Entertainment

Fayetteville PRIDE gets new home at Crown

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Tuesday, 25 March 2025

Written by Amber Little

Although the Fayetteville Pride Festival is not until June, this year’s event has already seen a significant change—for the better.
In a monumental move, Fayetteville Pride and the Crown Complex have entered into a partnership agreement allowing the mid-summer festival to relocate indoors, expand its planned activities, and increase festival hours. This year’s event will be hosted in the Crown Expo Center, on Saturday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fayetteville Pride is expected to be bigger and better than ever in its new home. Fayetteville Pride will be joining several other successful and highly anticipated events that the Crown Expo Center hosts, like the Hugs and Kisses Consignment Sale and the Holly Day Fair. Both the Crown and Fayetteville Pride are excited about this new partnership and what it means for the growth of the festival.
Krystal Maddox, President of the Board of Directors for Fayetteville Pride shared how impactful this has been. 
“The Crown has been an ally to Fayetteville Pride since the beginning. Their support for the diversity of the community is what makes this area unique and shows we have more people working together than ever. From Pride events to barbecue-cook-offs, the Crown Complex brings the community together at a time when many people are trying to cause disruption and separation in the community. As vendors at previous festivals, Crown Complex employees have first-hand experience in the difficult conditions caused by the extreme heat during June,” she said.
With the new location, Fayetteville Pride has already made some upgrades to this year’s festival lineup including alcoholic beverages available for adults to enjoy responsibly and extended hours, with the festival starting at 10 a.m. and wrapping up at 8 p.m.
“It is going to be more diverse than ever. As expected from our community, there will be drag queens like in previous years, but this year we will also be including drag kings…this year I am really looking forward to seeing the LGBTQ-plus community pulling together and supporting each other against this wave of hate we have been dealing with in recent times. It is also a time when we can receive and share the love of our allies and those who support us. More than ever we need to know that love will win and hate will not be tolerated,” said Maddox.
Attendees can look forward to all the festival favorites they have come to love, like artists, crafters, and informational vendors. Food trucks will be on hand this year, parked right in front of the expo center for easy access for festival goers. Fayetteville Pride organizers have ensured the festival has utilized every inch of their new home. This year’s festival will include: 

Main Stage Performances
Educational Workshops – Informative sessions led by local leaders and advocates.
Kids and Teen Areas – Spaces designed specifically for young attendees to celebrate safely.
Community Arts Project Table – A hands-on creative space for festivalgoers.
Food & Drink Vendors – A variety of food trucks and beverage options, including alcoholic
drinks for adults.

Crafts & Goods – Unique handmade items from local artists and businesses. Community
Resource Hubs – Opportunities to connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations and services.
Security & Police Presence – Officers and security staff will be on-site to ensure a safe and
enjoyable experience for all. 
More information about the 2025 Fayetteville Pride at the Crown can be found online at https://www.fayettevillepride.org/. While the partnership with the Crown Complex is a huge step for Fayetteville Pride, the organization is still in need of community support to acquire the resources needed to serve the LBGTQ+ community here in Cumberland County.
“Fayetteville Pride is in desperate need of an office, or space where we can safely provide materials and resources for our citizens and especially the youth in the area that are struggling with bullying, and a daily fight to survive. We need a safe space where people can talk to each other. Learn from one another and get information so that they know they are not alone in this fight,” said Maddox. “Pride is also reaching out to the community offering activities and more ways to connect with others who have the same beliefs and lifestyles. We will be having more game days and family activities. Hopefully even some sporting events and outdoor activities like hikes and softball games.”
Pride Festival is not the only time you can show your support. The organization hosts events throughout the year to fundraise and bring awareness. They have an upcoming prom on May 24 at the Arts Council downtown. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased by contacting contact@fayettevillepride.org. In a community that is home to a major military base, two major universities, a growing community college, and a robust business market, the diversity of the population is what makes it so beautiful.

