Entertainment

Experience 62nd Annual Hoke County Wagon Train

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Tuesday, 10 June 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

The Hoke County Wagon Train began in 1964 when a group of horse-and-buggy enthusiasts, led by the original wagon master, Red Brooks, decided to camp out and ride together. Over the years, the event has evolved from its early days of traveling through Fort Bragg and camping at Waldo's Beach to parading through downtown Raeford and camping off Vass Road.
This annual event has become a beloved tradition, showcasing the community's love for horses, history, and camaraderie. Each year, participants and spectators gather to celebrate and keep the spirit of the wagon train alive.
The 62nd Annual Hoke County Wagon Train kicks off on Friday, June 13, at 10 a.m. with a parade starting at 1201 Alex Baker Road. Riders will head towards town, parade down Main Street, and then return to the camp where the trail ride initially started.
Friday night comes alive with a talented DJ spinning the latest hits and classic favorites from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., creating an energetic atmosphere perfect for dancing and making unforgettable memories.
Saturday's activities begin with horse games at 9 a.m., including barrel racing, poles, a potato race, a catalog race, a western pickup, and the Dolly Parton race. Mid-afternoon, kids' games take place, offering a variety of foot races and activities under the big shelter. Saturday night continues with DJ entertainment and a mechanical bull from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
“Anyone is welcome to attend. Plenty of people who don't have horses come on Saturday, whether it’s to watch the horse games, compete in the kids' games, or swim in the swimming hole. Saturday is a popular night for the dance as well,” said Tiffany Avina-Lee, Hoke County Wagon Train’s social media marketer.
Sunday provides attendees with a relaxing day off to unwind, socialize with fellow participants, and immerse themselves in the community spirit.
“On Sunday, some wake up early and go for a final ride on horseback before heading home, but most wake up ready to wrap it up for the weekend. To get home to spend Father's Day with Dad,” Avina-Lee said.
Frankie Wilson, the current Wagon Master, shoulders much of the responsibility for organizing the Hoke County Wagon Train. His dedication and passion for the event ensure it runs smoothly and remains a favorite tradition for the community.
With the support of a committed organizing committee, Wilson continues to uphold the legacy of the wagon train, ensuring it remains an annual highlight for everyone involved.
The Hoke County Wagon Train offers a variety of activities and games for attendees of all ages. Horse games, held in the on-site arena, provide exciting competitions for riders, while kids' games, held under the big shelter, offer fun and engaging activities for the younger crowd.
Trophies and ribbons are awarded to the winners, adding a competitive edge to the friendly atmosphere. These games and activities make the event a perfect family outing.
All are welcome to join the Hoke County Wagon Train event. Participants need to bring their own horse and can purchase tickets at the gate. Tickets are $20 for attendees aged 13 and up, and $5 for those aged 12 and under. Wristbands, valid for the entire event, are sold at the entrance.
Concessions are available on Friday and Saturday, so attendees can enjoy delicious food while taking in the festivities.
For more information on this event, contact the Wagon Master, Frankie Wilson at 910-286-1307 or 910-875-2643 or Avina-Lee at 910-336-0623.
The Hoke County Wagon Train promises a weekend full of fun, tradition, and community spirit for long time visitors and newcomers alike.
Avina-Lee says the wagon train is kept alive by “a love for horses, mules, and a love for tradition. Many attendees have been coming for years, some since they were kids, now bringing their own children. Everybody knows not to make any plans on Father's Day weekend.”

(Photo: Participants take part in a trail ride during a Hoke County Wagon Train. Photo courtesy of Tiffany Avina-Lee)

