Entertainment

Carolina Horse Park hosts world class Eventing competition

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Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Written by Crissy Neville

For Sandhills residents, sightings of orange-breasted robins and yellow buttercups are the farewell bids to winter we’ve long awaited. But for serious equestrians in the region and beyond, the start of the show season may mark springtime’s advent best. Excellence in equine competitions, from nationally and internationally sanctioned horse trials to local jumper shows and more, happens year-round at Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, a 315-acre nationally recognized premier equestrian complex practically in Fayetteville and Cumberland County’s backyard. CHP is the only horse sports facility with multi-disciplined resources to level championship-level equine competitions in the mid-Atlantic region.
One of the first on the 2025 schedule is the Park’s biggest event of the year, the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI and Horse Trial, March 13-16. Now in its 12th year, the program brings top-level and Olympian riders to neighboring Hoke County for Eventing’s second-highest level of competition.
An impressive test of both human and horse, Eventing is the three-discipline trial of dressage, cross-country and show jumping. While over 300 single horse and rider combinations will vie for victory in the 2025 Setters’ Run, only one participant will take home the top title. Still, as the season's first show, all participants make gains, CHP Director of Development and Communications Maggie Cline explained.
“The Setters’ Run is a four-star event, just one level below the Olympic level,” she said. “Every year, we have a number of riders who compete and then go to the Olympics. It’s also one of the first four stars in the competition schedule. It’s a time when riders are all getting their horses out and ready for the season—a good test of where they're at and where their training went in the off-season. So, it's a very exciting time.”
Attracting world-class equestrians and sponsoring the top level of competition is the goal of the Carolina International Executive Committee.
“Leveraging local and national expertise and leadership, we continue to deliver an outstanding weekend of horse sport and entertainment for riders, owners, patrons, sponsors and visitors,” the CIEC stated online.
This year’s leadership includes two of Horse World’s elites: Max Corcoran as show organizer and Derek di Grazia as cross-country course designer. Corcoran has served as the President of the United States Eventing Association, Inc. and has worked professionally as a super groom and event organizer for many years. One of the most highly respected and accomplished course designers in the Eventing world, di Grazia’s course resume includes the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, Defender Burghley and the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Excitement builds each year over the horse-and-rider combinations entered. Cline expects three-time CI four-star level winner Will Coleman to enter again. Coleman “three-peated,” Cline said, in the 2021-23 trials. American five-star event rider Liz Halliday took home the top prize last year.
One rider to watch, according to Cline, is a local equestrian from Moore County. Ariel Grald is a five-star-level competitor bringing horses owned by the 2025 Carolina International CCI and Horse Trial show sponsor, Setters’ Run Farm of Vass. Owned by Annie Eldridge, Setters’ Farm has been an established breeding program since 2012.
Setters’ Farm is the title sponsor; other leveled sponsors for the year are CCI3*-S Sponsor, The Cordelia Family Foundation; CCI2*-S Sponsor, Breezeway Sporthorse and Diagnostic Clinic; CCI2*-S Sponsor, Friendship Veterinary Imaging and Sports Medicine; and CCI1*-S Sponsor, Dechra. For a full list of sponsors, see https://carolinainternationalcci.com/sponsors.
CHP’s first competition of the season represents the hundreds of equestrians who start with this early spring, high-level contest and then springboard to countless others.
Southern Pines horsewoman, Heidi Grimm Powell, CIEC board member and CI title holder.
“I remember the first time going to see the CI in 2014 and being so impressed with the caliber of horses and riders, the quality of the event and the hospitality shown to all—competitors, spectators and owners alike. I set a goal at that first visit to someday qualify to compete at the marquee event,” said Southern Pines horsewoman,Heidi Grimm Powell, CIEC board member and CI title holder. “I was very excited when, in 2020, I qualified my younger horse Finnastic! to compete but was devastated when the event was canceled because of COVID. Luckily, we qualified again the next year and had a solid result. He continued to improve his training; the following year, we won our division in 2022. It was quite an accomplishment for us!”
Spectators can also enjoy the action while watching in the stands and enjoying family-friendly activities. Admission is free and includes access to the Kids’ Zone with bouncy houses, a climbing wall, face painting and corn hole. The Park also provides an expansive Vendor Village and Food Court for retailers and spectators. Play, shop and eat while watching world-class horse action March 15-16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A ticketed option is available to spectators via the Carolina Club. Participants receive premier ringside viewing and southern hospitality at its finest inside this VIP tent. Food, beverages, open seating and recognition in the Official CI Program are among the benefits of this purchase, with single tickets and reserved tables available. Learn more at https://carolinainternationalcci.com/carolinaclub.
Cline hopes residents will turn out March 13-16 to support the non-profit Carolina Horse Park and experience the CI for themselves. “People flood the area for this. Maybe not at the US Open Level, but we are just very excited to be able to offer it and be a part of the community.”
Check out all the excitement at https://carolinainternationalcci.com/.

