Entertainment

Celebrate Father’s Day with great local events

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Tuesday, 03 June 2025

Written by Sheila D Barker

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 15. Consider taking your father to one of these fantastic local activities taking place over Father’s Day weekend. These events are sure to provide memorable experiences and quality time together. Whether your dad enjoys outdoor adventures, sports, or live music, there's something for everyone to enjoy and make this Father's Day extra special.

Saturday, June 14
• Father's Day Gospel Jazz Brunch at Bethel Christian Assembly, 1065 Progress St., at 6 p.m.
Celebrate Father's Day with heartfelt and inspiring jazz and gospel music. Indulge in a gourmet brunch crafted by Atlanta's own Chef Josh, all while being serenaded by Gabriel Swinney & Friends, The Lenny Harris Band, and special guest Darryl Murrill. Tickets are $40. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.run/vReKPP

• Father's Day Corvette Display at North Post Main Exchange, Fort Bragg at 11 a.m.
Is Dad a car enthusiast? The North Post Main Exchange on Fort Bragg is hosting a Corvette car show. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.run/IzwLwP

• 7th Annual Father's Day Weekend Crab Feast at John D Fuller Rec Center, 6627 Old Bunce Rd. at Noon
Attention, blue crab enthusiasts! Join in for Crab Fest, organized by SouthEast Crab Feast and the Kappa Alpha Psi Inc., Fayetteville Alumni. This celebration showcases the rich tradition of Low Country Coastal outdoor seafood cooking. Enjoy unlimited fresh blue crab along with a serving of fish and chips. The event will feature music and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal outing for everyone. Tickets are $18.79. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.run/Ldt229

• Latin Night-Father's Day Edition at Dirty Whiskey, 5431 Corporation Dr., Hope Mills at 9:30 p.m.
Get your dance on with DJ Q spinning all the best Latin music. Dance all night to Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, and Reggaeton. Don't forget to hit up the Urbano Latin Flavours food truck. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.run/aKZFai

• Family Night Hike & Campfire at Cape Fear Botanical Garden at 8 p.m.
Get ready for an unforgettable evening exploring the Garden after dark with their Family Night Hike and Campfire event! Perfect for families looking to connect with nature through fun, an all ages adventure. Enjoy a guided night hike with a knowledgeable guide and then head to the campfire circle to roast marshmallows and make s'mores. Tickets are $30 a family or $20 a family for CFBG members. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.run/l7UBeH

• Cars & Coffee at Millstone Towne Centre, 3351 S. Peak Dr., Hope Mills at 9 a.m.
Passionate about cars? Enjoy showcasing your vehicle? Eager to connect with fellow auto enthusiasts? Head out to Fayetteville's Cars and Coffee gathering at Millstone Theatre in Millstone Towne Centre, Hope Mills.! Open to all makes and models. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.run/N79P5g

• Outdoor Education Program: Snakes at Smith Lake Recreation Area at 11 a.m.
Don't miss the first installment of this great Outdoor Education Program. Whether you fear or are fascinated by snakes, you will learn all about them at this workshop. Learn how to identify them, find them, and even get the chance to see and touch a real snake. Free and open to the public with no registration required. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.run/JiWKbT

• Click's Nursery Rad Dad Day at Country Cottage Treats, 4181 Barefoot Rd. at 10 a.m.
Don't miss out on the Father’s Day Market! Give the men a day to remember with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and one-of-a-kind items from fantastic local vendors. Whether you're hunting for the ideal gift or simply soaking in the great atmosphere, this event is the perfect destination! For more information, visit http://tinyurl.run/0WreTy

Sunday, June 15
• Fayetteville Woodpeckers Game at Segra Stadium at 5 p.m.
Spend Father's Day at the ballpark. The Fayetteville Woodpeckers will be taking on the Fredericksburg Nationals. Grab a special Family 4 Pack: 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs and 4 sodas/waters for $44. Kids can run the bases and play catch in the outfield after the game. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.run/jMlPsO

• Field of Dreams Father's Day Screening at the Cameo at 4 p.m.
Celebrate Father’s Day by taking Dad to see one of the greatest sports movies ever made—Field of Dreams. With touching performances by Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, and Ray Liotta, this unforgettable film isn’t just about baseball—it’s a powerful story of fathers, sons, and second chances. Tickets start at $8.50. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.run/6KyBdA

• Father's Day Market at Dirtbag Ales at 10 a.m.
What more could Dad want than a day out with the family at the Farmers Market? Plenty of beer, food trucks and live music to keep everyone happy. And if your Dad tells funny jokes, sign him up for the Joke Contest starting at noon where the winner gets a $100 gift card. Or maybe sign him up for the Dad Fashion Show starting at 1 p.m. Best Dressed will also receive a prize. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.run/yJDPI6

• Father's Day Dinner at Haymount Truck Stop at 4:30 p.m.
Give Dad a memorable experience this Father’s Day by treating him to a specially curated three-course dinner at the Haymount Truck Stop. Each delicious course will be expertly paired with a handcrafted cocktail, ensuring a unique and flavorful dining adventure. To accommodate your schedule, there will be two seating options available: an early seating at 4:30 p.m. and a later seating at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.run/JnTWT5 or call 910-210-3250.

