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Tuesday, 29 April 2025
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Written by Aly Hansen
Hope Mills Parks and Recreation is bringing big rigs and vehicles to their third annual Trucks ‘N Stuff, May 3 at the Golfview Greenway, located at 3635 Golfview Rd. The community can come out and explore large vehicles from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Food trucks will also be available on site.
According to Meagan Mereness, Hope Mills Parks and Recreation special events/communications coordinator, 25 trucks and vehicles have been confirmed for the event. Trucks ‘N Stuff allows the public to see these vehicles up close and to see what they can do. Hope Mills Parks and Recreation is still accepting applications until May 1 for those who wish to show off their trucks at the event by visiting https://form.jotform.com/250343692416153 or by calling 910-426-4060.
Vehicles from the Hope Mills Police Department and Fire and Rescue will be in attendance, as well as a HUMVEE from the North Carolina National Guard. Fort Bragg Fire & Emergency Medical Services will showcase an airport crash fire apparatus. Construction vehicles will also be in attendance. In total, 15 organizations are currently represented at Trucks ‘N Stuff.
“This year marks the third consecutive year of hosting Trucks ‘N Stuff, and we’re proud to see the event continue to grow in both participation and community excitement,” said Mereness. “The community has responded positively to this event. It offers not only a fun and engaging way to spend a spring afternoon with the family, but also serves as a valuable educational experience. Both children and adults will have the opportunity to learn about various industries, explore how different machines operate, and gain insight into the important roles these organizations play in our community.”
In addition to seeing the vehicles, members of the community will get the unique opportunity to climb into each vehicle. Attendees can explore the vehicles, honk the horns and activate the sirens. For those who may have a sensitivity to loud noises and flashing lights, Hope Mills Parks and Recreation is offering a sensory hour from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sensory kits are also available upon request at the Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Tent. These kits include earplugs, a pair of sunglasses and various fidget toys and items.
Pets are allowed at the event, but they must be leashed at all times. Mereness also cautions that Trucks ‘N Stuff will have loud noises, so pets who may be sensitive to these loud noises should be left at home.
The Trucks ‘N Stuff event at the Golfview Greenway promises to be a day filled with big trucks, unique vehicles and a great experience for the family.
For more information, visit https://www.townofhopemills.com/1562/Trucks-N-Stuff
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Tuesday, 29 April 2025
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Written by Jamie Bishop
The Fayetteville Police Department is partnering with the Southland Car Club for the first annual Capt. Shawn Collins Memorial Car Show, set to take place May 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Festival Park, 335 Ray Ave. The event serves a dual purpose: honoring the late Capt. Shawn Collins, a respected leader in the Fayetteville Police Department, and raising funds for the Special Olympics of North Carolina. Open to the public, the event invites car enthusiasts, families, and supporters to enjoy classic vehicles for a worthy cause.
Sgt. Alexander Herrera, a nearly 20 year veteran of the Fayetteville Police Department and a member of the Southland Car Club, is at the heart of organizing the show. Herrera’s connection to both law enforcement and the car community has allowed him to bridge the two worlds for a powerful mission.
“Capt. Collins was our SWAT commander,” Herrera said. “He passed away unexpectedly late last year. He was in great shape, a stand-up guy, the kind of leader who everyone respected. This event is our way of honoring his legacy, supporting his family, and doing something good for the community.”
Herrera stated that Collins’ wife, Stephanie, is also a police officer in Fayetteville.
“They have children together, and his loss hit all of us really hard,” Herrera said. “We wanted to do something meaningful in his name.”
The idea for the car show came during a conversation between officers and city leadership, including former Chief Kemberle Braden. Many within the department share a love for classic cars, including Lt. Brandon Chandler, who oversees the Fayetteville Police Special Olympics Committee. The car show was a natural addition to the department’s lineup of annual fundraisers for the Special Olympics, which already includes a golf tournament, a torch run, and other events.
“The city police department has worked with the Special Olympics of North Carolina for years,” Herrera explained. “It’s a cause that’s close to our hearts. When we discussed hosting a car show, the department saw it as a way to not only continue that support but to also reshape the community’s perception of car clubs.”
According to Herrera, car clubs often face negative stereotypes in the area due to reckless behavior by a few. This event offers an opportunity to showcase what a positive, community-focused car club can do.
“We’re showing that car culture can be about family, giving back, and supporting each other,” he said.
The Southland Car Club, based in Smithfield, typically raises money for scholarships for students in Johnston County. As the club’s only Fayetteville-based member, Herrera is spearheading this new collaboration, combining his personal passions for law enforcement, vintage cars, and public service.
“I just bought an antique car last year and wanted to use it for a good cause,” he said. “Ever since, I’ve seen how much joy these cars bring to people. I take my kids out with me, let them work on it, and we talk to folks in the community. Even if they’re not car people, they light up when they see it. It makes people smile.”
The event is open to the public. Vehicle owners can register their cars for a $20 fee, with all proceeds going directly to the Special Olympics of North Carolina. Numerous local businesses have stepped in to sponsor the show, contributing door prizes and covering event costs to maximize donations.
“The response has been amazing,” said Herrera. “We’ve had everything from sponsorships to trophy donations. One lady on the force had a family member who donated old trophies, and we’re rebranding them for the show. It’s really come together thanks to the generosity of the community.”
Looking ahead, organizers hope to make the Capt. Shawn Collins Memorial Car Show an annual tradition. “This isn’t just a one-time thing,” Herrera said. “We want to build on this every year—raise more money, reach more people, and keep honoring Shawn in a way that makes a difference.”
As Herrera puts it, the message is simple: “We just want people to come out, enjoy the show, and know that their support is going to a great cause, and in memory of someone who meant the world to us.”
The car show promises a day of community, chrome, and compassion—a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to his city, and a step forward for those still serving it today.
For more information or to register, visit www.southlandcarclub.com. All of the proceeds go to the Special Olympics of North Carolina.
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