(Photo: A rider participates during the 2024 Setters' Run Farm Carolina International CCI and Horse Trial. Photo courtesy of Pam Jensen Photography)

Get ready for Trojan Twist Pickleball Spring 2025 Classic

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Tuesday, 18 February 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Get ready for an exciting day of pickleball at the Fayetteville Technical Community College Trojan Twist Pickleball Spring Classic. This highly anticipated event will occur on Saturday, April 5, at the state-of-the-art outdoor courts of Fayetteville Technical Community College.
Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting, this event promises a day of friendly competition, community spirit, and lots of fun. With brand new, lighted courts featuring permanent lines and nets that FTCC unveiled in November 2023, players can enjoy a hassle-free game without the need to set up and take down equipment constantly.
The tournament is split into two sessions to accommodate different skill levels. The morning session, starting at 9 a.m., is designed for beginners with a skill level of 2.5-3.0. This is the perfect opportunity for new players to shine and gain experience.
The afternoon session, starting at approximately 1 p.m., is geared towards intermediate players with a skill level of 3.5-4.0. Players will be notified of their specific start times. Each session is structured to provide a fun and competitive environment for all participants.
This year marks the exciting debut of the innovative Rapid Rally Pickleball format, an energetic new approach to the sport that promises non-stop excitement and fast-paced gameplay. This dynamic format is specifically crafted to keep players engaged while fostering a vibrant social atmosphere. Participants will have numerous opportunities to connect with fellow pickleball enthusiasts, rotate through different playing partners, and experience varied matchups throughout the event, creating an inclusive and entertaining environment for all skill levels.
Each player will be assigned to one of five courts, where they’ll compete in 8-minute games using rally scoring. This format ensures that players get to experience a variety of opponents and partners, keeping the games dynamic and engaging.
After each game concludes, players will rotate to a new court for fresh matchups. With small breaks in between games, players can expect to play for a total of 1.5 to 2 hours. This format not only keeps the competition lively but also fosters a sense of community among participants.
The top 8 players with the highest cumulative individual scores will advance to the exciting medal matches. This is where the competition heats up, as players vie for a spot on the podium.
Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each bracket. Be sure to bring your A-game and compete for the honor of being crowned a champion at the FTCC Trojan Twist Pickleball Spring Classic!
Don’t miss out on this unique and fun-filled pickleball event! Registration is $35 per person, and spots are filling up quickly. Sign up early to secure your place in this exciting tournament. You can register online at https://www.faytechcc.edu/foundation-events/ftcc-foundation-pickleball-registration/.
With FTCC's new pickleball courts, the sport is set to become even more accessible to the local community. Whether you're looking for some friendly competition or eager to learn the ropes, this event is the perfect setting for honing your skills and making new friends. Join others for a day of pickleball, community, and fun!

Celebrate Read Across America Week with CCS

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Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Written by Dr. Shanessa Fenner

