vendor booths, kids can earn a prize bag full of goodies. A dedicated DIY craft station will allow children to make their own Thanksgiving candle, while games and activities will keep the fun going. Families can also gather for free Bingo sessions, open to all ages.
One of the market’s featured vendors is Paratrooper’s Chocolate Bar, a bakery founded by local entrepreneur Jazlyn Ortiz. Her menu reflects a blend of cultures, offering American, Mexican, and Dubai-inspired desserts. Among her most popular creations is the Dubai Chocolate Brownie, a rich and fudgy treat layered with kataifi crunch, milk chocolate sauce, and pistachio butter drizzle. Ortiz says her goal is not only to satisfy a sweet tooth but also to leave guests with a lasting memory of supporting a small, homegrown business.
What sets the Lexington Plantation Fall Market apart from other events, Ortiz notes, is its strong sense of community. The hosts are renowned for their high organization and commitment to supporting local makers, with excellent communication, vendor spotlights, and targeted promotional efforts. Vendor fees are donation-based, with proceeds benefiting Second Chance Ranch Rescue, ensuring the market also gives back to the community.
Beyond shopping and sweets, the Fall Market offers something more valuable: the opportunity for neighbors to gather, families to bond, and small businesses to shine.
As Ortiz put it, “These markets definitely allow families to come out and spend quality time together. It’s the only neighborhood I’ve lived in that hosts something this big.”
The Lexington Plantation Fall Market is located at 1407 Carnsmore Drive. With shopping, food, kids’ activities, and a welcoming atmosphere, this fall market is set to be one of the season’s most anticipated events.

Cape Fear Regional Theatre is heading downtown, down to Skid Row. No, they aren’t moving to a new location-they are still holding court at 1707 Owen Drive as their home building on Hay Street is undergoing extensive renovations. They are taking us to Mushnik’s Flower Shop in the cult favorite musical, Little Shop of Horrors. From Oct. 23 through Nov. 16, make your way to the theatre to experience the thrilling tale of the alien, man-eating plant, and a love story that blooms in an unlikely place.
This production features a phenomenally talented cast of familiar faces and new friends. Deon Releford-Lee stars as Seymour Krelborn, the orphan whose love of strange plants gets him in some sticky situations. Releford-Lee got his start on the Cape Fear Regional stage in the 2014 production of Return to the Forbidden Planet. Since then, he has done theatre all over the world, including on Broadway as the understudy for Ike in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. He says that “coming here [to CFRT] feels like a homecoming.”
Seymour has three significant relationships in the play: with the cranky yet lovable Mr. Mushnik; with his co-worker and not-so-secret crush, Audrey; and with the mysterious plant that appears after a “total eclipse of the sun” that he affectionately names Audrey II.
It is clear that Seymour has had a tough life; Mr. Mushnik found him in an orphanage and isn’t exactly the most ideal example of what a loving father should be. But, according to Marc de la Concha, CFRT’s Education Director and frequent stage presence, Mushnik clearly has a soft spot for both his employees, Audrey and Seymour. He has given Seymour a home and a purpose and a sense of what a family might be like.
Audrey (the human one) is more than just an object of Seymour’s fancy. He looks out for her; he wants her to be safe and happy. He has fallen in love with her, but is also inspired by her. In Audrey, Seymour sees what life could be beyond Skid Row. She is a shop assistant alongside Seymour, and Mr. Mushnik has a soft spot for her as well. Plagued by a string of bad relationships, Audrey finds herself attached to an abusive boyfriend, a dentist who loves nothing more than to inflict pain. The story of Seymour and Audrey’s blossoming love is the tender center point of an otherwise darkly hilarious tale.
Then there is Audrey II. Very different in every way from its namesake, Audrey II is the villain we all love to hate and hate to love. Traditionally, the plant is represented by puppets of varying sizes, indicating how it grows throughout the show; the final version is massive. CFRT’s iteration of Audrey II will be different from what has been seen in past productions on film and onstage. Director Mary Kate Burke didn’t give any more details so as not to ruin the surprise. But there is no doubt that the Audrey II we will encounter in this production will be hilariously manipulative, nasty, but oh-so-entertaining.
