Entertainment

Fascinate-U's 12th annual Super Science Fun Fest

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Tuesday, 08 April 2025

Written by Lisa Stevens

Get ready for a day of free hands-on learning, exploration, and excitement at the Super Science Fun Fest hosted by Fascinate-U Children’s Museum. This family-friendly event, which will take place on April 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Festival Park, is designed to ignite curiosity and inspire wonder in attendees of all ages.
Imagine a vibrant atmosphere filled with interactive science activities that allow you and your family to dive deep into the wonders of the scientific world. Whether you are building rockets that soar high into the sky, experimenting with fascinating chemical reactions, or gazing at the stars through telescopes provided by local experts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Amanda Jekel, Executive Director at Fascinate-U Children's Museum, is deeply committed to creating immersive, hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and inspire young minds.
“I believe that by creating engaging activities, we foster an environment where children can develop a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. Through connecting STEAM concepts with play, children build problem-solving skills, develop creativity, communication, and social abilities, and it is a privilege to be a part of that and connect those aspects of development to what they will learn in school in fun ways,” Jekel said.
This year, the event will feature over a dozen exciting science activities. Attendees will enjoy captivating science demonstrations and interactive sessions facilitated by the dedicated museum staff and local community partners. Collaborators this year include the FSU Astronomy Department, the Cumberland County 4H Club, NC Science Trail, and many more. Plus, coinciding with the festival is the Sustainable Sandhills Earth Day Is Every Day Festival! This means even more opportunities for fun-filled activities suitable for all ages.
The Fascinate-U Children’s Museum stands out as a premier regional attraction that captivates young minds and nurtures their curiosity. Designed for children aged one through twelve, this vibrant museum features first-class exhibits and programs that encourage exploration and creativity. Its comfortable, bright, and safe-haven facility houses a blend of static displays and interactive exhibits with dedicated classroom spaces tailored for engaging learning experiences.
At Fascinate-U, the emphasis is on participatory learning, so children connect not just with the exhibits but also with each other and their environment. This unique approach fosters collaboration among young visitors, helping them develop social skills while enjoying the thrill of discovery. The museum's outreach programs further extend its reach to diverse and underserved segments of our community, ensuring that every child can experience the joy of learning.
Sustained by a public/private partnership bolstered by public funding, private donations, and grants, Fascinate-U Children's Museum is committed to being an educational asset in our community. Connecting young minds to their future through role-playing activities and hands-on experiences offers families a chance to explore together in a fun-filled environment. Their vision is clear: to be the leading educational resource in the area for wonder and inquiry, enriching young minds today for a brighter tomorrow.
Bring your curiosity, gather your family, and prepare for an unforgettable day of scientific exploration!
For more information on this event and upcoming events or to become a member, visit their website at www.fascinate-u.com.