History Center hosts Sixth annual Hari Jones Memorial Lecture

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Tuesday, 10 June 2025

Written by Amber Little

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
-George Santayana

The United States of America is 249 years old, a baby nation amongst those who have been around since 301 CE. In its short time, the country has amassed a long, complicated and brutal history, one that includes slavery, indentured servitude, “Indian” Schools and Japanese internment camps.
This country was built on the backs and blood, sweat, tears and bodies of African Americans and the Indigenous Tribes of this land. Its history deserves to be told, remembered and improved upon.
The NC History Center on the Civil War, Emancipation & Reconstruction is holding their annual Hari Jones Memorial Lecture on Monday, June 16 at 7 p.m. at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, 1217 Murchison Road. The lecture is free to the public.
The past six speakers have been comprised of professional historians from the Smithsonian, history professors and civil rights activists. These lecturers were chosen for their ability to teach, “so that all of us may learn, and so that all of us may work together toward a more perfect union,” according to the NC History Center website.
This year’s lecture will be presented by Khadija McNair, entitled “Echoes of Emancipation: Juneteenth and North Carolina.” McNair is a Durham native and public historian who manages Freedom Park in downtown Raleigh, a speaker with the NC African American Heritage Commission and a teacher.
After receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the distinguished North Carolina Central University, she continued her education and in 2020, she received her Master of Arts degree in History with a concentration in Public History.
In her presentation, McNair explores the significance of Juneteenth and the broader history of emancipation in North Carolina. She highlights the ongoing legacy of enslaved people's resistance and the many ways freedom was sought and claimed long before and after the Civil War.
Through powerful stories of individuals like Caroline Barnes, Harriet Jacobs, Mary Walker, and others, McNair illustrates how African Americans in North Carolina shaped their liberation and legacy. She also emphasizes the importance of sites like NC Freedom Park in preserving and reflecting on these histories, encouraging continued commemoration and education around emancipation across the state.
“The public will take away the connections between Juneteenth and the fight for liberation in North Carolina. It's important to understand that the history of emancipation is complex, and many of these stories can be found in our own families and neighborhoods.”
Before she started her work at Freedom Park, McNair spent her time at other historic sites, educating the public and curating projects, such as the Orange County NC Slave Deed database and the Durham Black Burial Grounds Collaboratory.
“I find myself consistently inspired by the African American women who have made significant contributions to our state and our nation. Women like Ella Baker, Anna Julia Cooper, and Harriet Jacobs are a few individuals I’m currently learning about. Their words and experiences are truly empowering to me,” said McNair.
The Hari Jones Memorial Lectures have been a community staple for over six years. The lectures are named after a prominent African American Historian who helped the center in its beginning stages.
Jones was the assistant director and curator for the African American Civil War Freedom Foundation and Museum in Washington, DC. He suddenly passed in 2018, after giving a lecture on Juneteenth here in Fayetteville. The NC History Center on the Civil War, Emancipation & Reconstruction decided the best way to honor his legacy and his commitment to ensuring the historical truth was told would be to start a free lecture series for the community during Juneteenth.
This series has been titled the Hari Jones Lecture Series in his honor.
“I am truly honored and grateful to have been chosen as the speaker for the 2025 Hari Jones Memorial Lecture. As a public historian, I recognize that I stand on the shoulders of ancestors like Hari Jones. I do not take lightly the opportunity to continue amplifying African American history in the same spirit as those who have come before me,” McNair said.
While the construction of the center is still in progress at Arsenal Park, the center is committed to the mission of educating the public on the history of African Americans in this country, from slavery to innovation to the influence on culture, politics and economics.
“Unlike other history museums, the facility in Fayetteville will be a ‘teaching' museum and not a ‘collecting' museum. It will use existing scholarships from universities, coupled with first-hand accounts of North Carolina families, to examine, for the first time, what an entire state faced as the result of the Civil War,” said Marc Barnes, public relations with the NC History Center. “It will examine the times before, during and after the Civil War, from antebellum North Carolina to the Jim Crow era. It will communicate that knowledge both in person and online so that schoolchildren – and all of us – may learn from it.”

(Photo: Khadija McNair is the speaker for the sixth annual Hari Jones Memorial Lecture, to be held June 16 at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Fayetteville. Photo courtesy of Marc Barnes)

