Entertainment

MLB draft prospects shine in Stars vs. Stripes Series

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Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

The Stars vs. Stripes series is one of the most anticipated events in college baseball, bringing together 56 of the nation's top non-draft-eligible players. This annual intrasquad showdown serves as a platform for these talented athletes to showcase their skills, offering fans a glimpse into the future of Major League Baseball.
The fifth and final game of the Stars vs. Stripes series will be held at Segra Stadium on Thursday, July 3. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the game will start at 6:35 p.m.
The Stars vs. Stripes game at Segra Stadium highlights several players who are expected to be top picks in the MLB Draft. Notable first-round selections include Charlie Condon (Colorado Rockies), Hagen Smith (Chicago White Sox), and Jac Caglianone (Kansas City Royals).
Other standout prospects like JJ Wetherholt (St. Louis Cardinals), Christian Moore (Los Angeles Angels), and Seaver King (Washington Nationals) also demonstrated why they are considered among the best in college baseball. These athletes are poised to make significant impacts at the next level.
The Stars vs. Stripes series plays a crucial role in the development of collegiate players. By competing against their peers in a highly competitive environment, these athletes gain invaluable experience and exposure.
The series serves as a training ground where players can refine their skills, learn from top coaches, and prepare for the professional ranks. It's an essential step in their journey toward a successful career in Major League Baseball.
Over the years, the Stars vs. Stripes series has been the stage for numerous historic moments and standout performances. Each game is filled with thrilling plays, from clutch home runs to game-saving defensive efforts.
These memorable moments not only entertain fans but also add to the lore of the series, cementing its reputation as a premier event in college baseball.
Fans looking to catch the excitement of the Stars vs. Stripes series can attend the game at Segra Stadium, home of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, located at 460 Hay St. Tickets start at $13 and can be purchased online at https://tinyurl.com/3v8kpxsf.
Beyond the on-field excitement, the series offers additional entertainment with postgame fireworks, making it a perfect outing for families and baseball enthusiasts alike.

