Entertainment

Experience Kentucky Derby at Cape Fear Vineyard

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Tuesday, 22 April 2025

Written by Sheila D Barker

The Kentucky Derby, often referred to as "the most exciting two minutes in sports," is a prestigious Grade 1 stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses. Held annually on the first Saturday in May in Louisville, Kentucky, this iconic event marks the beginning of the American Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
Steeped in tradition, the Derby is not just about the race; it's a celebration of Southern culture, complete with elegant fashion, delectable cuisine, and festive gatherings. For those who can't make it to Louisville, events like the Kentucky Derby Experience at Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery offer a perfect way to partake in the festivities.
Nestled in the charming town of Elizabethtown, Cape Fear Vineyard at 194 Vineyard Dr. provides an idyllic setting for the Kentucky Derby Experience. Known for its stunning landscapes, exquisite wines, and top-notch hospitality, the vineyard is the perfect destination to enjoy the Derby in style.
The Kentucky Derby Experience on May 3 at Cape Fear Vineyard promises an evening filled with Southern charm, from welcome cocktails and photo opportunities to a live broadcast of the race on large-screen displays. Attendees can immerse themselves in the excitement and elegance of the Derby without leaving North Carolina from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
One of the highlights of the Kentucky Derby is the fashion, and the Derby Fashion Competition at Cape Fear Vineyard is no exception. Guests are encouraged to don their finest Derby attire, with gentlemen sporting bowties and seersucker suits, and ladies showcasing their most spectacular hats.
The evening will feature a Derby Fashion Competition, where attendees can compete in various categories such as Best Overall Attire, Best Couples' Attire, Most Spectacular Derby Hat, Most Dapper Gentleman, and Most Creative Derby Ensemble. Prizes will be awarded to those who truly capture the spirit of the Derby with their outfits.
The Kentucky Derby Experience offers a plethora of activities to keep guests entertained throughout the evening. After placing your bets on the big race, try your luck at the casino gaming tables, which include blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker. Your ticket includes $250 in gaming chips.
In addition to the gaming tables, there will be prize drawings and luxury prizes available to win. Enjoy the heavy hors d'oeuvres inspired by Kentucky Derby cuisine, and access to a cash bar featuring classic Mint Juleps. It's an evening filled with excitement, elegance, and the thrill of competition. Reservations are required, and only a limited number of tickets are available to ensure an optimal experience for all guests. Tickets can be purchased at https://tinyurl.com/3y6r2je9. Attendees must be 21 years or older to attend.
The Kentucky Derby Experience at Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery combines festive entertainment with meaningful community impact. This signature event channels all proceeds directly to the Bladen County Hospital Foundation, making a tangible difference in local healthcare. The funds raised help expand medical services, upgrade essential equipment, and enhance patient care programs, ensuring that residents have access to quality healthcare services right in their community.
By attending this event, guests are playing a vital role in ensuring that quality healthcare remains accessible to all residents of Bladen County. Participation makes a meaningful difference, enabling the foundation to continue its mission of providing essential medical care and services to those in need. Support helps maintain critical healthcare programs, improve medical facilities, and ensure that no community member goes without necessary medical attention.

Spartan Weekend set to push limits at McCormick Farms

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Tuesday, 22 April 2025

Written by Jamie Bishop

McCormick Farms in Spring Lake will transform into a battleground of endurance as thousands of athletes prepare to tackle the 2025 Fayetteville Spartan Trifecta Weekend, taking place May 3–4. Hosted by DistiNCtly Fayetteville, the event will draw competitors from across the country eager to test their limits on one of the most challenging courses in the Spartan Race series.
The venue, located just outside Fort Bragg, spans more than 1,000 acres of diverse and unforgiving terrain. Known for its steep hills, riverbanks, dense forests, and a dramatic 200-foot-deep quarry, McCormick Farms has earned a reputation as a favorite among Spartan staff and veteran racers. The course will not only test strength and endurance, but also each athlete’s technical ability and mental toughness.
Spartan will offer a full slate of races during the weekend, including the Sprint (5K/20 obstacles), Super (10K/25 obstacles), Beast (21K/30 obstacles), and Ultra (50K/60+ obstacles), along with a Kids Race and the ultimate challenge: the Trifecta. Athletes aiming for the Trifecta will need to complete three races over the course of the weekend to earn a special wedge medal piece—a symbol of stamina, resilience, and grit.
Finishers will walk away with more than just mud-caked memories. Each participant will receive a unique Spartan finisher medal, a Trifecta medal wedge piece, an event T-shirt, a free beverage, and a craft non-alcoholic brew from Athletic Brewing Company. But for many, the real reward will be the pride and bragging rights earned by conquering the course.
The event will feature a vibrant Festival Area, where spectators and racers can enjoy food trucks, merchandise vendors, music, and family-friendly activities. The festive atmosphere will serve as a gathering place to celebrate victories and support fellow racers.
Spartan organizers anticipate a strong turnout from the local military community, given the race’s close proximity to Fort Bragg. The presence of service members and veterans often brings an added spirit of camaraderie, discipline, and inspiration to the event.
Several factors are expected to shape the success of this year’s Trifecta Weekend. The natural terrain of McCormick Farms offers a uniquely demanding and scenic challenge. The military culture of the area will likely foster teamwork and mental toughness among participants. Extensive planning and logistics will be required to convert the working farm into a full-scale race venue and festival ground. Safety measures, including medical support and strategically placed aid stations, will ensure the well-being of all participants. Finally, the support from DistiNCtly Fayetteville will enhance the overall experience by connecting the event to the region’s broader tourism and hospitality offerings.
Whether tackling a 5K Sprint or attempting the full Trifecta, racers will soon find themselves face-to-face with a course designed to challenge every fiber of their being. When the dust settles and the medals are earned, the stories of perseverance and strength will begin—etched in mud, sweat, and glory.
To register or learn more, visit: https://race.spartan.com/en/races/fayetteville-north-carolina

