Entertainment

Fat Tuesday: The history, meaning of Mardi Gras

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Tuesday, 03 February 2026

Written by Sheila D. Barker

This year, Mardi Gras is being celebrated on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Mardi Gras, often associated with vibrant parades, elaborate costumes, and lively celebrations, is a festival rooted in centuries of religious, cultural, and social tradition. While today it is widely recognized as a time of indulgence and revelry, Mardi Gras has deep historical meaning tied to the Christian calendar and the rhythms of medieval European life.
The term Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday,” referring to the final day of feasting before the beginning of Lent. Lent is the forty-day period of fasting and spiritual preparation leading up to Easter in the Christian tradition. Historically, Lent required abstinence from rich foods such as meat, eggs, butter, and dairy. Mardi Gras emerged as the last opportunity to consume these foods before the restrictions of Lent began on Ash Wednesday.
The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced back to ancient pagan celebrations marking the arrival of spring and fertility, including Roman festivals such as Saturnalia and Lupercalia. As Christianity spread across Europe, many of these seasonal customs were absorbed into the Christian liturgical calendar. By the Middle Ages, pre-Lenten celebrations had become widespread, particularly in Catholic regions of France, Italy, and Spain.
In medieval Europe, Mardi Gras was characterized by public feasts, masquerades, and carnivals. The word “carnival” itself is often thought to derive from the Latin “carne levare,” meaning “to remove meat,” reflecting the transition into Lent. Masks and costumes allowed participants to temporarily blur social boundaries, enabling peasants and nobles alike to engage in playful misrule. This inversion of social norms offered a brief release from the rigid hierarchies and hardships of everyday life.
Mardi Gras made its way to the Americas through European colonization. French settlers brought the tradition to North America in the late 17th century, particularly to Louisiana. New Orleans became the epicenter of Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States, developing unique customs such as organized parades, krewes, floats, and the throwing of beads and trinkets to spectators. Over time, African, Caribbean, and Creole influences further shaped the city’s distinctive Mardi Gras culture.
Symbolism plays a central role in Mardi Gras traditions. The festival’s signature colors—purple, green, and gold—were officially adopted in New Orleans in 1872. Purple represents justice, green symbolizes faith, and gold signifies power. King Cake, another iconic element, is a ring-shaped pastry decorated in these colors, often hiding a small figurine inside. The person who finds the figurine is traditionally tasked with hosting the next celebration.
At its core, Mardi Gras represents both excess and transition. It is a communal moment of joy, creativity, and indulgence before a period of reflection and restraint. While modern celebrations may emphasize spectacle and entertainment, the festival’s enduring power lies in its ability to connect people to centuries-old traditions that blend faith, culture, and human expression.
Mardi Gras is not merely a party, it is a living reminder of how history, ritual, and community come together in celebration.
If you are celebrating at home or heading off to another celebration, be sure to stop by one of these great shops for Mardi Gras themed bakes:

Superior Bakery at 2433 Hope Mills Rd.
They offer King Cakes that serve 20-25 people for $35.
910-424-4242
https://tinyurl.com/3fz3c5jt

Burney's Sweets & More of Fayetteville at 3319-B Raeford Rd.
Check out their Mardi Gras croissants or grab a King Cake complete with a plastic baby inside!
910-745-8975
https://tinyurl.com/3yr9ecs3