Woodpeckers hold preseason fundraiser at Segra

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Tuesday, 25 March 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Segra Stadium is set to host the 'One Ville' exhibition on Wed., April 2, bringing together baseball fans and the community for an evening of sports and philanthropy. This special event will feature a preseason match-up between the Fayetteville Woodpeckers and the Asheville Tourists giving fans a sneak peek at the teams before the season officially begins.
The event is not just about baseball; it's about community. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m., giving attendees ample time to find their seats and enjoy the atmosphere before the first pitch at 6:35 p.m.
The Fayetteville Woodpeckers, a Low-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, are known for their strong community involvement and commitment to local causes. Their participation in the 'One Ville' exhibition exemplifies their dedication to using sports as a platform for good.
Fans can look forward to seeing some of the most promising young talents in the Astros' farm system take the field, all while supporting a team that consistently gives back through its Community Leaders Program.
The Asheville Tourists, a High-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, bring their own unique flair to the 'One Ville' exhibition. Known for their competitive spirit and skilled roster, the Tourists promise an exciting game for all attendees.
This exhibition provides a rare opportunity to see how the Tourists are shaping up for the upcoming season, making it a must-watch for baseball enthusiasts and community supporters alike.
The 'One Ville' exhibition is more than just a game; it’s a chance to contribute to ongoing relief efforts in Asheville and the greater Western Carolina region. With each $10 ticket, $2 will go directly to support these initiatives.
The Fayetteville Woodpeckers will also match the total amount raised from ticket sales through their Community Leaders Program, amplifying the impact of every ticket purchase. This program is known for its contributions to military, youth sports, and natural disaster relief efforts, making it a significant driver of community support.
Tickets for the 'One Ville' exhibition are available for $10, and all seating is general admission. Fans must select their seats when purchasing, and availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
To secure your tickets and support a worthy cause, visit https://www.milb.com/fayetteville/community/specialevents. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to enjoy a great game while making a positive impact in the community.

(Photo: Bunker, the Woodpeckers' mascot, welcomes a crowd to Segra Stadium. The Woodpeckers will be playing a preseason game to benefit those effected by Hurricane Helene. Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Woodpeckers Facebook Page)

Celebrate Earth Day with run in the park

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Tuesday, 25 March 2025

Written by Lena Simmons

The Earth Day is Every Day Run will be held on April 12 at Festival Park in Fayetteville. The run starts at 8 a.m. Packet pick up starts Friday, April 11 at Fleet Feet, Fayetteville from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Race consists of a 5K and 10K on the Linear Park and Cape Fear River Trails. The registration fee is $45 for the 5k sign-up and $50.00 for the 10K race. Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Fayetteville/EarthDAYisEVERYDAYRUN. The fees for the race support Sustainable Sandhills.
Festivities at Festival Park for Earth Day are also available on April 12. An electric car show with test drives, a cornhole tournament, food trucks, beer and wine vendors, and family activities are just a few of the things attendees can look forward to. Sustainable product vendors will also be included in the event. The festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. General admission is free to the public. The festivities are inclusive of Hands-On STEM Activities by Fascinate U, Fayetteville Beauty Supply Distribution, and Cumberland Clean Supply distribution.
Metronet, Wana Navu Kava Bar, Power Swain Chevrolet, American Automobile Association and Gear Up are sponsors of the event. GotSneakers is accepting sneaker donations from the public. The sneakers will divert trash from the environment, clean out the closet, and support Sustainable Sandhills.
Partners for the Earth Day is Every Day Festival are Cape Fear Botanical Gardens, the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County Library, North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center, Wounded Warriors Project, and City of Fayetteville Solid Waste Department.
“Sustainable Sandhills empowers communities to create resilient environmental, economic, and social resources for current and future generations. Celebrating its 20th year in 2025, the organization serves eleven counties in southeastern North Carolina. The educational programs and collaborative projects advocate healthy clean air, clean water, reliable energy, and a thriving natural environment for the over one million residents who call our unique region home,” according to their Facebook page.
The theme of the first celebration of Earth Day in 1970 was to raise awareness about environmental issues. One of the social and policy impacts of Earth Day 1970 was the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency.
The theme of Earth Day 2025 is Our Power, Our Planet. Earth Day 2025 promotes a push to switch to renewable energy sources to power homes, businesses and vehicles. Through investments in innovative solutions, we can work together to provide more sustainable materials to fossil fuels, improve air quality and reduce mortality rates due to air pollution.
Offer your time, presence, and sneakers at the Earth Day is Everyday events at Festival Park on April 12. For more information, call 910-484-9098.