Another feature of CFRT’s production that audiences will love is the choreography by Tyce Diorio. Returning to CFRT for his fourth project, Diorio is as accomplished as he is talented. His stellar career kicked off by touring with Janet Jackson and appearing in several of her videos and projects. He has also worked as a dancer and choreographer with the likes of Taylor Swift and Brandon Urie. Burke states that she loves working with Tyce because he is “kind and discerning while being exacting at the same time. He could do other things, but he loves it here so much; he makes the time to come from LA to Fayetteville to tell really incredible stories.”
The talented people are reason enough to make plans to see Little Shop of Horrors at CFRT, but the stage will do some heavy lifting in this show as well. Burke shares the space at 1707 Owen Drive is really well-suited for this show in particular. Having the whole audience so close to the stage provides a unique vantage point and will feel almost immersive. The proximity of the audience to the stage allows the director to incorporate some elements into Little Shop that will lend to its horror-movie aesthetic, not in a way that is truly scary, but in a way that intensifies its thrilling elements. No specific details are provided, as there will be lots of surprises in store. Even if you have seen Little Shop of Horrors recently, this production promises to be unique. To quote Burke, “it’s not your mama’s Little Shop!”
The timing of the production is intentional as well, with the show running right in the middle of the spooky season. While the show certainly has horror-movie elements — human-eating monster, a sadistic dentist, need we say more? — it is also full of funny moments, high-energy music, and campy nostalgia.
The theatre is offering a special discount for certain seats at this performance. The theatre’s temporary home in a former ballroom is arranged in a less traditional way, referred to as a thrust stage. In a thrust, the audience is arranged on three sides of the stage, instead of all on one side as is CFRT’s home stage. This arrangement provides great, unique perspectives of the action onstage. In an effort to help those who are less familiar with this arrangement appreciate its benefits, CFRT is offering those seats at a discount. Fear not, though; you are still guaranteed a great experience, whether you sit to the side or at the center of the audience.
As always, CFRT works to make theatre accessible to as many people as possible. The schedule includes Military and Educator Appreciation nights (Oct. 29 and Oct. 31, respectively), with a 25% discount for those who apply. Discounts are offered for military, educators, students, and seniors at every performance. Tickets can be purchased at cfrt.org or by calling the box office at 910-323-4233. Don’t wait, though; tickets for this show are selling fast!

(Top Photo: Emily Norah Samuelson plays Audrey in the upcoming Cape Fear Regional Theatre production of Little Shop of Horrors.
Bottom Photo: Jasmyne Simpkins, who plays the character Ronnette, practices during a table read for Little Shop of Horrors. Photos courtesy of Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s Facebook page)

For the past quarter-century, the Cameo Art House Theatre has been a cultural cornerstone in downtown Fayetteville. It has been a gathering place, an artistic haven and a cherished home for lovers of cinema. The Cameo will officially enter a new chapter in its celebrated history in January 2026, a nonprofit organization under a new name: CAMEO Collective.
This transformation not only ensures the preservation of the theater’s legacy but also lays the groundwork for a bold new vision. A vision that embraces live performances, arts education, community programming and inclusive access to the arts.
“The three founders didn’t just open the doors of the Cameo, they set a standard of excellence through their leadership and stewardship and kept it growing for 25 years,” said Brian Adam Kline, Artistic Director of the new CAMEO Collective. “The spirit of the Cameo is still very much alive and now it has room to grow in many creative directions.”
The Cameo’s Legacy: A 25-Year Love Letter to Fayetteville
Since its founding in 2000 by Chris and Nasim Kuenzel, with support from Eric Lindstrom, the Cameo Art House Theatre has provided something rare and irreplaceable in southeastern North Carolina: a space dedicated to independent and international cinema. In an age of megaplexes and blockbusters, the Cameo stood for stories that were quiet, bold, weird, human and always thoughtful.