Fayetteville Regional Airport hosts ACE Academy for youth

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Tuesday, 03 June 2025

Written by Amber Little

Transportation by ground, sea, or air will always be a viable industry in our ever-growing global economy, and it is important to ensure there is a workforce to fill those positions in the future. Thanks to a federal program, aviation and aerospace careers can be explored by school-aged children already showing interest in these fields.
Calling all future pilots, engineers, and air traffic controllers, now is the time to sit in the seat and see what they see and how it works. The Fayetteville Regional Airport is hosting the Aviation Career Education Academy on August 4 and 5 for middle and high schoolers interested in learning more about what it takes to make an airport run on a daily basis. This completely immersive experience was designed to give teenagers who have shown some interest a more in-depth look at the inner workings of our regional airport. The program promises, “Students will meet professionals in the aerospace workforce, learn about potential career paths, get an insider’s view on operations within the national airspace system, and see firsthand how air traffic controllers manage the skies and ensure safe flights.”
ACE Academy will take place at the training facility located at the airport at 3065 Radar Rd. Applications are currently open and can be found online at https://bit.ly/4jqVy9j. Any youth in grades 6-12 are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be available on both days of the academy and have transportation to and from the academy every day. Applicants must complete the entire application, including the parent/guardian consent at the end. This portion is important to ensuring acceptance into the program. Applications close on June 6, and applicants will be notified of acceptance soon thereafter, no later than July 6. For any questions or more information, contact Fayetteville Regional Airport at 910-433-1160 or via email at airport@fayettevilleNC.gov.
Leading this year’s ACE Academy is Deontae Watson.
The Academy is made possible through the Aviation Career Education grant through the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The grant allots up to $5,000 annually to public airports around the state to develop and host “career-focused summer academies for middle and high school students” in the field of aerospace and aviation. To find more programs in the state, visit the website at https://www.ncdot.gov/divisions/aviation/aviation-business-development/Pages/aviation-career-education-academies.aspx.
North Carolina's program is aligned with the Federal Aviation Administration’s ACE Academy program, which focuses on highlighting careers in Air Traffic Controller, Aircraft Maintenance Technician, Aerospace Engineer, Professional Pilot, Airport Management, Airport Planner, and many more. Through the Federal program, 1,500- 2,000 school-aged children can complete the academy each summer. Students have a curated experience that includes instruction on aircraft design and maintenance, lessons in flight planning, aviation history, and the physics of flight. Depending on the location, some students are introduced to flight simulators and in-flight experience. For more information on the Federal Aviation Program, visit the website at https://www.faa.gov/education/ace_academy.