(Photo: Runners can celebrate Earth Day with a run through Linear Park and the Cape Fear River Trails. Image courtesy of Earth Day is Every Day Facebook Page)

Cork & Fork returns to Dogwood Festival 2025

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Tuesday, 25 March 2025

Written by Amber Little

Wine lovers and foodies alike, prepare to rejoice. It’s official. Cork & Fork, the beloved kickoff event to the Dogwood Festival, is returning to the lineup for 2025. Marking the official, unofficial beginning of the festival, Cork & Fork is the perfect way to start the weekend. After a short hiatus at the Dogwood Festival, organizers have ensured the event’s return will be nothing short of incredible as a guide through Fayetteville’s thriving wine and food scene with a touch of art. The fun begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 24 at Festival Park, in the grassy space left of the main stage right after the promenade. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online at //www.eventeny.com/events/2025-fayetteville-dogwood-festival-16001/.
Guests will be treated to an assortment of tapas (small portions) style dishes from a variety of locally owned restaurants, local wines from two local wineries, live entertainment, and new to the itinerary this year, a cigar rolling class sponsored by local tobacconist and shop, Anstead’s Tobacco Company.
For those who are not wine drinkers, Wana Navu Kava Bar will be providing guests with non-alcohol options. Cork & Fork is not just an event to come and have fun, it’s an event with a cause. There will be a silent auction this year, with proceeds going directly to Off-Road Outreach, a veteran-centered nonprofit dedicated to bringing much-needed resources to military veterans, founded by award-winning, nationally recognized activist, Stacey Buckner.
Newly hired Dogwood Festival Executive Director, Kaylynn Suarez, is excited about partnering with local nonprofits to give back to the community that comes out and enjoys the festival.
“One thing we are doing this year is we’re increasing how much the nonprofit gets back from the ticket sales… all those proceeds that we pull from this silent auction, all those proceeds go straight to them [Off-Road Outreach]. So basically come ready to support and have fun,” Suarez said.
Suarez is doing things a little different regarding the food too. Instead of one big meal, she’s asked local restaurants to set up booths and present tapas-style dishes to guests. The variation in food will also be a unique change for this year, bringing everything from American cuisine, to southern comfort food to ethnic. Cork & Fork will be the perfect sampling of the diversity in our local food scene.
“We are partnering with local restaurants to do tapas style food, so everybody can try a little bit of everything versus gorging on one meal. I want people to try some of everything, so that way, maybe they try something new,” she said.
Artist Dan Nelson is the creator of the featured art for Dogwood Festival 2025. Nelson is a Raleigh native and multi-talented artist and musician rooted in the community. Nelson has an eye and hand for capturing the spirit of places and people, painting everything from wedding ceremonies to historical events. He has not only created magnificent works of art around the world, but his work can be seen locally on the cover and within the pages of Kidsville News!, a locally published newspaper just for kids, highlighting stories, art, and educational resources for parents and teachers. Nelson is also a skilled musician, performing with musical ensembles from street festivals to events.
He sums his career up by saying, “If there is a conventional and well-worn path in the art business . . . you’ll have to look for me somewhere else.” Check out his art and book a commission by visiting his website at https://dannelsonart.com/.
Up and Coming Weekly, Kidsville News!, and Up & Coming Pocket Guide publisher Bill Bowman is hosting this year’s event. Bowman, a long-time champion and advocate of the Dogwood Festival, is elated at the opportunity to host one of his favorite events during the weekend-long festival.
Guests will be serenaded by the smooth- soulful voice of the multi-talented artist and musician Nicholas Vernon, local artist and Carolina Country Music Award winner. Vernon will be performing acoustic versions of his original award-winning songs. A native of Vander, Vernon is the proud son of a third-generation farmer with a sound that pays homage to his childhood, by blending country and gospel to create his style. He has performed on stages all over North Carolina and South Carolina, including the NC State Fair and the House of Blues at Myrtle Beach. His talent shows in the awards he’s managed to rack up in the short amount of time in the industry, including the 2024 Carolina Country Music Awards Male Artist of the Year. For more information and to stream Nicholas Vernon's music visit his website at https://nicholasvernonmusic.com/.
Whether it’s Cork & Fork or the weekend in Festival Park, the Dogwood Festival is gearing up to be bigger and better than years past.
“We have an unspoken theme this year. It’s ‘community.’ We want people to understand that the mission of the Dogwood is to provide a service over self. This isn’t about self-promotion. Your ego is not your amigo. We have to set everything aside and do for the community because [our] heart is in it. We have all these events that we want to put together to make sure that the community feels seen. Everybody has something. Whether it’s the BMX, WWE, the different types of music, the food, the vendors, or just hanging out with family and friends and enjoying the sunshine,” Suarez said.
For more information on the Dogwood Festival, sanctioned events and volunteer information visit the website at https://www.thedogwoodfestival.com/.