Regional Road Cycling Championships coming to Wade

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Tuesday, 01 April 2025

Written by Crissy Neville

Local sports excitement gears up this month with the return of the NC & SC Regional Road Cycling Championships, April 26-27. Now in its seventh year and recurring in the Eastern Cumberland County Town of Wade, the road race is a highly anticipated fixture for regional cyclists and beyond.
Cross Creek Cycling Club hosts the USA Cycling-sanctioned, amateur-only competition. The 100-member-strong organization has sponsored some 38 permitted races in its 21-year history; the Regional Championships event stands out as the largest and main attraction of the club year.
“Hosting the Regional Road Cycling Championship in Cumberland County truly indicates the strong grassroots base that cycling has in southeastern N.C.,” said Race Director Mike Thomas. “On behalf of the Cross Creek Cycling Club, we are thrilled to host these two exciting days of amateur bike racing.”
An original club founder, Thomas currently also serves as the president of the Cross Creek Cyclists. To him, cycling is a family affair. The Thomas family donated the prize purse for the 2025 Regional Championships in honor of his father, Charles "Mickey" Thomas, who passed away in 2024.
“He was an avid cyclist who passed on his love for cycling to me and his grandson,” Thomas shared.
The Regional Championships’ diverse platform features the categories of masters, elite, and juniors in men’s and women’s race fields. Racers will compete for up to $2,000 in cash prizes and State Championship Medals for the dual states. The public is invited to watch free of charge to cheer the riders on. To join the competition, public race fields for men and women will be open on both event dates. For more information, visit the CCA Regional Road Race Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/CCA-Regional-Road-Race.
“Anyone can compete in the event,” Thomas explained. “Championship titles are given to racers with North Carolina and South Carolina bike racing licenses.”
The beautiful byways of Wade provide a scenic and safe racecourse for the action-packed weekend. The starting point for the 17-mile trek is the Wade Community Fire Department, 7130 Powell Street.
“We are so very appreciative of the support from the Wade Fire Department. They have been very generous in providing the race staging area, parking and free camping,” said Thomas.
The race distances range from 34 miles, equivalent to two loops, to up to 68 miles, or four loops for the more advanced race fields. Get a glimpse of the course at https://www.strava.com/routes/3179172468379457354.
C4 is the area’s largest cycling club and a dedicated nonprofit, having raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local and regional charities through ride and non-ride activities. It is an award-winning member club of Colorado-based USA Cycling, the national governing body for bicycle racing in the U.S. Honored as "Club of the Year" on 13 occasions across different categories, the Fayetteville organization, a Carolinas Cycling Association member, has also received recognition at the Masters and Division III levels.
While the club's accolades are many, its mission is most meaningful to members. The group “encourages all people to participate in bicycling without regard to age or expertise,” emphasizing bicycle safety, bicyclists' rights and responsibilities and general health and fitness. C4 also promotes communication among cyclists, providing opportunities for bicycling and socializing. Aside from the friendly competition, members come out for fitness, education, fun and camaraderie.
The county and community also benefit. According to Devin Heath, DistiNCtly Fayetteville President and CEO, “The 2025 NC & SC Regional Road Cycling Championship in Wade will bring a great economic impact to Fayetteville and Cumberland County. The level of competition is always impressive, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase our region’s commitment to outdoor sports and healthy lifestyles. Events like this also enhance Fayetteville’s reputation as a premier sports tourism destination, attracting future cycling and sporting events.”
Ready to race? Go to Carolinas Cycling Association Road Race & Time Trial Championships Online Registration at https://bikereg.com for online registration. To learn more about the Cross Creek Cycling Club, see https://crosscreekcyclingclub.org/.
C4 extends thanks to its sponsors and partners who help make this racing event possible: Cross Creek Subaru, Blashfield Sign Company, Dirty Whiskey Craft Cocktails, Lafayette Ford, Hawley’s Bicycle World, The Bicycle Shop, DistiNCtly Fayetteville, Wade Community Fire Department and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department.

(Photo courtesy of Cross Creek Cycling Club)

Discover history of Fayetteville with walking tour

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Tuesday, 01 April 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

How much do you know about the history of the city you live in? Fayetteville is a city rich with history, boasting landmarks that tell the story of its past. From its inception in the 1730s by Scottish immigrants, Fayetteville has played a significant role in the history of North Carolina.
Did you know that the city was the site of the state convention that ratified the U.S. Constitution and chartered the University of North Carolina in 1789? Want to learn more? You have two great opportunities to learn more about the city you live in.
The Downtown Walking Tour Experience
The Downtown Walking Tour, hosted by the Headquarters Library, offers a unique opportunity to explore Fayetteville's historical landmarks up close. This tour will take place on Saturday, April 12, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and requires moderate walking.
Participants will visit notable sites such as the Prince Charles Hotel, the Capitol Department Store building, the old lawyer’s building, and the historic courthouse. The tour will cover areas including Hay Street, Person Street, and parts of Gillespie Street, with the possibility of exploring Green Street if time permits. The tour will focus on the years from the 1880s to the present. This tour is free and open to all ages. Registration is required by calling 910-483-7727 ext. 1365.
Step Back in Time at Cross Creek Cemetery
The Fayetteville History Museum offers the Historic Cross Creek Cemetery Walking Tour, a chance to delve into the past and learn about the extraordinary lives of Fayettevillians buried in Cross Creek Cemetery #1.
Scheduled for Friday, May 2 and June 6 from noon to 1 p.m., this tour is led by a local historian who will discuss the iconography and architecture of the cemetery. The tour begins at 339 N. Cool Springs St., with parking available along N. Cool Springs Street. Participants should be prepared for moderate walking within the cemetery.
This tour is also free and open to all ages. To view other tours or historical happenings at the Fayetteville History Museum, visit them online at https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Facilities/Fayetteville-History-Museum.
Why Walking Tours Are Perfect for History Buffs
Walking tours offer an immersive way to experience history, allowing participants to see and feel the historical context of a location. For history buffs, these tours provide a tangible connection to the past, bringing stories and events to life in a way that reading or lectures cannot.
In Fayetteville, walking tours cover significant historical sites and offer insights from knowledgeable guides, making them an ideal activity for anyone interested in the city's rich heritage.