Reading is fundamental. Roughly, 781 million adults worldwide are illiterate and this crucial, essential skill can be detrimental to an individual’s life and impact the way they live, work and function in society.
The Cumberland County School System will celebrate Read Across America Sunday, March 2 – Saturday, March 8.
“Read Across America started in 1998 and the National Education Association (NEA) began the celebration with a focus on Dr. Seuss and the joy of reading that his books brought us,” said Donna White, K-5 ELA Curriculum Specialist for Cumberland County Schools. “His literature served as the impetus for setting the stage for the Read Across America celebration.”
Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. “In more recent years, Read Across America has expanded to include not only a celebration of Dr. Seuss, but also to celebrate a plethora of author’s books,” said White. “The reason that we celebrate Read Across America is because we want to instill the love of reading, inspire kids and adults to read, spark kids’ imagination and teach them empathy as they step into the shoes of other characters,” said White. “We want to strengthen their reading skills through things like improving their vocabulary, comprehension and critical thinking which sets the children up for success in school and beyond.”
Literacy is an important skill and it is never too early to expose children or a baby in utero to the reading of a book.
“We know that reading opens doors and early exposure to reading has been shown to improve the cognitive development of kids, to boost their academic performance and to spark their creativity,” said White.
This year, the National Education Association’s celebration resources entail opportunities to incorporate music into the reading as well. A plethora of events are planned for Read Across America for Cumberland County students. “Each school and teacher classrooms have found fabulous ways to celebrate Read Across America,” said White. “Kids will get to dress up as their favorite character or their favorite book and parade around the school or around the classroom.”
She added, “Other schools and other classrooms may decide to have a spirit week where they might have a hat day, a favorite book Friday, family reading nights, invite guest readers such as county and city leaders to read a book to the students or a reading challenge where they are challenging students to read a certain number of books or pages during the week.”
Motivating students to read can be an arduous task.
“What helps to motivate students to read is when they see adults and other students around them getting excited about reading and that rubs off on them,” said White. “It is important that we always ensure that our kids see reading as a fun activity that they want to do rather than something that they have to do in order to do something fun.”
White added, “Even with the most reluctant readers that I have encountered during my years of working with young students, finding out what interests them the most can motivate them to read.”
The goal at home and school is to have a literacy rich environment for students.
“We want to make sure that our students have access to lots and lots of books,” said White. “Fortunately, our schools have wonderful libraries and Cumberland County is particularly blessed to have many public libraries that have programs for the students after school, on the weekends and during the summer that can help provide students with that literacy rich environment.”
White’s goal for Read Across America week is for every Cumberland County student to be inspired in some way by literature whether it is hearing a special guest read to them or experience a book tasting.
“It is important that our children see their families reading and for parents to have that conversation with their child about what their favorite books were as a child,” said White. “It is even more important now to show our children how to put those digital devices away and interact with a good old-fashioned book.”
For more information visit www.ccs.k12.nc.us.

A Taste of West Africa celebrates reopening anniversary

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Tuesday, 18 February 2025

Written by Amber Little

The success of a business is marked by its longevity and loyal customer base. After closing its previous Hay Street location in 2017 and hitting some roadblocks that delayed the new location opening by a staggering seven years, A Taste of West Africa is back, much to the delight of city residents and those afar.
In honor of being back in business for a year and succeeding even after the hiatus, A Taste of West Africa is hosting a formal on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the new location, 116 Person Street. Guests will enjoy a night filled with music, including a special Motown Tribute, specialty cocktails, a variety of wines and beers from the newly opened bar and lounge area in the restaurant, and of course, a bite of the delicious and aromatic foods that have made this restaurant a downtown favorite and cultural hub.
Of the brick buildings that line the historic downtown area, one in particular stands out, in all the best ways. Yellow marks the spot, with its brightly painted brick exterior and exquisite window murals celebrating the pride of the Motherland, A Taste of West Africa’s new location is everything that owner Dr. Isabella Effon has dreamed of when she first brought the rich and savory foods of her homeland, Ghana.
The vision was not to just be a restaurant to grab fufu or fried plantains, but a place to be immersed in the diverse cultures that make up Africa. From the newly hung paintings and statues to the framed history of the vast African nations, every part of A Taste of West Africa is a piece of history and tells the story of the people of the land.
Dr. Effon has made a conscious effort to provide a space that teaches and unifies, saying “Culture is my biggest [passion]. I’m an advocate for the African culture and we have a lot of information to give out. I see my space as a place of that infamy, not only that but sharing the arts, the beautiful pieces. So [you] don’t have to go to a museum all the time to read and see some [African culture]. Each country is unique, South, Northeast, West and Central. I tell people all the time, Ghana is a country, but you still have south, east, and west [Ghanaian culture].”
She also hopes to be a hub for other cultures here in Cumberland County. The restaurant plays host to a local Latin dance group and AfroBeats yoga class in the event space, Volta, located in the back. Even this space is dripped in culture and meaning, as Dr. Effon is from Lake Volta, Ghana. There is no detail spared in this space, even down to the food.
For those who have never tried African food, there is no better introduction than at the capable hands of Dr. Effon and her beautiful mother, saying, “I don’t cook anything spicy (you can request it on the side). I know I’ve always had family, little children, the parents say they don’t eat at home, but they eat my food. I take that dearly to my heart. [It's] well-seasoned. It’s delicious. [I] put a little spin on it to make it pleasing to all of us, [I] add vegetables to all my soups, which a lot of Africans don’t do… My food is made to order. I don’t have soups sitting in the back here or anything. I cook for each and every individual.”
For more information on menu items, cultural events, classes, and all things A Taste of West Africa, visit the website at https://www.tasteofwestafrica.net/ and follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TasteOfWestAfrica. Tickets for the formal on Saturday, Feb. 22 can be purchased at https://bit.ly/4hSExo7
Group and individual tickets are available.