Entertainment

Little Land: Big Play at Crown encourages children's play

10On Feb. 15 at the Crown Expo Center, The Partnership for Children of Cumberland County will host Little Land: Big Play for Families. The event is free and open to families of all ages. It begins at 10 a.m. and the first 300 kids through the door will receive a free superhero cape. Little Land is a chance for families to have an opportunity for the kids to be kids, while the parents learn about resources and services available in our community. The target audience is families with kids under 5 years old, but kids of all ages are welcome to come and play.
What is Little Land?
In March of 2020, the Partnership for Children set out to create an event for families to play and learn; to connect with resources in the local community, as well as allow kids to be kids. To that end, they hosted the first Little Land event. On that Saturday, over 1100 people came to the Crown Expo Center to play. Shortly after that, the world shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, a repeat event was not feasible until 2023. In spring of that year, more than 1100 kids and their adults came out to play. In 2024, the number topped 1500. Not only was the turn-out great, but the response indicated a resounding success as well: 93% of those surveyed said they would come again.
What to expect?
When families arrive at this year’s Little Land, they will be able to walk a red carpet, and the first 300 kids will receive a free superhero cape. Once inside, let the play commence! Kids can play at Jumbo Land, an inflatable obstacle course; there will even be tot-sized Jumbo Land for the smaller tots. There will be Safety Land, where kids can meet real-life police officers and firefighters while their parents have the chance to learn about car seat installation, bike helmets, and other safety concerns; they will even be conducting car seat checks to ensure proper installation.
There will be booths for various agencies, services, and resources so families know what is available to them in the community. Most booths will have free, hands-on activities for kids and families. The Fayetteville Pickleball Club will have a court for people to play and learn about the game of pickleball.
New this year is Sensory Land: a separate space, sponsored by Caring Hearts Behavioral Services. This will be a quieter place for kids with sensory sensitivities, or anyone who just needs a little break from the noise and activity of the main play area. There will be hands-on activities, story time with the Cumberland County Library, and other sensory-friendly recreation.
Also new this year is the NC Zoo. Representatives from the zoo will be on hand with information about the zoo and to answer questions about animals. There may even be an animal ambassador from the zoo at the event.
There may be some cost associated with certain activities, and there will be food for sale, but most will be free for all those attending. According to Sharon Moyer, Community Engagement Administrator, it will be feasible for families to attend the event, participate fully, and leave without having spent any money.
What is CCPFC?
Cumberland County’s Partnership for Children is an agency that serves families with children from birth until 5 years old.
“Our priorities are to provide services and supports that Advance the Well‑being of Children, Strengthen the Early Care Early Education System, and Empower Families.” (from https://ccpfc.org/about-pfc/) The services they provide and resources they connect to are abundant and focus primarily on child and parent wellness, safety, and Kindergarten readiness. Just some of the organizations they partner with include: Dolly Parton’s Imagination library; which provides registered children with one free book per month from birth until they turn 5; Fayetteville Technical Community College and their Parents for Higher Ed program-which helps parents overcome barriers to achieving a college degree; and Head Start-a program in North Carolina which provides free pre-K schooling to eligible children. The organization can connect parents with services ranging from postpartum mental health and nursing support to car seat safety, to finding childcare.
Moyer said, “If we don’t offer the service, we can help connect you with someone who does.”
As the old saying goes: it takes a village to raise a child; the CCPFC can help you find the members of your village.
The Little Land: Big Play for Families event is an opportunity for kids to have fun, play, learn, and just be kids, while their parents play with them but also learn about important, helpful resources they may not otherwise be aware of. While admission and most activities are free of charge for all attendees, there will be opportunities to donate to the organization; all money raised at the event will directly support the services of CCPFC.
Would you like to help make Little Land 2025 a success? CCPFC is still looking for volunteers. Reach out to 910-867-9700 for more information and to volunteer at the event.