Under the Kuenzels’ guardianship, the Cameo became more than just a movie house. It was a conversation space, a date night destination or a place where new generations watched the classics. Film festivals like Indigo Moon and Local Shorts found a natural home here and local filmmakers saw their work on the big screen..
From Art House to Art Hub
With the introduction of CAMEO Collective, the building at 225 Hay Street is evolving into something broader and more multifaceted: a nonprofit arts center with a mission to inspire through storytelling, performance and education.
“We’re building something Fayetteville has never quite had before, a true arts collective in the heart of downtown,” said Kline. “Film will always be our foundation along with community favorites like live music, comedy and now we’re thinking about immersive theater, live music, visual art and education all under one roof.”
A Partnership with the Capitol Encore Academy High School’s all new Department of Cinematic and Theatrical Arts has been established.
“This program will give students the opportunity for hands-on filmmaking classes in acting, directing, cinematography, editing and film theory. Students will have the opportunity to show their films on the big screen. We plan to offer Saturday classes for adults and summer camps in the future as well,” said Kline.
“When I was a teenager, I learned to edit on borrowed cameras from my school library and made movies in my backyard,” said Kline. “Imagine what today’s kids could do with access to gear, training and a screening venue like Cameo Collective.”
Cameo Collective will continue to host live performances including concerts, stand-up comedy, local theater productions and open mic nights.
Why Non-Profit?
For years, the Cameo operated as a private enterprise, supported almost entirely by ticket sales, concessions and the devotion of its patrons. But the shifting economics of independent cinema, especially post-pandemic, combined with the rising cost of operations led Kline to found Cameo Collective with seven founding board members including Jenny DeViere, Gerard Falls, Ashanti Bennett, Adrienne Trego, Ayana Washington, Michelle Downey and Angela Williams. James Throssel serves as Managing Director with Kline as AD.
“Becoming a nonprofit means we can dream bigger and serve wider,” said Kline. “It allows us to apply for grants, accept tax-deductible donations and focus on our mission.”
The Launch Fundraiser
To celebrate the Cameo Collective’s official launch, a special fundraiser event is in the works. The evening will provide themed entertainment, elegant refreshments, silent auction items and opportunities to become a founding donor.
The date and details will be announced soon. Tickets will be available online and at the box office.
How to Support
For those eager to help immediately, donations are already being accepted through multiple channels:
In Person: Speak to a staff member in the Cameo lobby at 225 Hay Street.
By Mail: Send checks payable to CAMEO Collective, 225 Hay Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Online: Visit www.cameoarthouse.com or email brian@cameoarthouse.com
Donors will receive special acknowledgments and updates and larger gifts may include recognition in the theater’s donor wall and promotional materials.
“Every small contribution helps big,” said Kline. “They help keep the lights on and the screen and events rolling. They help us say yes to ideas we couldn’t have considered before.”
The Road Ahead
As the curtain rises on this new phase, the message is clear: CAMEO Collective belongs to the community now more than ever. It is a gift from the past and a promise to the future.
“For a quarter-century, the Cameo has helped us see the world differently—through light and shadow, through laughter and tears,” said Kline. “Now, as CAMEO Collective, we’re inviting everyone to be part of the story.”
For updates on the Launch Fundraiser Event, programming, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.cameoarthouse.com or follow @cameoarthouse on social media.
About CAMEO Collective:
CAMEO Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in downtown Fayetteville, NC. Its mission is to foster creativity and community through film, live performance, education and the visual arts. Located at 225 Hay Street.

(Photo by James Throssel)

So much of the work done at Cape Fear Valley Plastic Surgery is intended simply to help patients love what they see in the mirror. But not every transformation is purely cosmetic—many are rooted in a serious medical necessity .
That was the case for Meagan Deitz. Before her surgery, she had already experienced a major physical transformation: dropping from 280 pounds to 165.
