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)