Enjoy luxurious Valentine’s dinner in Fayetteville

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Wednesday, 28 January 2026

Written by Tara Kamiya

A new luxury event company is making its official debut in Fayetteville with the launch of Legacy and Silk Events, a business built on more than two decades of experience producing high-end celebrations for prominent clients across the country.
The company will introduce itself to the community with its signature launch event, The Sweethearts Dinner, scheduled for Feb. 14, at the Crown Expo Center at 7 p.m. at 1960 Coliseum Dr. Tickets are now available through the company website, legacyandsilk.com. A limited discount is being offered using the unlock code SWEETHEART. The evening will be full of dancing, dinner and live music. Tickets start at $119.
Legacy and Silk Events is a luxury event curation company centered on storytelling, culture and meaningful connection. The company focuses on designing elevated experiences that blend elegance with warmth while remaining accessible to the local community.
The president of Legacy and Silk Events, Dion Clark, said the decision to establish the company in Fayetteville was intentional. She noted that the city is home to families, military couples and individuals who value upscale experiences but often must travel elsewhere to enjoy them.
She said the goal of the company is to bring refined and thoughtfully designed events to Fayetteville while preserving a sense of intimacy and inclusion. The Sweethearts Dinner reflects that vision.
The event is designed to celebrate love in many forms rather than focusing exclusively on romantic relationships. Attendees may include couples, mothers and daughters, close friends and anyone seeking a meaningful shared experience.
Guests can expect an elegant atmosphere featuring chef-inspired dining, live entertainment and an evening of dancing. Organizers describe the setting as refined yet inviting, offering a balance between sophistication and comfort.
Clark said the intention behind the evening is to create an environment where guests feel present, relaxed and connected to one another.
She said the event was created to encourage people to slow down, step away from daily responsibilities and focus on celebrating the people who matter most in their lives.
Organizers hope The Sweethearts Dinner will become a recurring tradition in Fayetteville.
Clark said the long-term goal is to establish a signature annual event that residents look forward to each year, one that fosters connection and reinforces the importance of shared experiences.
Legacy and Silk Events draws on an extensive background in luxury event production. Over the past two decades, leadership within the company have contributed to private and large-scale celebrations for high-profile individuals, including business leaders, entertainers and public officials. While the company’s experience includes elite clientele, its Fayetteville events are designed to feel welcoming rather than exclusive.
Meaningful events should not feel distant or unattainable, said Clark. She emphasized that elegance can coexist with approachability and that high-quality experiences should be available within the local community. She said her inspiration for entering the events industry stems from a belief in the emotional power of gatherings.
Events create moments people anticipate, remember and associate with significant points in their lives. From milestone celebrations to intimate dinners, well-designed experiences can strengthen relationships and elevate the spirit.
Clark communicated that every detail contributes to that outcome, including menu selections, décor, lighting and music. When combined intentionally, those elements help shape the emotional tone of the evening and support the overall story being told.
The Sweethearts Dinner is intended to serve as more than entertainment. Organizers describe it as a celebration of connection, presence and appreciation. The overall hope for the event is that guests leave feeling valued, inspired and emotionally fulfilled.
Organizers said the response reflects a desire for opportunities to gather in beautiful spaces, dress with intention and participate in events that feel meaningful rather than routine.
Legacy and Silk Events plans to expand its offerings following the February debut. Future programming will continue to emphasize culture, celebration and storytelling while maintaining a consistent standard of elegance and thoughtful design. With its official launch underway, the company aims to contribute to Fayetteville’s evolving social landscape by creating experiences that bring people together through intention, atmosphere and shared memory.
Tickets for The Sweethearts Dinner remain available through legacyandsilk.com, with limited seating expected. The event marks the beginning of Legacy and Silk Events’ commitment to curating experiences designed to endure long after the evening concludes.

Game On: Super Bowl events happening around town

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Wednesday, 28 January 2026

Written by Sheila D. Barker

As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, the excitement isn’t just on the field — it’s playing out across our community. From watch parties and themed specials to family-friendly events and late-night celebrations, local venues are pulling out all the stops to make game day unforgettable. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, there for the commercials, or just in it for the snacks, here’s a roundup of Super Bowl events happening around town so you can find the perfect place to watch the big game.
All of these events are happening on Sunday, Feb. 8.

Big Game Party at North South Brewing Company, 304 Williams St. at 6 p.m.: Enjoy the game with drinks, football fun, and food from Cousins Maine Lobster. https://tinyurl.com/ye2xarms

Touchdowns & Taps: Super Bowl LX Party at Sol's Arcade & Taproom, 421 Maiden Ln. at noon: Don't miss anything on massive 130 & 75-inch screens. Also enjoy food, drinks, and good vibes. More surprises to come. https://tinyurl.com/2esbneab

Super Bowl Watch Party at Level 88, 5112 Yadkin Rd. at 6:30 p.m.: Enjoy great food & drink specials, including $1 wings and $3 domestic beer. https://tinyurl.com/nn26ydt9

Super Bowl Sunday Jam Session at 226 The Warehouse, 226 Donaldson at 4:30 p.m.: Enjoy a night of great music, good energy, and unforgettable football moments. https://tinyurl.com/3vmem8ns

Super Bowl Party at Hope Mills Shrine Club, 4461 Cameron Rd., Hope Mills at 6 p.m.: Bring friends, family, and a dish to share at this football-themed potluck. https://tinyurl.com/32passyp

Super Bowl Party! at Bunkers Bar and Grill, 125 Whispering Pines Dr., Spring Lake at noon: Whether you want to cheer on your favorite team or just watch the commercials, enjoy prizes, food specials, and more. https://tinyurl.com/n3u2x5na

Super Bowl Sunday at 1910 Wine Nest, 223 Flagstone Ln., Raeford at 5 p.m.: Enjoy food vendors and drink specials, including $6 mimosas with 10 different flavor options to choose from. Entry and parking are free for the night. https://tinyurl.com/n795abun

Super Bowl Party at Wana Navu, 500 N Reilly Rd.: Enjoy complimentary pizza and chips & salsa, as well as drink specials all night. https://tinyurl.com/2dty2kzj

#SUPERBOWL60 at Carolina Ale House, 161 Glensford Dr. at 6 p.m.: Get in on the in-store games and award-winning wings. Try your luck at the raffle for a chance to win a team jersey. https://tinyurl.com/y5hmksk4