That too was for more than cosmetic reasons. Deitz had decided to take action when her sister, Kayla, died at just 28 from a sudden cardiomyopathy.
“Heart issues run in my family, along with weight struggles,” she said. “I needed to do something.”
She focused on her diet and committed to a habit of 10,000 steps a day, and in just over a year, she had dropped more than 100 pounds.
But her lighter frame came with a new problem. The rapid weight loss had left her with loose skin, including an overhang of excess skin and fat called an abdominal pannus. She developed hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a condition in which skin-to-skin friction can lead to painful bumps and sores that become infected. The wounds often reemerge after healing or don’t heal at all.
Deitz’s HS was about as bad as it gets: Stage 3, with deep wounds that had to be packed routinely to support healing and reduce pain. The discomfort interfered with her daily life, including time spent with her son, Lucas, who is now 5.
“It was the worst feeling,” she said. “I was super depressed all the time. I was not able to move around a whole lot, and I felt like I was missing out on a lot of my son’s life.”
After trying several medications with no real success, Deitz’s primary care provider suggested a panniculectomy—a surgery to remove the hanging skin and fat on her abdomen. That led her to Leif Nordberg, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon whose expertise ranges from facial cosmetic surgery to post-mastectomy breast reconstruction and beyond.
“The entire experience with Dr. Nordberg was amazing,” she said. “His whole team, really. I felt happy to go there, and I never felt rushed. They took their time, even if I kept them for 10 extra minutes just asking questions.”
After some time to get the insurance authorizations settled, Deitz had the surgery in December of last year. She felt some trepidation going in, but by the end of that day, she was resting comfortably at home.
“I wouldn’t say it was pain-free,” she said, “but the recovery was significantly better than any other surgery I’ve ever had. Going home the same day, and being with my son and my husband instead of being stuck in the hospital, was amazing.”
By March, she was cleared to resume all physical activity, including a weightlifting routine to strengthen her new body. And she found it easier than ever to keep up with little Lucas.
“He is super energetic,” she said. “Before the surgery, I was barely able to lift him because of the pain. He’s so much happier now that I can do more things with him.”
And although her surgery was not purely for cosmetic reasons, Deitz is pleased with how she looks after a few months of healing.
“My biggest shock was the scar,” she said. “It looks amazing, considering the size of the incision I had to have. I’m so happy with it.”
Deitz said she was surprised to get a referral to plastic surgery, but the results have been beyond her expectations.
“Even my husband has noticed, my mood has been so much happier,” she said. “I want to live a long life for my son, and that is probably the biggest freedom the surgery has given me.”

(Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Valley Health)

My father was a lifelong Fayetteville resident. He, like millions of other American men, was drafted into the United States Army. All were changed by their service with fellow soldiers from vastly different places, with different points of view and different ways of life. My father’s military friends included a businessman from the garment district in New York City, a midwestern corn farmer, and someone from New Orleans whose background I never knew. They would never have crossed paths without shared service, but they nurtured these friendships throughout their lives, with shared experiences and a love of our nation being the glue holding them together.
We are now a divided nation, with few common experiences, military or otherwise. Today, although it does not feel this way in our community, less than 1 percent of Americans are on active military duty, and many Americans do not know anyone serving or who has served. Military service is no longer a common experience.
Both talking heads and everyday Americans see that we are now either red or blue, with only a tad of purple. We all wave the American flag, then take it home, and lock our doors and our minds. We watch programs and read publications that reflect our world views back to us, and we associate with people who think like us and avoid people who do not. People, unlike us, are now “the other,” with all of us spinning off into our own orbits.
Increasingly, I see mandatory national service for young Americans as a way to provide a common experience at the beginning of adulthood, a formative time of life in all societies. It could take many different forms with a year or so of service by all able young Americans, including military, educational, health-care related, environmental, agricultural, social, or cultural. It could include existing organizations like Teach for America, Americorps, and other national, regional, and local organizations. Such service could point young people in career directions. Options are fluid and endless.