Carrabba's holds Whiskey Dinner with Dry Fly Spirits

16Indulge in an extraordinary culinary experience where the rich, flavorful essence of Italian cuisine meets the artisanal craftsmanship of award-winning spirits. Carrabba's Italian Grill presents a night where handcrafted cocktails featuring Dry Fly Distilling's exceptional whiskey collection are thoughtfully paired with signature Italian dishes to create an unforgettable dining journey.
Each course has been meticulously curated to highlight the unique, artisanal flavors of the spirits, ensuring that every bite and sip is a symphony of taste. From savory appetizers to delectable desserts, this event promises to warm your winter night with a perfect blend of fine food and spirits.
Hosting this illustrious event is Dorado Rock, LLC, a North Carolina-based spirits distributor renowned for their commitment to premier beverages. Though founded in 2021, Dorado Rock has quickly established itself as a leader in the industry, upholding core principles of quality, transparency, and partnership.
Their impressive portfolio includes a variety of esteemed companies, and their dedication to excellence is evident in their careful selection of spirits. By partnering with Dry Fly Distillery for this event, Dorado Rock underscores their commitment to offering only the finest beverages to their clientele.
Dry Fly Distilling, located in Spokane, WA, has been a pillar of the Pacific Northwest spirits scene since its inception in 2007. Known for its high-quality, handcrafted spirits, Dry Fly has garnered numerous awards and accolades, cementing its reputation as a producer of exceptional whiskey.
Their dedication to the art of distilling is reflected in every bottle, from their carefully selected ingredients to their meticulous production processes. This heritage of excellence makes Dry Fly the perfect partner for a night of sophisticated whiskey pairings.
Prepare for a culinary adventure with a menu designed to showcase the harmonious pairing of Italian dishes and exquisite whiskey. The evening's offerings include:
Arancini - Risotto blended with fennel sausage, mozzarella, grated Parmesan and Romano cheese, breaded and fried. Served with marinara dipping sauce and paired with a "Hot Toddy" featuring Dry Fly Wheat Whiskey.
Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup - Spicy chicken soup that has soothed the family for generations paired with "The Barreled Pear" featuring Dry Fly Bourbon 101.
Osso Buco Ravioli - Ravioli filled with braised veal, tossed in a tomato cream-goat cheese sauce and paired with a "Sangria Sour" featuring Dry Fly Port Finished Whiskey.
Prime NY Strip - Grilled to perfection and served with a side of asparagus, paired with "Ryan’s Tea" featuring Dry Fly Wheat Whiskey.
Cannoli Cake - Vanilla cake with layers of cannoli filling, pistachios, and chocolate sauce with a chocolate chip crust, paired with "Italian Old Fashioned" featuring Dry Fly Cask Strength Whiskey.
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m. and secure your tickets for an evening that promises to be delightful and memorable. With tickets priced at $60 per person, this event offers incredible value for a night of exceptional food and drink. Tickets can be purchased at https://tinyurl.com/fn9ymyja.
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the perfect blend of Italian cuisine and artisanal whiskey in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Carrabba's Italian Grill looks forward to welcoming you for a night of culinary excellence and exquisite spirits.