TCB and Women N Children First headline Rock'n on the River

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Tuesday, 03 June 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Prepare for yet another remarkable summer night at Rock'n On The River! This much-loved concert series, a cornerstone of the summer calendar since its inception in 2018, is returning with more energy and excitement than ever before. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of event coordinator Greg Adair and the generous support from Healy Wholesale, this event guarantees an evening filled with outstanding music and a vibrant sense of community.
Nestled amidst the picturesque scenery of Campbellton Landing, Rock'n On The River serves as the ultimate summer starter. The event promises an unforgettable night filled with electrifying performances from the Throwback Collaboration Band and Women N Children First. Get ready to be immersed in an atmosphere brimming with excitement, where dancing and singing along to the vibrant tunes become second nature. The evening is designed to leave guests with cherished memories and a sense of exhilaration, marking the perfect beginning to the summer season.
Formed seven years ago, the Throwback Collaboration Band (TCB) is a group of seasoned musicians from Fayetteville who have been performing together for over three decades. The band consists of Richard Bradford (Drums/Vocals), Rodney Smith (Guitar/Vocals), Mike Counts (Bass/Vocals), A.D. Thomas (Guitar/Vocals), Breyon Bratcher, Ashonti Gainey, Bob James (Keyboards) and Vanessia Holland (Vocals).
With a mission to promote family fun, community, and positivity, TCB delivers an energetic show featuring classic dance music and R&B hits from the '70s, '80s, and today. Their impressive resume includes performances at the Fayetteville Dogwood Festivals, Fayetteville After Five, the North Carolina State Fair, and various other festivals and private parties.
“We are comprised of retired military, Fort Bragg employees, Kelly Springfield, and the school system. Sharing our talents with our hometown has always been an important part of why we do it. We did not have any idea that we would become a band with a large following and that we would be able to bring smiles and good times the way we do,” said TBC guitarist A.D. Thomas. “We love Fayetteville and love serving our Hometown heroes! Hooah! We also want to thank Greg Adair and the Rivermist organization. They have been a big part of our journey, and we appreciate them immensely!”
To learn more about TCB visit their website at https://throwbackcollaborationband.com/. Be sure to catch their performance from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Following TCB's performance, get ready to rock out with Women N Children First, a Van Halen tribute band that has been wowing audiences across North Carolina since 2021. The band features Angie Bagley on vocals, Keith Baumbaugh (aka Bam) on guitar, Todd Barrett on bass guitar, and Jolynn Harrison on drums.
Hailed as “the closest you can get to Van Halen,” Women N Children First delivers a captivating, high-energy show that transports audiences back in time. Their performances cover Van Halen favorites from both the David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar eras with stunning accuracy.
“Participating in the concert series gives us the opportunity to meet great musicians and perform with various bands in the Fayetteville area. Rock’n On The River has always been a fun venue for us to play,” said Baumbaugh. “Special thanks to Greg Adair for coordinating this event!”
To learn more about Women N Children First, visit their website at https://womennchildrenfirstnc.com/. Don't miss their set from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Save the date for Friday, June 20, and head to Campbellton Landing at 1122 Person Street for an unforgettable evening filled with exceptional music and enjoyable activities. Nestled on the east bank of the picturesque Cape Fear River, Campbellton Landing, which also hosts Deep Creek Outfitters, offers a delightful setting that exudes a warm, inviting atmosphere. The location boasts ample open space complemented by the cool shade of majestic trees, making it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the festivities.
The Rock'n On The River series aspires to be an event that the entire family can enjoy. Remember to pack chairs and blankets to comfortably experience top-notch music beneath the night sky.
Though admission to the concert is complimentary, attendees should be aware that a parking fee of $10 per vehicle will be charged. Additionally, it is important to note that outside coolers and containers are not permitted within the venue. However, guests need not worry, as there will be a wide selection of food and beverages available for purchase on the premises.
Rock’n On The River would not be possible without the generous support of Healy Wholesale.
A huge thank you also goes out to the 2025 Corporate Sponsors: Sandy's Automotive, Up & Coming Weekly, 96.5 Jack FM, Deep Creek Grill, Greater Fayetteville Chamber, Deep Creek Outfitters, Minuteman Press, Boose & Stewart Attorneys at Law, and Cumberland Insulation Company.
The Rock’n On The River Concert Series not only entertains music lovers but also makes a significant contribution to the community. By allocating fifty percent of the beer sales to the Karen Chandler Trust Cancer Charity, this event provides essential support to cancer patients and their families. This charitable effort ensures that while attendees enjoy the music, they are also helping to make a positive difference in the lives of those battling cancer.
Rock'n On The River presents an energetic and community-centered outdoor concert series by the water, showcasing a wide range of musical performances in a laid-back setting. It's an event that's bound to create lasting memories, so rally friends and family and come out for an evening filled with fantastic music and a strong sense of togetherness at Rock'n On The River!