The point is not what our young people do but that they do something both for themselves and for their country. The point is that young people pause and think not so much about themselves as about their communities and our nation. The point is that we remix and spread our national glue, creating common experiences and bonds for future generations like the ones my father’s generation treasured.
None of this would be easy, of course.
Critics of the notion cite individual liberty concerns. Some say the burden of service could fall disproportionately on disadvantaged young people, as the draft did when it was the law of the land. And then there is the cost and the bureaucracy required to administer such a large national program. In addition, some fear broad mandatory service could hurt military requirements. Each of these is a valid concern, but 10 European nations already require military service by men, and several encourage women to serve, with others moving toward conscription for women. Nations elsewhere in the world require non-military service, and Great Britain and France are both working on similar programs for teenagers.
In other words, we are a bit late to this party.
Like many other Americans, I fear for the future of our nation and believe to my core that we must find common ground, work for common goals, and see each other for what we are, Americans. This matters less for older Americans, but it matters enormously for our young people.
If we cannot, or if we do not, I fear that poet W. E. Yeats will be right—-that “the centre cannot hold.”

I’m recommending to all my friends—Democrats and Republicans alike—that they read former Senator Joe Manchin’s new book, Dead Center: In Defense of Common Sense.
It’s a compelling and timely reminder that in politics, listening, compromise, cooperation, and civility are essential to progress. Sadly, these qualities are becoming increasingly rare at every level of government.
For nearly 30 years, my focus has remained squarely on the quality of life in Fayetteville and Cumberland County, with a consistent emphasis on leadership in local government. Unfortunately, this past week has not been our proudest moment.
On Sept. 29, a video went viral showing a female supporter of Mayor Mitch Colvin verbally attacking a female poll worker for mayoral candidate Mario Benavente. The barrage of obscenities was shocking, and the confrontation escalated to the point where the abused poll worker charged the aggressor with intent to cause bodily harm. Thankfully, Benavente intervened and restrained her, preventing physical violence. This behavior is totally unbecoming of our local Democrats.
However, not to be outdone, Cumberland County Republicans hosted their own “fight night” on Oct. 2 at Peter Pappas’ converted Baldino’s restaurant, now the Republican Resource Center on Owen Drive. There, two factions of the local GOP exchanged insults and accusations, exposing their internal divisions and contradictory agendas. These are the same individuals who organize prayer vigils and solidarity marches in honor of Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk, while shamelessly promoting his doctrine. Unfortunately, they “talk the talk” but fail to “walk the walk.”
Thursday evening may well have been their own “turning point,” as two prominent GOP women—Cumberland County GOP Board Member Laura Mussler and Calista Cuevas, local director of Moms for Liberty—engaged in a heated exchange that turned physical and ended with police intervention and both parties filing misdemeanor assault charges against one another. You can read the full account of the melee in Paul Woolverton’s October 3rd article in CityView. Spoiler alert: it reads like a supermarket tabloid. Both women are scheduled to appear before a judge in November. One can’t help but imagine Judge Judy presiding.
These incidents are just two recent examples of the toxic discourse plaguing politics today. There’s no communication, no empathy, no willingness to listen or compromise. It’s become a race for power and control, rather than a pursuit of public service..
“It’s not about power—it’s about people. Civility, compromise, and common sense must return to the center of our politics.”
A recent poll found that 82% of Americans believe political discourse has gone too far and that both major parties have become too extreme—abandoning the common-sense middle ground.
We’re seeing this firsthand in Fayetteville and Cumberland County, and that’s why this Nov. 7, we must vote for candidates who prioritize humanity, civility, and cooperation. Our future depends on it.
This being said, I strongly recommend to everyone who loves our community, state, and nation to:

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This October, audiences will see a very different side of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Beginning Oct. 3, the Cameo Art House Theatre will debut The Smashing Machine, a gripping new sports drama starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as mixed martial arts legend Mark Kerr.