Celebrate Fayetteville’s Scottish roots with Burns Night

12Historical Overview of Settlers
The first large group of Scottish settlers arrived in 1739, establishing the Argyll Colony along the Cape Fear River. The area was named after a Scottish county known for its whiskey. More than 20,000 additional Scottish settlers arrived in the area between the 1760s and 1780s, creating the communities of Campbellton and Cross Creek. These two settlements would become united and named “Fayetteville” in 1783. Many settlers settled in areas that are now Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, and Moore counties.
Some believe that a second mass migration of Scottish settlers occurred after the Highland Scots lost the Battle of Culloden to the British in 1746. This historic event marked a significant turning point, prompting many Scots to seek new opportunities in the American colonies.
The Scottish migration to the colonies was driven by multiple socioeconomic factors that deeply impacted their homeland. Economic hardships and political instability were among the primary reasons that motivated Scots to emigrate.
Additionally, British authorities implemented a new policy after the Battle of Culloden, allowing Scots to emigrate to the colonies after swearing a loyalty oath. This policy change significantly influenced the migration patterns, leading to a notable increase in Scottish settlers in the American colonies.
Many Scots were motivated by a strong desire to preserve their cultural heritage and traditional values, which they felt were under threat in their homeland. Most common Highland immigrants spoke only Gaelic, leading to the widespread publication of various colonial documents in Gaelic throughout the 18th century.
While Scottish elites who received British education were fluent in English, the linguistic reality of the common Highland immigrants played a crucial role in maintaining their cultural identity in the new world.
In this area, a thriving and influential merchant class emerged, marked by several notable Scottish businessmen who shaped the local economy. Prominent figures included Andrew Broadfoot, who established successful trading ventures, Robert Adam, known for his commercial acumen, James Hogg, who developed significant business interests, and Robert Donaldson, who contributed to the area's mercantile growth.
The community also benefited from skilled Scottish artisans and tradesmen, with accomplished stonemasons like George Lauder and talented architects and builders such as William Bell. Their legacy lives on in the historic buildings that still stand today, serving as tangible reminders of this prosperous merchant class.
Agriculture remained the primary livelihood for many Scottish settlers. They cultivated a diverse range of crops adapted to the local climate, including maize, wheat, oats, sweet potatoes, legumes, and flax. The establishment of grist mills proved crucial for processing corn into meal, a staple food product.
The naval stores industry emerged as another significant economic activity, producing essential shipping materials like tar, pitch, and turpentine. This industry operated alongside related enterprises such as sawmilling and coopering. The cotton industry also developed into a profitable venture, particularly benefiting Scottish women and girls who found employment in spinning and processing activities, contributing significantly to household incomes.
The Scottish influence runs deep throughout North Carolina, evident in the numerous streets and residents bearing Scottish surnames. This rich heritage continues to thrive through various cultural celebrations held throughout the year. The Highland Games showcase traditional Scottish athletics and music, while Tartan Day honors Scottish-American contributions. The annual Robert Burns’ Supper pays homage to Scotland's national poet with traditional haggis, poetry readings, and bagpipe performances, keeping the state's Scottish traditions vibrantly alive today.
Burns Night: Guide to the Celebration
Burns Night, or Burns' Supper, is a celebration of the life and poetry of Robert Burns, a revered Scottish poet born on January 25, 1759. The tradition began on July 21, 1801, when Burns' friends gathered at his cottage in Ayrshire to commemorate the fifth anniversary of his death.
Since then, Burns Night has become a significant Scottish tradition, observed annually on January 25th, Robert Burns' birthday. The event honors his literary contributions and reflects on Scottish culture and heritage.
The Burns Supper menu is a celebration of traditional Scottish cuisine. The meal typically begins with a soup course, featuring options like Scottish broth, potato soup, Cullen skink (a smoked haddock soup), or cock-a-leekie (a leek and chicken soup).
The highlight of the meal is undoubtedly the haggis, a dish made by stuffing sheep's innards with various ingredients and boiling it. It's traditionally served with 'neeps and tatties'—mashed turnips and potatoes. Depending on the host, additional courses such as dessert, cheese, or coffee may be included, all offering more traditional Scottish fare.
The ceremonial aspects of Burns Night add a sense of tradition and reverence. As guests arrive, a bagpiper plays, setting the tone for the evening. Once everyone is seated, grace is said, often using the 'Selkirk Grace,' a well-known Scottish prayer.
The arrival of the haggis is a momentous occasion. Guests stand as a bagpiper leads the procession of the haggis to the table. The host or a guest then recites 'The Address to a Haggis,' a poem by Robert Burns. This is followed by a whiskey toast, and guests sit down to enjoy their meal.
After the main meal, the host or selected guests may share stories about Robert Burns' life or perform his poems and songs. This not only honors Burns but also entertains and educates the attendees.
A key part of the evening is the series of toasts. The 'Immortal Memory' toast honors Robert Burns' legacy. The 'Address to the Lassies' thanks the women who prepared the meal, followed by a toast to their health. The women then respond with the 'Reply to the Laddies,' concluding with another toast. These speeches and toasts add a lively and interactive element to the celebration.
Join Cape Fear Valley Scottish Clans for their Burns Night
The Cape Fear Valley Scottish Clans, a local group, will be hosting their own Burns Night. The group was officially chartered on Aug. 23, 1954, and rechartered in September 1993. Their dedication to maintaining and promoting Scottish heritage has made them a cornerstone of the local community.
The mission of the Cape Fear Valley Scottish Clans is to preserve the history and traditions of the Scots who settled in the region. They achieve this by collecting and preserving records and history, promoting social activities, and coordinating Scottish participation in local and regional civic events.
As a 501(3)c charitable organization, CFVSC also focuses on educating the community about Scottish heritage and encouraging participation from anyone interested in Scottish or Celtic history. With a membership of 80-100 people, they create a welcoming environment for all.
One of the most anticipated events hosted by CFVSC is their Burns Night, which has been a tradition since 1988. This year's Burns Night will take place on January 25 at Gates Four Country Club, starting at 5 p.m.
Guests can look forward to an evening filled with traditional Scottish music from Cross Creek Pipes and Drums, as well as a menu featuring haggis and tatties. Marianne O'Loane, a spokesperson for CFVSC, emphasizes the importance of this event in keeping Scottish traditions alive. She also encourages people to attend because it is a fun and enriching experience.
Tickets for their Burns Night are $37.50 per person, $75 per couple and $10 for a kids' plate. Men are asked to dress in Highland, Military or coat and tie attire. Preferred attire for women is dressy and elegant evening wear. Gates Four Country Club is located at 6775 Irongate Drive. If you are interested in learning more about Burns Night or would like to purchase tickets visit https://www.cfvscots.org/.
Get Involved
If you are interested in Scottish or Celtic history, CFVSC welcomes you with open arms. You don't need a Scottish name or lineage to join; all that is required is an interest in the culture and a willingness to participate.
Becoming a member is a great way to immerse yourself in Scottish traditions, meet new people, and contribute to the preservation of a rich cultural heritage. Whether you are a descendant of Scots or simply have a passion for history, CFVSC offers a community where you can belong. A membership form can be downloaded from the CFVSC website here: https://www.cfvscots.org/
Don’t miss the Gaelic Beginnings Trail, a self-guided heritage trail that maps out key locations and buildings that remain from early Scottish settlers. See the details for the Gaelic Beginnings Heritage Trail here: https://tinyurl.com/546zhcvr
There are also many great resources to learn if you have Scottish roots. The CFVSC has resources on their website at https://www.cfvscots.org/ and also be sure to visit https://ncgenweb.us/cumberland/scottish.htm for additional tools and resources.