FSO Jams at Gates Four: A Summer concert experience

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Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Get ready for an unforgettable summer evening on Saturday, June 28th, with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra at Gates Four, featuring a blend of classical and contemporary music, fun activities, and community spirit.
Experience the Magic of Live Music at Gates Four
Get ready to be swept off your feet by the enchanting sounds of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra at Gates Four. This event promises a magical evening filled with live music that will captivate the senses. The lush surroundings of Cumberland County’s premier golf course and gated community provide the perfect backdrop for this incredible musical experience.
This concert is designed to leave a lasting impression on long-time live music fans and newcomers seeking a memorable night out. The gates open at 5:30 p.m., giving you ample time to find the perfect spot, set up your lawn chair or blanket, and soak in the beautiful atmosphere before the concert begins at 7 p.m.
A Night of Diverse Musical Performances
The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Jam at Gates Four will feature a diverse lineup of musical performances that cater to a wide range of tastes. From 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the FSO String Quartet will delight attendees with arrangements of popular songs, including hits from The Beatles, Broadway tunes, and contemporary pop artists like Taylor Swift.
Following the string quartet, the FSO Jazz Quartet will take the stage from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., offering a smooth and soulful conclusion to the evening. This unique blend of classical and jazz performances means there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The FSO will add an extra layer of fun to the night: Music Bingo, a fun twist on the classic game. Instead of numbers being called out, the FSO String Quartet will play 30-second snippets of various songs. The task is to recognize the tunes and mark them on a bingo card.
This innovative approach not only tests musical knowledge but also adds an interactive element to the evening. It's a delightful way for music lovers of all ages to engage with the performance while enjoying a bit of friendly competition.
At Gates Four Golf and Country Club, golfers of all skill levels can enjoy an exceptional experience on the 18-hole championship course. Gates Four offers a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience. Their club remains one of the premier destinations in the golfing community, consistently ranking at the top of the list for its quality and beauty.
Gates Four Golf and Country Club is more than just a golfing destination; it offers a range of luxurious amenities and facilities designed to provide an exceptional experience for all visitors.
The Summer Concert Series isn't the only entertainment Fayetteville Dinner Theatre hosts. After a 35-year hiatus, and under the leadership of Bill Bowman, FDT also offers a unique combination of theatrical performances and dining experience, bringing top-notch entertainment to Fayetteville.
Many events include a welcome reception, wine tasting, pre-show entertainment, and a three-course plated dinner prepared by local caterers.
According to Bowman, director of the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre and publisher of Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper, “I applaud and appreciate Gates Four Country Club’s willingness to host this free concert series for the residents of Cumberland County. This is our fifth successful concert season, but the first time we have invited the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. This is going to be a unique and fun celebration of popular and contemporary music that will have the audience engaged and participating in the FSO’s fun and entertaining musical challenges.”
Kevin Lavertu, general manager of Gates Four Country Club, said, “This will be the first time the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra has performed at Gates Four. Our country club and HOA members truly enjoy the variety and quality of entertainment we bring to our community.
"Our relationship with Bowman and the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre has elevated Gates Four’s stature throughout the North Carolina golfing community—being the only golf country club that hosts its own Dinner Theatre, offers free Summer Music Concerts, and proudly hosts the longest continuous golf tournament in North Carolina: the 56th Annual Cumberland County Golf Championship.”
He added, “We take great pride in welcoming the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s String Ensemble and Jazz Quartet to our community for the first time. Their musical talents will bring a wonderful experience to Gates Four, Hope Mills, and all the residents of western Cumberland County.”
In addition to Gates Four and the J.P. Riddle family, Bowman and Lavertu also credit Jay and JJ Dowdy of All American Homes, Greg Adair of Rivermist fame, and Larry Parker of Certified Heating and Air Conditioning for having the vision to support and underwrite this free, fun, family musical venue.
Proceeds from the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre events are donated to Cumberland County education through the Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation. The Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving literacy, education, and character development among young children across America.
The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Jam is more than just a concert; it's a celebration of community spirit and collaboration. This event is made possible through the support of the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre, Gates Four Country Club, and the Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper. These local organizations are dedicated to providing free entertainment to the residents of Cumberland County.
Additional sponsors for this event are the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and ShineLight.
“The Greater Fayetteville Chamber is proud to sponsor the 2025 Gates Four Concert Series. Each concert this summer has been a tremendous success, enjoyed by our members and their families,” said Jordan Sturgis, director of events at the Chamber. “The series highlights the talents and contributions of many Chamber members, including the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. We are honored to support initiatives that help make the Greater Fayetteville area a vibrant, welcoming place to live, work, and visit.”
Their efforts ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a night of great music, dancing, food, fun, prizes, and surprises. It's a testament to the power of community-minded businesses and organizations coming together to create a memorable experience for all.
The Gates Four Golf & Country Club is located at 6775 Irongate Drive. Admission to the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Jam at Gates Four is completely free, as is parking. Just bring a lawn chair or blanket, and invite family, friends, and even pets for an evening of entertainment under the stars.
No outside coolers, food or beverages are allowed. Food will be available for sale by Rolling Tacos, and adult beverages and water will be available for sale courtesy of Healy Wholesale. Rolling Tacos offers Mexican cuisine. They have various options, including tacos, pupusas, burritos, and quesadillas.
The gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the concert begins at 7 p.m., giving concert goers plenty of time to find a comfortable spot and enjoy the pre-concert atmosphere. There are a variety of ticket packages available for this show, including VIP Reserved Seating on the patio and in the pavilion. To see all of the ticket options and to purchase them, visit https://fayettevilledinnertheatre.com/shop/.
With a lineup of talented performers and a range of fun activities, this event promises to be a highlight of your summer. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the magic of live music in a beautiful outdoor setting.

More Music to Come
• July 12th-Beggars Banquet-Rolling Stones Tribute Band
• August 8th-Shoot to Thrill-All Girls AC/DC Tribute Band
Tickets for these up and coming shows can be purchased at https://fayettevilledinnertheatre.com/shop/.