The Dogwood Festival: Fayetteville celebrates a 43 year old tradition

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Tuesday, 22 April 2025

Written by Amber Little

The weather is finally breaking; warmer days are becoming more frequent, and the gardens are in full bloom. This can only mean one thing: it’s time for the annual Dogwood Festival. Fayetteville’s biggest free community event stretches from Downtown on Hay Street to Festival Park, featuring food, entertainment, rides, and vendors. The weekend-long event kicks off on Friday, April 25, and runs through Sunday, April 27.
Since the early 1980s, the Dogwood Festival, organized by a nonprofit organization, has hosted a variety of quality, family-friendly events in downtown Fayetteville. The spring festival not only provides an opportunity for the community to come out and enjoy but also helps boost tourism, contributing to the local economy, with an average attendance of 250,000 over the three-day weekend. While the festival has experienced its ups and downs, one thing has remained constant: the organization’s dedication to offering a variety of free family-centered events for the community. And this year is no different.

Festival Entertainment
One of the most popular features of the Dogwood Festival is the free concerts held all weekend on the main stage in Festival Park. Each day will feature top bands and musicians from across the Carolinas, including local talent. Those who are planning on attending the concerts at Festival Park, please be advised of the following rules: No coolers, no personal food or drink, no outside alcohol, no pets, and no weapons.
Lawn chairs and blankets are acceptable. Food trucks and the free Kids Zone will be available in Festival Park.
Main Stage Lineup:
Friday/ Rock
• 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. - The Simpletones (Sanford, NC)
• 6:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. - Opening Ceremony
• 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Fear State (Fayetteville)
• 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. - Echostone (The Carolinas)

Saturday/ Local Acts & Headliners
• 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. - Nicholas Vernon (Vander, NC)
• 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. - The Guy Unger Band (Fayetteville)
• 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. - Josh Ross
• 9:15 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. - Drew Baldridge
Sunday/ Variety
• 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. - The Phoebes (RTP, NC)
• 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Throwback Collaboration Band (Fayetteville)
The Dogwood Festival will feature free concerts and Kid Zone, a midway full of carnival rides, food trucks, and vendors. Along with the attractions that people have come to love and expect, this year’s event organizers have added some new attractions and brought back some fan favorites to the festival.
Thursday, April 24
• Cork & Fork
6 p.m.
An evening of wine, beer, and tapas featuring local restaurants, live music, and a cigar-rolling class. Ticketed event.
Saturday, April 26
• Cooking for a Cause Wing Cookoff
Voting starts at noon
Sunday, April 27
• Classic Car & Truck Cruise
Noon to 4 p.m.
Hay Street
Categories for antique cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Festival Schedule
The 2025 Dogwood Festival offers a wealth of fun for all ages. From browsing the vendors in scenic downtown to enjoying live music at the main stage in Festival Park, there's something for everyone. This year's event will feature over 100 vendors, a diverse selection of food trucks, and a variety of entertainment. Located in Festival Park, the dedicated Kids Zone will provide bouncy houses, games, and other activities for our youngest residents and festival attendees.
Friday
Festival Park
5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Kicking off the festival, attendees can enjoy the official opening ceremony of the 2025 Dogwood Festival, enjoy some of the best Rock bands in the Carolinas, and have their fill of the tastiest food trucks around.
Saturday
Downtown Fayetteville (Hay Street) & Festival Park
Noon to 11 p.m.
The first full day of the festival will feature vendors on Hay Street, as well as the amazing businesses that call it home. There will not be a shortage of places to eat and drink. The midway, vendors, sponsors, and food trucks will be awaiting attendees as they make their way down to Festival Park, located at 335 Ray Ave.
Sunday
Downtown Fayetteville & Festival Park
Noon to 8 p.m.
Closing out the festival weekend, attendees can enjoy the Classic Car Show downtown, groove to local DJs in Festival Park from Noon to 6 p.m., and grab any last-minute handcrafted goodies or turkey leg.
Don’t miss out on any of the fun, check out the Dogwood Festival map at https://www.thedogwoodfestival.com/festival-map-2025.