“This Is My Father’s World” Women’s Conference

15When I think of the trials and tribulations of my life, I think of how God, better known as the ‘Lily of the Valley’, brought me through them. He is my everything and I will always thank Him and give Him praise. I am asking anyone who reads this article to get to know God and cultivate a close relationship with Him.
“This is My Father’s World” Women’s Conference will be held Saturday, Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gardner’s Methodist Church.
“I have had this vision for about ten years now,” said Sandra Holland, Family Life Ministry’s care person at Gardner’s Methodist Church. “I attended a women’s conference at one of the churches in Aberdeen and I was so impressed with it and wanted to bring it back to our women here in Fayetteville.”
Holland added, “I am now getting the opportunity to do that and we are very excited about the women that we have coming that will be speaking.”
What resonated so deeply with Holland about the conference were the speakers, discussion groups, how the women opened their hearts and how they were transparent about their feelings.
“We told each other our hopes, dreams, fears and how we coped with things,” said Holland. “I became very emotional because I felt the presence of the Lord in that place.”
The name, “This is My Father’s World,” was chosen because the speakers are going to take each participant from ant hills to hummingbirds and to bees as they tell their stories from the heart. The day-long agenda entails registration, a continental breakfast and lunch, a welcome and worship service, speakers, a discussion group, sharing time and more.
The keynote speaker of the event is Marianne Liscio. She is a certified speaker for Fayetteville’s Women Connection.
“She is such a commanding and charismatic speaker that will have you laughing one minute and crying the next,” said Holland. “One of the stories that she is going to share is when her father died and how the hummingbird came and brought her healing from that.”
She added, “Marianne has a lot of wonderful things planned for our women’s conference.”
Amy Sparks will be speaking about “From Tragedy to Triumph: A Story of Hope.”
“She will speak about her son’s death, his autism, how she coped and how hope was brought back into her life,” said Holland.
Susan Wilson is from Page Memorial United Methodist Church in Aberdeen and she will speak about “Living The Joy of Divine Healing.”
“She will be speaking about healing from losing a job, losing a life partner and how she has brought healing into the community,” said Holland. “She has started a ministry in Southern Pines for the homeless and she goes out on the street to minister to the homeless.”
Holland added that this conference is going to be from Healing to Hope for 2025.
Developing an intimate relationship with God empowers us through the Holy Spirit.
“My family and I have always been Christians, and we have always gone to church,” said Holland. “I remember a revival that we had at our church when I was 12-years-old and the visiting speaker had dinner with us and talked with me.”
She added, “The next night he asked for people to come to the altar that wanted to give their life to fulltime Christian service. I felt myself standing in the aisle walking down to the altar. When I got to the altar he said, ‘I have been waiting on you.’”
He prophesized to Holland in a profound letter that she would one day become a teacher in a Christian school.
“I am retired now, but I have spent 29 years of my life teaching in the church,” said Holland. “I know it was God’s plan and he has had a plan for my life for 80 years now.”
Women’s conferences are a great opportunity for Biblical fellowship, sharing wisdom to navigate life’s journey and building a sisterhood within a spiritual connection.
“It is important in this day, time and our world to have this kind of conference because people are broken and looking for hope and that is only going to be found in the Lord,” said Holland. “We, as Christians, are going to have to step up and say what we need to say because we have stood in the background too long and let evil take over our world.”
She added, “One of my daughters told me that God let us go through a dark time and now he is letting us have this spark of hope in this new year. This is our time to come back to the Lord and say what we need to say and do what we need to do to be Christians.”
“We welcome everybody and want this conference to be a joyful and spiritual day that we can all join together and worship the one God that we love,” said Holland. “None of us know how long we have on this Earth and it is important for us as Christians to try to reach everyone that we can.”
Registration is $25 per person. All women are welcome. Gardner’s Methodist Church is located at 4555 Rosehill Road. For more information call 910-309-7799.