(Top Photo: The FSO String Quartet will be the first of two Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra quartets to take the stage at the Gates Four Summer Concert Series. Bottom Photo: The FSO Jazz Quartet will round out the evening at Gates Four. Photos courtesy of FSO)

Firecracker 4 Miler celebrates 12th year of running, community spirit, scholarships

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Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Written by Jamie Bishop

An early morning burst of red, white, and blue will sweep through downtown Fayetteville on Friday, July 4, as the city celebrates both its patriotic pride and commitment to community health with the 12th annual Firecracker 4 Miler and 1 Mile Fun Run.
The popular Independence Day race, which draws local runners, traveling families, and visitors from neighboring states, will begin at 7 a.m. at the North Carolina Veterans Park, near the iconic Airborne & Special Operations Museum. Early packet pickup happens the day before at North South Brewing Company on Williams Street, a practice race director Shawn Wussow says helps shine a light on small businesses that people may not have discovered yet.
The 4-mile course, a tour through Fayetteville’s historic core, loops past Arsenal Park and weaves along Hay Street before merging with the Cross Creek Linear Park Trail and returning to the starting line near Segra Stadium. The event caters to all levels — from competitive racers to families with kids in strollers and welcomes dogs, costumes, and festive spirit.
What sets this race apart from many other local events, however, is its commitment to giving back.
“This race originally started as a way to fund our scholarship program,” said Wussow, a retired military service member with 23 years of service, who now directs about eight races a year through Fayetteville’s running community. “We focus on supporting local high school track athletes. This year, for the first time, we were able to award four scholarships thanks to race proceeds and generous sponsors.”
The scholarship fund relies on the community’s support and over the years has gained momentum. Wussow recalls a moment two years ago when a sponsor stepped forward to fully fund a scholarship outright, allowing the club to redirect more race proceeds to additional awards.
Applicants for the scholarship must provide a coach’s recommendation, proof of college acceptance, and a short statement about why they run; a simple but heartfelt requirement that has brought in some moving stories from young athletes determined to pursue their dreams despite financial obstacles.
“Seeing these kids break school records, earn state titles, and still give back to their community … that’s what makes it worth every early morning and long day of planning,” Wussow said.
While the Firecracker 4 Miler is the club’s signature summer race, it is just one of several events on Wussow’s community calendar. Other runs throughout the year include a trail race in October, a new half marathon in November at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, and “Be Their Voice” in January, a run helping the Child Advocacy Center and efforts against human trafficking. April brings the club’s Autism Awareness Run, which channels funds to local programs for children with autism, while the Juneteenth 5K directly supports the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s scholarship fund, which recently received its largest-ever donation of over $13,000.
For Wussow and his team, keeping costs low means more dollars go back into these community initiatives. After COVID-19 forced the club to rethink expenses, they transitioned to managing races in-house rather than outsourcing to professional organizers, which saved money they now reinvest in better race medals, participant swag, and entertainment.
Runners this year won’t be taking home just any t-shirt; each participant will receive a custom-made baseball-style jersey featuring race sponsors, including Two Men and a Truck, a longtime supporter. In addition, each registrant gets a free ticket to a Fayetteville Woodpeckers baseball game the following Sunday, further blending community sports and family fun.
These touches- big medals, unique race shirts, and local business tie-ins- have helped the race regain its pre-pandemic momentum. Participation is climbing steadily by about 100 to 150 runners per year, with registrations pouring in from South Carolina, Virginia, and even as far as Colorado. Many families make the race a yearly tradition, joining relatives in town for the holiday and soaking in the small-town charm of downtown Fayetteville’s Fourth of July celebrations.
“We’re well over halfway filled, and we’re still seeing about 100 new sign-ups each week,” Wussow said. “It should sell out again this year.”
As the Firecracker 4 Miler continues to grow, Wussow and his volunteers-all unpaid-remain committed to expanding opportunities for local youth, strengthening partnerships with businesses, and offering Fayetteville residents and visitors a healthy, joyful, and meaningful way to celebrate America’s birthday.
Future Fayetteville Run Club events include:
• October Trail Race: A chance to test your legs off-road on local trails with a supportive community vibe.
• November Half Marathon: A scenic race through the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, open to both seasoned and first-time half marathoners.
• January “Be Their Voice” 5K: Supporting local anti-human trafficking efforts in partnership with the Child Advocacy Center.
• April Autism Awareness Run: Funds from this race support autism skills programs through Fayetteville’s Connect Foundation.
• June Juneteenth 5K: Supporting the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s scholarships for African American students.
For those planning to run the Firecracker 4 Miler, day-of packet pickup opens at 6 a.m., with the 4 Miler starting promptly at 7 a.m. The 1 Mile Fun Run begins an hour later, giving parents time to complete their own race and join their children for a family run.
From record-breaking teens to families pushing strollers, this race is a snapshot of Fayetteville’s best: a city where fitness, community, and giving back go hand in hand.
To register or learn more about Fayetteville Run Club events, visit RunSignUp.com.