Fort Bragg prepares for celebration of Army’s 250th birthday

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Tuesday, 03 June 2025

Written by Jamie Bishop

On the evening of June 18, Fort Bragg will commemorate a historic milestone with the U.S. Army 250th Birthday Gala, a signature event that will bring together distinguished military leaders, service members, veterans, and local residents in an elegant celebration of one of America’s oldest and most revered institutions.
Hosted at the Iron Mike Conference Center from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., the gala stands as the cornerstone of a week-long celebration honoring 250 years of Army service, sacrifice, and strength. Guests will experience a meticulously curated evening of tradition, honor, and community engagement that reflects the Army’s enduring motto: “This We’ll Defend.”
The U.S. Army was officially founded on June 14, 1775, by the Second Continental Congress, making it the oldest branch of the United States military. This year’s 250th birthday provides a rare moment to reflect on its contributions to national defense across the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Cold War, and 21st-century conflicts, including operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond.
At Fort Bragg, home to the XVIII Airborne Corps, 82nd Airborne Division, and U.S. Army Special Operations Command, the gala is especially meaningful. The installation has long served as a key strategic and symbolic post, representing the grit and adaptability of modern warfare and the enduring traditions of the U.S. Army.
The June 18 event is designed as a formal evening that includes ceremonial elements, patriotic performances, and multimedia presentations. Attendees will journey through a visual and emotional narrative of Army history, punctuated by live music, symbolic table settings, and official military honors.
Several high-profile military leaders and public figures are set to attend the gala. Gen. Andrew Poppas, Commanding General of U.S. Army Forces Command, is expected to deliver the keynote address, highlighting the Army’s evolution and readiness for future challenges.
Other key figures scheduled to attend include Command Sgt. Major Lisa Rivera, a central figure in planning the event, and Col. Marcus Taylor, Chief of Strategic Operations, who has coordinated efforts to spotlight current Army initiatives such as modernization, digital readiness, and personnel support.
Community and civic leaders will also be present, among them Mayor Mitch Colvin of Fayetteville and representatives from the Military Affairs Council of Greater Fayetteville, Cumberland County Schools, and local veteran service organizations. Invitations have been extended to members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation, including Congresswoman Deborah Ross, who has demonstrated consistent support for military families.
Each gala table will be arranged to encourage dialogue between generations and across military-civilian lines. Active-duty soldiers will share tables with retirees, while civilians and public officials will be seated with veterans and Gold Star families.
The evening’s program will begin with a formal reception and photo opportunities in the lobby of the Iron Mike Conference Center. A historical exhibit featuring artifacts and visuals from key Army milestones, curated with assistance from the 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum, will set the stage for the celebration.
The official ceremony will open with the presentation of the colors and the National Anthem performed by the 82nd Airborne Division Band. Throughout the evening, the band will provide live musical accompaniment with selections ranging from “The Army Goes Rolling Along” to contemporary patriotic pieces.
A poignant part of the program will feature the remembrance table, a silent and symbolic tribute to prisoners of war and those missing in action. The ceremonial cake-cutting, a cherished Army tradition, will be performed with a saber, and the honor will be shared by the youngest and oldest soldiers present, symbolizing the continuity of service across generations.
Video tributes will feature archival footage and personal testimonies from soldiers past and present, capturing the evolution of the Army from the colonial militias of 1775 to today’s tech-driven, globally engaged force.
The gala will serve as a military celebration and a community event emphasizing Fort Bragg’s connection to the region. Civic organizations, educational leaders, small business owners, and nonprofit representatives have been invited to participate, reinforcing the installation’s long-standing partnership with the surrounding communities.
Earlier in the week, on June 13, the Fort Bragg chapter of the Association of the United States Army will host a scholarship luncheon, recognizing military dependents pursuing higher education. On June 14, the Army’s official birthday and Flag Day, Fort Bragg’s Smith Lake Recreation Area will host a public celebration with games, food vendors, and a fireworks show open to families.
The week-long observances reflect a collaborative effort between Fort Bragg, local governments, and private sector partners to raise awareness of the Army’s legacy and encourage public appreciation of military service.
While the gala focuses on the past, it will also highlight the Army’s ongoing transformation.
Attendees will get a closer look at topics such as Army Futures Command, Project Convergence, and the development of autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and enhanced battlefield communication technologies. The goal is to emphasize that while the Army honors its storied past, it is equally focused on preparing for the challenges of the next century.
A short documentary film produced in collaboration with Army Public Affairs will air during the gala. Narrated by a nationally recognized veteran advocate, the film will juxtapose scenes of historical conflict with footage from current Army training and humanitarian missions, illustrating the Army’s evolving mission and the human stories behind the uniform.
Attendance, Dress, and Livestream
The event is open to active-duty service members, retirees, veterans, Gold Star families, and local civilians. Tickets are available through the Military Affairs Council of Greater Fayetteville.
Attendees are expected to wear formal attire or the Army Service Uniform. Security and access protocols will be in place, and guests are advised to arrive early for check-in and seating.
For those unable to attend in person, portions of the gala will be live-streamed through Fort Bragg’s official Facebook and YouTube channels.
The Army’s 250th Birthday Gala at Fort Bragg will be an unforgettable evening, one that commemorates not just the formation of an institution but the stories of millions who have worn the Army uniform.
From its founding in the days before American independence to its role in shaping global peace and security, the U.S. Army has stood as a symbol of duty, courage, and resilience. The gala will honor that legacy, celebrate the soldiers of today, and inspire the next generation to uphold the same commitment.
As the stars and stripes are raised, the last chords of patriotic music echo through the Iron Mike Conference Center, and guests reflect on 250 years of military history, the message will be clear: the Army’s mission endures, its spirit remains unshaken, and its future is as strong as its past.
For more information, ticket reservations, or media inquiries, visit https://bit.ly/3FlZvhD or contact Fort Bragg’s Public Affairs.