Fayetteville After 5 begins again with Camel City Yacht Club

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Tuesday, 10 June 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Kick off the summer with an unforgettable evening of music, food, and fun at Fayetteville After 5, headlined by the smooth sounds of Camel City Yacht Club on Friday, June 20. Fayetteville After 5 will take place at Festival Park. Gates open at 5 p.m. with acts beginning around 6 p.m.
Fayetteville After Five is organized by the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival. Kaylynn Suarez, the Executive Director, felt Fayetteville After Five needed to continue.
“We brought back Fayetteville After Five because we believe in the power of community. This city thrives when we come together... not just for the music, but for the memories, the laughter, and the chance to simply be present with one another. While there are other free concert series out there, we’re doing things a little differently,” she said. “Ours feels more like hanging out in a friend’s backyard, right here in the heart of downtown. No pressure. No big production. Just good vibes, great music, and a space where everyone feels welcome. We’re here to celebrate the things that matter: community, connection, and supporting the local businesses that make Fayetteville home. Simply creating an environment to enjoy this season together.”
Prepare to groove the night away with the smooth, nostalgic tunes of Camel City Yacht Club. This five-member band, hailing from Winston-Salem, is dedicated to bringing the finest yacht rock from the '70s and '80s to life. With a repertoire that includes beloved artists like the Doobie Brothers, the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Pablo Cruise, and Elton John, you're guaranteed a night filled with timeless hits.
These veteran musicians have years of stage experience, ensuring an electrifying performance that will have you dancing all evening long. So put on your favorite loungewear and captain’s hat and get ready to sail into good vibes with Camel City Yacht Club!
Come hungry to Fayetteville After 5 because Greek on Wheels NC will be there to satisfy your taste buds. This featured food truck is known for its handmade gyros, souvlaki, and an array of Greek flavors that are sure to hit the spot.
Skip the hassle of making dinner and enjoy a delectable meal right at Festival Park. From savory meats to fresh vegetables, Greek on Wheels NC offers a mouthwatering menu that complements the evening’s festivities perfectly.
Fayetteville After 5 isn’t just about music and food; it’s also a fun-filled event for the entire family. Skoolie Express is rolling in with their retrofitted school bus packed full of fun, crafts, and surprises.
Kids and adults alike will find plenty to enjoy as they explore the creative activities and interactive experiences offered by Skoolie Express. It’s the perfect way to keep everyone entertained while soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Step into another world with U Got Game VR, offering the ultimate virtual reality experience at Fayetteville After 5. Challenge your friends and dive into immersive games that transport you to new and exciting dimensions.
Whether you're a seasoned gamer or trying VR for the first time, U Got Game VR promises an exhilarating adventure that adds a modern twist to the evening’s entertainment lineup.
Arrive early to find the perfect spot in Festival Park and set up your chairs and blankets.
Two more Fayetteville After 5 events are planned for July and August. Friday, July 18 and Friday, August 15.
Be sure to follow the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival for announcements on musical acts, featured food trucks, and other entertainment planned for these two additional shows. Follow at https://www.facebook.com/thedogwoodfest.

Fayetteville's Juneteenth Jubilee: Guide to area-wide celebrations

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Tuesday, 10 June 2025

Written by Amber Little

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
-Nelson Mandela

Juneteenth is more than a celebration of freedom; it’s a celebration of culture and an appreciation for the contributions African Americans have made to America. Since its recognition as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth has become a widely celebrated holiday, with cities across America hosting festivities highlighting African American culture. Fayetteville and surrounding cities are no different and are gearing up to bring the community together for fun, family, and entertainment.