(Photo courtesy of Firecracker Four Miler Facebook page)

Build better community: Habitat for Humanity’s 30 for $30 Build

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Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Written by Anna White

Ready to get your hands dirty sanding, staining, painting, having fun and supporting a bigger cause? A June 28 build your own stool workshop at the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity will teach participants building skills and all proceeds will help fund the FAHH’s July 28 - Aug 1 Youth Construction Camp.
Ashley Thompson, director of Marketing at the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity, says that while the 30 for $30 event gives participants the opportunity to build and finish a wooden stool, this is the first event they’ve hosted that focuses solely on building a stool. It’s not unlike other popular workshops they’ve hosted in the past.
In March, they hosted a Woman’s Build that was filled to capacity and received feedback from many interested participants who would have loved to attend but didn’t get a spot. The Woman’s Build included instruction in a host of simple home repairs that were geared toward helping women cut down on repair costs by learning to diagnose simple problems like a tripped circuit or loose water pipes.
After visiting each station to learn a home repair skill, participants got to build and finish a wooden stool. Thompson said the event was well-received.
"The response was so good that we said, well, how about we just cut it in half? Do 30 people for $30... and then we'll put this build toward our upcoming construction camp for our youth."
This time around, the event will focus solely on crafting the stool that participants can then bring home and use for a variety of purposes - a plant stand, a foot rest, a book stand; the options are endless. Thompson says that participants always enjoy seeing the fruit of their creativity.
“Just the fact that you’re seeing what you finally put together is really rewarding,” she said.
At the 30 for $30 Build, participants will also enjoy knowing that their application fee supports the upcoming Construction Camp.
Hosted by the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity and Sweet Valley Ranch, the Construction Camp’s tagline is “Building the future with the future.” It’s open to 16-19 year olds who will receive hands-on instruction from licensed tradesmen in drywall, installation, electrical, plumbing and framing. Breakfast and lunch are provided daily, along with t-shirts for participants to bring home and a graduation ceremony to celebrate their accomplishments. Though the 30 for $30 build won’t fund the entire event, it will contribute to important costs such as snacks for the students throughout the day. The Habitat for Humanity also accepts Construction Camp sponsorships, which can be facilitated by contacting marketing@fayettevillehabitat.org
Thompson said it seems participants enjoy getting out of the house, putting their phones down, and even participating in workshops alongside family and friends. She commented on the revitalization of trades and the practicality of learning hands on skills.
“The trades were lost at one point, and I feel like they’re slowly coming back, especially the way the economy is going, some trades are making more than a college degree now,” she said.
These and many other workshops offered by the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity all support their mission of affordable housing for all.
“It’s just putting God’s love into action,” Thompson explained, “We want to make sure we live in a world where people can have a decent place to live and feel like ‘OK, I really have pride in what I work for’ without going broke.”
In 2024, the FAHH completed 8 homes and 26 repairs, according to Thompson, with some being veteran-oriented and others serving the community at large.
“That’s for critical home repairs and veteran repairs, because we do focus on the community as well.”
Additionally, they’ve recently opened their financial workshops to the general public, allowing participants to gain “free knowledge” about healthy financial practices, budgeting, credit
and more.
The Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity welcomes volunteers who sign up with their volunteer coordinator. Thompson says many volunteers attend to fulfill community service hours and come back just for fun.
“They say, ‘When can we come again, can you keep us posted?’” Thompson explained.
To reach FAHH’s volunteer coordinator, sign up for a workshop, or sponsor a construction camp student, visit www.fayettevillenchabitat.org.

(Photo: The Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity holds builds throughout the community to help teach skills to participants. Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity)