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Tuesday, 07 January 2025
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Written by Alyson Hansen
The Massey Hill Lions Club is holding its annual “Shucking for Sight” Oyster Roast on Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Massey Hill Lions Center at 1613 Camden Rd. The all-you-can-eat roast is one of the oldest one-day roasts on the East Coast, and this year marks its 52nd annual event.
This year, the oysters will be selected from Chesapeake Bay, and they will be served alongside the usual oyster roast fare.
“Along with the ‘All You Can Eat’ oysters, Lions members provide freshly made hush puppies and will provide crackers and all the typical sauces such as Tabasco, horseradish, and butter that oyster aficionados enjoy,” said Mike McCaskill, President of the Massey Hill Lions Club.
Tea and water will be provided at the event, and attendees are welcome to bring additional sauces and drinks. McCaskill encourages eventgoers to bring their own shucking knives and towels.
The Massey Hill Lions Oyster Roast started approximately in 1971. In 2020, the roast was postponed due to the high cost and availability of oysters, and in 2021, the event was again put on hold due to Covid restrictions. Since then, however, the event has continued to grow.
“Approximately 625 tickets were sold last year. We have printed 750 tickets for this year’s event, as demand for the event continues to soar,” McCaskill said.
The roast isn’t just about oysters and yummy food, however. The “Shucking for Sight” Oyster Roast is a fundraiser to help the community. The Massey Hill Lions Club has been in operation for over 65 years, and during that time the service club has helped the community through projects and donations. The annual oyster roast is a way for them to raise funds to continue their mission: We serve.
“Last year, our Club made a $34,000 donation from Oyster Roast proceeds for the renovation of the Lions Cottage at the Boys and Girls Home in Lake that has just recently been completed. This was the first significant renovation of the home since it was built in 1960 for at-risk and distressed youth,” said McCaskill. “Funds raised go toward providing visual assistance for those in need to include eye examinations, eyeglass purchases, and eye surgeries for local residents. Funds are also used to provide support to the homeless, as well as Disaster Relief for Western North Carolina.”
Lions Clubs International is a service organization with over 46,000 local clubs and 1.4 million members worldwide. It is the world’s largest service club organization, and the Massey Hill Lions Club proudly showcases their commitment to service within the Fayetteville community.
“As with each event, we look forward to seeing the many supporters return for a great time and great oysters,” said McCaskill. “This is truly a community gathering where generations of friends and family gather. Whether they are first time attendees or they’re ‘professional’ oyster shuckers that have attended for decades, no one walks away on an empty stomach! The event requires a lot of effort and support from current and former Lions, as well as family and friends who volunteer their time, but to see the smiles on people’s faces, to hear the laughter and conversations inside the tent, and to know that the event keeps the spirit of the Massey Hill community alive, makes it all worthwhile!”
Tickets are on sale until Jan. 17 for $50 per person. No tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Massey Hill Drugstore Pharmacy at 1072 Southern Ave., Classic Coiffures Hair and Nail Salon at 3710 Morganton Rd., or by emailing
maseyhilllionsclub@gmail.com.
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Tuesday, 07 January 2025
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Written by Sheila D. Barker
The New Year, Better Me! event is designed with you and your aspirations in mind. Held at Dirty Whiskey Craft Cocktail Bar on Sat., Jan. 18 from noon to 5 p.m., this event aims to bring together a variety of local vendors who can help you kickstart your new year goals. Whether you are focusing on health, wellness, beauty, or personal growth, there will be something for everyone.
“We have several vendors planned! To name just a few: Fusion Salon, Vascular Institute of Pinehurst, Fit for Life, Drip Wellness & Aesthetics, First Citizens, and more. Our vendors will be ready to provide information and guidance for a range of goals that one may have. We hope to have demonstrations as well! In addition, Dirty Whiskey will feature a special drink menu for this event,” said Kat Ferrera, manager of Dirty Whiskey Craft Cocktail Bar.
Engaging with the community is an essential element for achieving success. The New Year, Better Me! event emphasizes the importance of connecting with local businesses and resources. By building relationships within the community, attendees can gain access to valuable support systems and networks that can aid in their personal and professional growth. This event provides an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and discover readily available resources in our backyard.
No community event is complete without delicious food and great entertainment. At the New Year, Better Me! event, attendees can enjoy a variety of local cuisines from the food truck Authentique and the on-site restaurant, Napkins. These local eateries will be serving up delectable dishes to satisfy taste buds while exploring the event.
As the day progresses, event-goers will also be treated to live music from a local favorite, The Guy Unger Band. Their performance will add a lively and festive atmosphere to the event, making it a fun and memorable experience for all attendees.
Dirty Whiskey Craft Cocktail Bar is committed to supporting and spotlighting local businesses. By hosting the New Year, Better Me! event, they provide a platform for local vendors and distillers to showcase their products and services. This dedication to the community is evident in their choice of vendors and the local distillers they patronize for their craft cocktails.
Their love for North Carolina and the local community shines through in every aspect of this event. Dirty Whiskey hopes to offer new ideas and support to friends old and new, helping them plan for a successful new chapter in life. By bringing together local resources and creating a lively, supportive environment, they are championing the success of local businesses and individuals alike.
Ferrera shares her hope for the New Year: “My hope for the new year is to continue to grow my staff’s and my own strengths and talents while increasing awareness of this cool little lounge I’m so pleased to help guide!”
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