Parking & Festival Tips
• Don’t get ticketed during the festival; make sure you are in a city-run lot. All lots owned by the City of Fayetteville will have event parking and are designated by blue signs. Parking lots without the blue sign designation by the city are private and therefore subject to rules set by those lots. Air Garages are not owned by the city and have an independently set fee for events. City-owned parking garages, such as Franklin Street, will be available. For a map of city-owned parking, download the ParkMobile app.
• While many vendors will be accepting digital forms of payment, it’s always a good idea to bring cash. ATM access is limited downtown, so a quick trip to the bank before coming downtown is always a great idea.
• Strollers are perfectly fine in Festival Park, but some wagons are not allowed. When in doubt, check the website, https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Trails/Festival-Park
• Make sure to utilize the festival map. Don’t miss a food truck, performance, or vendor.
This year’s festival is anticipated to be one of the biggest since its resurgence after the COVID-19 lockdown. Under the new leadership of Kaylynn Suarez and renewed excitement, the festival is destined to not only be successful but also set a new standard. As with any event, it wouldn’t be possible without the amazing sponsors who give time, energy, goods, services, and money. Some of this year’s sponsors include: PWC, Beasley Media Group, Healy Wholesale, DistiNCtly Fayetteville, Up & Coming Weekly, ABC 11, Cumulus Media, The Fayetteville Observer, Campbell University, Dogwood Nursery & Sheds, CityView and a host of other generous businesses and individuals.
For more information on The Dogwood Festival and its sponsors, check out the website at https://www.thedogwoodfestival.com/.

(Photos courtesy of the Dogwood Festival)

CCS sponsors annual mental health fair

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Tuesday, 22 April 2025

Written by Lena Simmons

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think," — Winnie the Pooh to Christopher Robin, written by A.A. Milne
The Third Annual Children’s Mental Health and Wellness Fair is sponsored by the Cumberland County School System. The event will take place on May 3 at Festival Park from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Activities include a one-mile walk for suicide prevention, community resources, live fitness presentations, games, tech prizes, freebies, food trucks and a bike rodeo. No pets are allowed at the event. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Cumberland County Schools website at https://www.ccs.k12.nc.us.
May 2025 is Mental Health Awareness Month. The theme for 2025 is Turn Awareness into Action. The Green Ribbon is the international symbol of Mental Health Awareness. Mental Health America has sponsored and founded May Mental Health Awareness Month in 1949. Mental Health America works to close the mental health equity gap while increasing nationwide awareness. The mission is the advancement of mental health and well-being of all people living in the United States, through public research, advocacy, policy, and direct service. The strategic plan remains focused on the health and well-being of future generations, on systemic reforms and on embracing new frontiers of science, according to the National Council for Wellbeing, 2025, Mental Health America.
Mental Health challenges are more than adolescents feeling blue. It affects many areas of the teen’s life. Mental Health problems in our youth go hand and hand with other behavioral risks such as substance misuse, experiencing violence, and sexual behaviors.
The statistics are notable; globally, one in seven young persons from the ages of 10 to 19 experience a mental health disorder; in the United States in 2023, 20.3 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 experienced a behavioral health challenge. Fifty-two percent of lifelong experiences with mental challenges begin at fourteen. Twenty percent have considered committing suicide, and forty percent experience feelings of hopelessness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to Bright Path Health, firearm-related death rates have increased among adolescents in North Carolina by 23.1 percent from 2020 to 2021. In 2022, 11 percent of North Carolina children experienced anxiety or depression. This is up 7.6 percent from 2016. In 2019, suicide was the leading cause of death in North Carolina in the age group 10 to 17.
A study by the National Institute of Health estimated child and adolescent mental health disorders cost $247 billion annually, with additional external costs linked to delinquent behaviors, poorer academic outcomes, substance misuse and crime in adulthood, according to the National Institute of Health.
Dr. Natasha Scott, Executive Director of Cumberland County School Student Services, introduced the mental health and wellness fair to the district two years ago as a fresh way to raise awareness about an issue vital to the lives of students and their families.
“The event really needed to be a fun event that would get people active and moving while sharing resources people need. When you are active and being physical, it produces endorphins, which are chemicals in your brain that produce positive feelings,” Scott said.
Jump into Mental Health and Wellness at the Third Annual Children’s Mental Health and Wellness Fair sponsored by Cumberland County School System on May 3 at Festival Park.