Juneteenth Jubilee: Sovereign
Cool Spring Downtown District is hosting its fourth annual Juneteenth Jubilee on Saturday, June 14, at Festival Park, 1335 Ray Street, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The CSDD has worked hard to build on the momentum and success of previous years, curating a truly spectacular lineup of entertainment, food, and vendors for the whole family to enjoy. If a variety of food trucks, cultural vendors, black artists, and a good “Boots on the Ground” line dance with the one and only Stephanie Kiegler of Dancing without Sin isn’t enough incentive to come down to the celebration, then the entertainment lineup for the evening will be.
Hitting the stage first is recording artist Rissi Palmer. Palmer is a Governor at the Recording Academy Nashville, and the first black female artist to rise on the Billboard Top 100 Country charts since Dona Mason. Palmer, a music scene veteran, has recorded several albums and was one of nine artists featured on PBS’s American Masters: In The Making series.
Headlining this year’s event is New Orleans-based, Grammy Award-winning band, Tank and the Bangas! This quartet of talented musicians and a powerhouse singer has flooded the airwaves since 2011 with their unique sound, a fusion of R&B, soul, hip-hop,
rap and rock.
It wouldn’t be a CSDD if local talent weren’t on full display. Leading up to the headlining concert, attendees can enjoy a variety of performances from local artists and groups. Other event highlights include the crowning of Miss Juneteenth Fayetteville in association with J19 Unity Fayetteville.
“Sovereignty is associated with royalty, agency and power, which is a strong theme for a celebration that uplifts the history and cultural contributions of Black Americans in this country and in our community,” said Ashanti Bennett, interim president/CEO and curator for the jubilee. “This year, we are highlighting, in particular, the achievements and contributions of Black Women to the culture. We will celebrate our Queens throughout the day – From our opening speaker, Crystal McLean, president and founder of Money Box Academy Inc., a financial literacy hybrid non-profit in Fayetteville; to some of our stage talent courtesy of Book Black Women, Inc, Cumberland Choral Arts, and more; to the crowning of Miss Juneteenth Jubilee - we are delighted to showcase Black Girl Magic at this year’s Jubilee.”
Bennett is excited about this year’s event and seeing all the work CSDD put in pay off. Bennett has been a curator of the
event since 2022.
“I am really excited for the entire day to unfold, but I am most excited about seeing so many smart, talented, beautiful black women make this day come alive! We don't always get our proper due, so I am pleased to be able to host a space where we get to shine,” Bennett said. While Juneteenth is a celebration centered around the African American experience, it is the perfect opportunity for the WHOLE community to come together, learn, laugh, commune, and celebrate.
“CSDD strives to offer art, culture, education, and entertainment that is accessible and meaningful for all of our attendees. This is not simply a ‘black event’ – we believe that Juneteenth is an incredibly significant holiday with relevance for all Americans. We want those who are unfamiliar with Juneteenth to embrace the history and perspective, and for those who celebrate to feel welcome to share in a unified moment of reflection and joy,” Bennett said.
“In addition to the entertainment, we will have roaming historians on site with ‘Ask Me About Juneteenth’ shirts ready to answer questions, as well as a Black Fayetteville History Tour that is curated by a friend to CSDD, archivist Nicholle Young from Fayetteville State University, our local Historically Black College and University. We will have a full stage schedule with performances from various local community groups and artists.
“We’re excited to put our boots on the ground with some line dancing, as well! Of course, there will be plenty of art at the Jubilee – we are hosting the 2nd HBCU Student and Alumni Showcase, along with displayed art by the collective, Black Artist Forward. We will have other marketplace and nonprofit vendors, as well. And of course, a solid group of some of our favorite local food trucks that attendees can enjoy while catching some shade at the Jubilee Community Tent. There will also be a children’s area on site with bounce houses, games, and new to the Jubilee this year, a Virtual Reality game truck, U Got Game,” Bennett stated.
This is a free community event thanks to community sponsors ABC11, PWC, Duke Energy, Healy Wholesale, City of Fayetteville, Fayetteville State University, Methodist University, Capitol Encore Academy, CityView, The Crown Complex, The Fayetteville Press, SAAMS Party Tents, Clubtails, Beasley Media Group and Cumulus Media.

Juneteenth Liberty and Legacy Celebration
The Town of Hope Mills is sponsoring this year’s Juneteenth celebration on June 13 and June 14 at Dirtbag Ales located at 5435 Corporation Drive. The two-day celebration will feature art, a night market, food and a lineup of entertainment including local disc jockey, DJ Yoda, The Phobes, Radioboxx, and Motrax. This event is a free community event.
Friday
• 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Hosted by Dr. Sonny Kelly, featuring a night market (a variety of vendors), art crawl, live music by Radioboxx, fashion show, and culture and canvas
Saturday
• 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Hosted by Tomeka Bright, featuring an open market with 50+ vendors, live music by The Phoebes, Motrax, and Radioboxx, poetry, African dance, vendors

400 Years: The Evolution of Black America
Book Black Women and No Longer Bound are presenting their highly acclaimed and title production at FTCC’s Cumberland Hall Auditorium, located at 2211 Hull Road, on Thursday, June 19, and Friday, June 20. This year’s event is powered by Circa 1865 and sponsored by The Capitol Encore Academy, Fayetteville/Cumberland County Arts Council, and Sweet Tea Shakespeare. This production is a collaboration by community artists, telling African American history through dance, song, and spoken word. Tickets can be purchased online at www.bookblackwomen.org.

Juneteenth Heritage Brunch
Closing out the Juneteenth holiday week is the annual Juneteenth Heritage Brunch at Carvers Creek State Park, located at 2505 Long Valley Rd., Spring Lake. This event, held on Sat. June 21, is presented by Book Black Women and No Longer Bound. This year won’t just feature a brunch under the iconic cypress trees of the state park, but will include an expert-led hayride around the property, learning about the rich and diverse history of the land. Attendees can choose from four convenient times: 11 a.m., noon,1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at www.bookblackwomen.org. The 2025 Juneteenth Heritage Brunch is sponsored by Circa 1865, Cal’s Catering, and Fayetteville/Cumberland County Arts Council.

(Top Photo: Courtesy of Cool Springs District Facebook Page. Bottom Photo: Courtesy of Book Black Women LLC Facebook Page.)