Far removed from Johnson’s usual action-packed blockbusters, this film is being hailed as a career-defining performance that strips away the star’s larger-than-life persona and reveals his most vulnerable work to date.
Directed by Benny Safdie, best known for co-directing the acclaimed Uncut Gems and Good Time, the film traces the turbulent life of Mark Kerr, one of the most dominant yet troubled fighters in mixed martial arts history. Kerr rose to prominence in the late 1990s as a two-time UFC heavyweight tournament champion. With a background in wrestling and a ferocious fighting style, he earned the nickname “The Smashing Machine”, a name that carried both glory and burden.
Outside the cage, Kerr faced painful battles with addiction, personal demons and the pressure of living up to his reputation.
Safdie’s past films have dived deep into complexity, painting a portrait of triumph and collapse, resilience and fragility. And this film’s center Dwayne Johnson, who I didn’t even recognize when I first saw the trailer, puts aside his Hollywood polished image to embody the grit of a man defined as much by his struggles as by his victories. Just like Safdie’s Uncut Gems, Adam Sandler doesn’t appear to be the same ol’ Adam Sandler.
Johnson’s Boldest Transformation
Audiences may know Johnson as the charming powerhouse who dominates franchises like Fast & Furious, Jumanji and Black Adam. He’s built a career on charisma, comedic timing and the physicality that once made him a household name in professional wrestling. But in The Smashing Machine, all of that is stripped away, supposedly.
Johnson underwent a rigorous physical transformation, not just through training, but also by embracing prosthetics that altered his face and physique. Early promotional stills shocked fans; he appeared heavier, wearier, almost broken, far from the superheroic presence of his blockbuster roles.
In interviews I’ve seen, Johnson admitted that the process was frightening.
“It was scary to step away from everything I’ve built and be this vulnerable,” he said. “But Mark Kerr’s story demanded honesty. It demanded that I disappear into him.”
That honesty paid off. At the film’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival earlier this month, Johnson broke down in tears as the audience gave the film a 15-minute standing ovation, one of the longest of the festival. Critics immediately began praising the performance as a revelation, calling it the most profound work of his career.
A Story Beyond the Ring
While The Smashing Machine features fight sequences, it isn’t simply a sports film. The real drama lies in the quiet, painful moments away from the cage. Johnson’s Kerr struggles with substance abuse, with the weight of fame and with the strain on his marriage to Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt.
The film explores their relationship with unflinching detail. The love, the disappointments and the emotional cost of a life spent chasing dominance. Blunt’s performance has been singled out as a crucial counterpart to Johnson’s, grounding the story in human stakes rather than athletic ones.
Adding to the authenticity are appearances by real combat sports icons such as Bas Rutten, a close friend and former training partner of Kerr and boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk. Their presence lends credibility to the film’s depictions of the MMA world and blurs the line between fiction and documentary.
Safdie’s Distinctive Style
Director Benny Safdie brings his trademark intensity to the project. Known for capturing the raw energy of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances, Safdie avoids glossy cinematography in favor of something closer to documentary realism. Handheld cameras, long takes and natural lighting immerse the viewer in his films.
Critical Acclaim and Awards Buzz
Critics are already comparing the film to classic character studies like Raging Bull.
Since its Venice debut, The Smashing Machine has been generating serious awards chatter. With an 89% Rotten Tomatoes score and glowing early reviews, Johnson is being mentioned as a potential contender for Best Actor during awards season.
GQ described the film as “the first great Dwayne Johnson movie,” while Vanity Fair noted that Johnson “disappears into the role in a way few thought possible.” For a performer who has long been seen as a charismatic entertainer rather than a dramatic actor, the shift is monumental.
Showtimes and Ticket Information
The Smashing Machine opens at the Cameo Art House Theatre on Oct. 3. Showtimes and tickets will be available on the theater’s website at cameoarthouse.com. Given the film’s acclaim and buzz, seats are expected to fill quickly.