(Photo: The Capitol Department Store in downtown Fayetteville is one of the locations at the Downtown Walking Tour Experience provided by the Headquarters Library. Photo courtesy of Flickr)

Bags, brews, bragging rights – FA Cornhole Tournament awaits

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Tuesday, 01 April 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Fayetteville Academy is excited to host its 2nd Annual Cornhole Tournament on April 12 at 1 p.m., a family-friendly event that promises fun for participants of all ages. The event will take place at 3200 Cliffdale Rd., rain or shine, and will feature a lively atmosphere with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
As Cumberland County's sole independent, secular school serving Pre-K through 12th grade, Fayetteville Academy relies on fundraising events such as the Cornhole Tournament to sustain their educational programs for students.
“The Cornhole Tournament at Fayetteville Academy is designed to bring the community together in a fun and engaging way while supporting key initiatives that enhance our campus. Open to the public, this event welcomes alumni back to campus, encourages current students and families to connect, and fosters camaraderie among friends and supporters of the Academy. Beyond the friendly competition, the tournament plays a vital role in raising funds for essential campus improvements and beautification efforts, ensuring that Fayetteville Academy continues to provide a top-tier environment for learning and growth. It’s a fantastic way to show Eagle pride while making a lasting impact on our school and strengthening our community relationships”, says Jasie Landeros, Director of Advancement.
While the cornhole tournament is the main attraction, there are plenty of other activities to keep the entire family entertained. Kids will love the bounce houses and face painting stations, ensuring they have just as much fun as the adults.
Additionally, a live auction with must-have prizes will add to the excitement of the day. Some of the baskets available include the Game Day basket, perfect for sports fans, including tickets to a Carolina Panthers game and a UNC Football game, plus gift cards for fan merchandise and all the essentials for the ultimate tailgating experience. The Backyard Bash basket brings the fun home with an outdoor projector, glow-in-the-dark party supplies, a giant Jenga set, and everything needed to make delicious s’mores for an unforgettable family night. No event is complete without great food, and the 2nd Annual Cornhole Tournament will not disappoint. A variety of food trucks will be on-site, serving up delicious eats to keep participants fueled throughout the day.
Patrons can savor delectable smoked meats from Red, White, & Blue BBQ, a military veteran-owned mobile kitchen that specializes in innovative takes on traditional American barbecue. Those seeking hearty classics will appreciate Scotty's All American Food Truck, featuring homemade favorites like flavorful hamburgers, golden-fried chicken sandwiches, grilled patty melts, and traditional frankfurters.
To round out the experience, Carolina Snoballs & Funnel Cakes will be present, dishing up cool shaved ice treats, hot crispy funnel cakes, and smooth ice cream for dessert lovers. The diverse menu options ensure every guest finds something appealing. From savory snacks to sweet treats, there's something to satisfy every palate. Come hungry and leave happy!
Adults can enjoy a refreshing drink at the beverage tent, which will offer a selection of brews and other beverages. It's the perfect place to relax, socialize, and take a break from the competition.
Ready to join the fun? Grab a partner—whether young or old—and devise a creative team name. Sign up now to secure a spot in the tournament and compete for cash prizes: $300 for 1st place and $200 for 2nd place. Team registration fee is $100, and registration can be done online at https://www.fayacademy.org/support/events/cornhole-team-register.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information visit https://form.jotform.com/240375964483163 or email Landeros at jlanderos@fayacademy.org.
Whether you're a seasoned cornhole player or a complete novice, this event is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some friendly competition, win cash prizes, and create lasting memories.