Looking for a great place to enjoy the game without all the bells and whistles, and just some good food and drink? Here are some good options to consider:
• WOB Bar & Kitchen, 1944 Skibo Rd., 910-758-9782 https://worldofbeer.com/locations/fayetteville/
• Heckler Brewing Company, 5780 Ramsey St. Ste. 102, 910-339-5505 https://www.hecklerbeer.com/
• District House of Taps, 1240 Fort Bragg Rd., 910-491-6737 https://www.districthouseoftaps.com/
• Stewart's Tavern, 116 N Main St., Raeford, 910-479-1313 https://stewartstavern.com/
• Gaston Brewing Company, 124 Hay St., 910-748-0580 https://gastonbrewing.com/
• Kickback Jack's, 5081 Morganton Rd., 910-223-7676 https://www.kbjacks.com/fayetteville-nc
• Mac's Speed Shop, 482 N McPherson Church Rd., 910-354-2590 https://macspeedshop.com/
• Bubba's 33, 500 Westwood Shopping Center, 910-223-2601 https://tinyurl.com/473p7etj
• Mission BBQ, 1932 Skibo Rd., 910-491-9500 https://mission-bbq.com/
• Buffalo Wild Wings, 2097 Skibo Rd., 910-868-1561 https://tinyurl.com/4ynmcbjm
• Charlie Mike's Pub, 195 Starpoint Dr., 910-339-8005 https://www.facebook.com/charliemikesofficial/

If you are watching the big game at home, be sure to run by James Creek Cider House at 172 US Highway 1, N Business, Cameron. They will have Game Day Growlers and team flights for each team in the game until 7 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/jamescreekciderhouse

NC Fashion Week inspires models, designers, boutiques

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Wednesday, 28 January 2026

Written by Anna White

While most fashion shows center around a cohesive theme, Jennifer Baker likes to keep individuality at the forefront.
“This is your show, your way,” she explained. “What we do at North Carolina Fashion Week is we give the designers free rein on what they want to do.”
Baker, founder of NC Fashion Week and owner of modeling agency Metro Faces International, wants to put regional talent on the map. Nearly 20 years ago, she launched the annual fashion event, and its impact continues to grow.
“It gives models, designers and boutiques an opportunity to be seen,” Baker shared. The week includes both in-person and virtual opportunities; contests, complementary workshops, portfolio-building, and finally, the runway on Feb. 7.
Fayetteville is a prime location for the event, according to Baker, given its central location between New York and Miami, both fashion hot spots.
“Years ago, it was just about the city you lived in,” Baker said of models looking to launch a career. “But now you have the opportunity to be in larger markets. I think you should always look at the beginning as something that could get bigger.”
NC Fashion Week is not only an open door for regional talent to expand their market. The event also draws models from across the country, and most recently, across the world.
“When we first started North Carolina Fashion Week, we were dealing with models from right here in our area, but now we have models coming in from New York and Los Angeles,” Baker explained. “We also did a prelude to North Carolina Fashion Week about a month ago, where we actually partnered with an agency from the Bahamas.”
The Bahamian agency found Baker through Facebook. When multiple models expressed a desire to participate, Baker conducted a virtual audition process and had models fly in for a show.
“It was really amazing,” she shared, “It was such a good time.”
This year, the week will feature events, workshops, and castings all designed to bolster models’ professional and practical skills and resources. They’ll participate in virtual opportunities to show off their best portfolio images and attend complimentary workshops. Baker says this year they’re hosting a photo movement workshop, which “gives models opportunities to learn how to pose for the camera, walk on the catwalk and just little things like how to pose and stand there for at least six seconds.” She says the preparation ensures models leave with “amazing photos from the fashion show.”
At the end of the week, two “lucky models” will be chosen to attend Los Angeles Fashion Week in the spring, according to Baker. The decision will be made based on the model’s walk, enthusiasm, commitment and overall attitude.
Baker says her biggest challenge this year has also been her biggest reward. As the fashion industry evolves, designers are expanding their search beyond models with small bodies.
“A lot of designers are now saying, ‘We don’t really want double zero models, we want people to look like everyday people,’” Baker explained. “I’ve had to go outside my database, and that’s a good thing. I’ve been able to call one of my lifestyle models and say, ‘hey, this is going to be an opportunity for you because they’re looking for people that look like you.’”
Through matching the right models with the right designers in a changing modeling landscape, Baker has overcome obstacles and continues moving forward.
Diversity is important to Baker, and she auditions models of all abilities, sizes, and ages.
“I’ve worked with fashion models as young as three and as old as seventy-two, so I would never want them to stop dreaming, and I would just want them to be authentic.”
This year, Baker is excited to have autism represented among her models. A young man who previously took acting classes with her agency eventually circled back to modeling.
“I’m really excited for him because he’s so happy and he’s excited about it.”
On Feb. 7, models will gather at the Arts Council of Fayetteville/ Cumberland County to prepare for their big day. The morning will start with hair and makeup and end with models owning the catwalk.
“This is the day they want,“ said Baker, explaining that this is their chance to be seen. “In the audience, there could be a boutique from New York or one from Paris. The sky is the limit.”
North Carolina Fashion Week runs February 1-7. The runway will be held on Feb 7 at the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County at 301 Hay St. Text “Model” to 910-978-8368 to learn more.

(Photo courtesy of Jennifer Baker)