Join Blissful Alchemists for Vision Board Experience

11Get ready to embark on an imaginative journey, stepping into a whimsical Wonderland. Inspired by the fantastical world of Alice in Wonderland, Blissful Alchemists’ Vision Board Party creates an enchanting atmosphere where creativity knows no bounds.
On Friday, Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. leave reality behind and embrace a space where dreams can flourish. With an environment designed to ignite the imagination, attendees will find themselves exploring the depths of their goals and aspirations like never before.
Get ready to turn dreams into tangible realities with an immersive vision board creation session. Blissful Alchemists will provide an extensive treasure trove of carefully curated supplies including glossy magazines, sparkling glittery accessories, vibrant stickers, and enchanting whimsical printables to help build a vision board that truly reflects eventgoers’ biggest aspirations and deepest desires.
Whether focusing on personal growth, career milestones, or manifesting a more radiant version of yourself, vision boards are a sacred canvas to create a glowing future filled with endless possibilities. Let creativity and imagination run wild using thoughtfully select images, words, and symbols that resonate with the soul's calling. Through this intentional creative process, attendees will craft a powerful vision board that not only embodies dreams but also serves as a daily visual reminder of goals and intentions.
Blissful Alchemists’ guided session provides the perfect space and supportive environment to help attendees tap into their inner wisdom and translate their aspirations into a beautiful, tangible representation that will inspire and motivate them on their journey toward making those dreams a reality.
Step up to the Glow Goals Wall and illuminate the aspirations that make the heart shine. Write down goals and seal them in the Wonderland-inspired envelopes. At the end of the year, Blissful Alchemists will mail them back to attendees for a moment of reflection and progress.
This unique feature allows guests to encapsulate dreams and revisit them, ensuring that the glowing goals stay at the forefront of the journey throughout the year.
Fuel creativity with the enchanting 'Drink Me' and 'Eat Me' treats. These carefully crafted refreshments are designed to keep the imagination soaring and energy flowing as attendees map out their dream year ahead.
These charming Wonderland-themed delights transform the vision board experience into a truly magical journey, adding an extra sprinkle of enchantment that makes the entire event even more memorable and extraordinary.
This event is more than just creating vision boards; it's a journey into a world of possibility. Like Alice, guests will leave the ordinary behind and embrace the glowing potential of your future.
Join a community of like-minded individuals who are “all mad here, just like you,” and make this magical experience one to remember. Glowing goals are worth the adventure!
"Glow Goals: Down the Rabbit Hole of Your Dreams" will take place at Blissful Alchemists at 414 Ray Ave on Friday, Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $64 and can be purchased at https://tinyurl.com/2rd2atch.

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