Entertainment

Cumberland County Veterans Council expands tradition of service

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Tuesday, 28 October 2025

Written by Jamie Bishop

Downtown Fayetteville will come alive on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 10 a.m., when the Cumberland County Veterans Council presents its 29th annual Veterans Day Parade, a celebration honoring past, present, and future generations of military service.
This year’s parade marks the largest in recent memory, featuring 95 entries and a renewed partnership with Fort Bragg’s XVIII Airborne Corps and Pope Army Airfield. The 2025 theme, “In Honor of Our Veterans,” reflects the Council’s enduring mission to unify the military community and the civilians who support it.
“This is our biggest year yet,” said Dr. Toshiba Narcisse, U.S. Army Retired, CCVC senior vice president and parade director. “We have 95 entries, 36 volunteers, and some exciting new additions, including our first-ever veterans’ horse unit from the Horsemen of Colors right here in Cumberland County. It’s going to be a beautiful sight.”
Now in its 29th year, the Veterans Day Parade has become one of the most anticipated community gatherings in Fayetteville. The event serves as a reflection of the city’s deep military roots and an opportunity for residents to express gratitude for the men and women who have served.
Dr. Narcisse has been part of the parade’s planning for more than a decade and is now in her third year as director. Each year presents new challenges and new reasons to celebrate.
“This parade brings together the past, the present, and the future,” she said. “You have retired veterans walking side-by-side with active-duty soldiers and JROTC students who represent the next generation of service. It’s a living timeline of military heritage right in our streets.”
Among the parade’s most touching traditions is the participation of Mr. Bud, one of the area’s oldest veterans and a member of Rolling Thunder. His appearance each year reminds spectators why the parade exists to honor those whose service spans generations and whose stories continue to inspire.
Coordinating nearly 100 entries from bands and color guards to float crews and honor escorts requires months of work and dozens of dedicated volunteers. This year, 36 volunteers helped with permits, registrations, and route logistics to ensure the parade runs smoothly.
“It’s a lot of coordination, but we have a great team inside the Veterans Council,” Dr. Narcisse explained. “Most of us are veterans ourselves, so we treat this as a mission. We plan early, stay disciplined, and make sure everything is ready well before the first marching band steps off.”
The parade will again begin on Hay Street in downtown Fayetteville and follow a modified route introduced several years ago to accommodate crowds and city inspections. While the adjustment has required some fine-tuning, Narcisse said this year’s team has perfected the flow.
“This new route has become part of our story,” she said. “Each turn represents how we’ve adapted as a community. We’ve had to learn and relearn our space, but that’s what resilience looks like.”
For 2025, spectators can expect to see the 82nd Airborne Division Band and Chorus, local JROTC units, and numerous veterans’ organizations marching in formation. The addition of the Horsemen of Colors marks the first appearance of a mounted unit in the parade’s history.
“The horses symbolize discipline and strength,” Narcisse said. “They bring a visual element that connects to the history of service and ceremonial tradition. It’s something we’ve wanted to do for a long time, and now it’s finally happening.”
In addition to the parade itself, Narcisse and the CCVC are working to build a larger community celebration for the organization’s 30th anniversary next year. Her vision includes a post-parade “Family Day” event at Segra Stadium featuring information booths, music, and activities for children as a way to keep the spirit of service alive beyond the morning march.
“When veterans and their families come together outside uniform, you see the human side of service,” she said. “It’s joyful and restorative. That’s the energy we want to carry forward.”
For Dr. Narcisse, a veteran and the daughter and mother of service members, the parade is deeply personal.
“This is a family reunion for me,” she said warmly. “I served, my parents served, and now my sons serve. Every time I stand on that review stand and see those flags pass by, I remember why we do this. It’s to honor every sacrifice and to love our veterans loudly.”
Her message to the community is simple: “Be kind, be nice — and love a veteran.”
Spectators are encouraged to arrive early for the 10 a.m. start and line the streets with flags and signs of support. The Cumberland County Veterans Council continues to welcome organizations, bands, and civic groups interested in joining future events.
Inquiries may be emailed to ccvcveteransparade@gmail.com.

(Photo: Community supporters cheer as U.S. Army Paratroopers from 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, march in the Cumberland County Council’s Veterans Day Parade in Fayetteville, Nov. 2, 2024. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Elvis Umanzor)

FTCC Announces Youth Dental Fair on Nov. 1

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Tuesday, 21 October 2025

Written by Christopher Thrasher

There are few things more delightful than a child’s smile and few things sadder than a child who can’t smile because they are suffering from dental pain.
Sadly, one out of every four kindergarten-aged children in North Carolina suffers from untreated tooth decay. When left untreated, tooth decay can lead to severe pain, oral abscesses, depression, and in extreme cases, even death caused by untreated tooth decay.
If you are concerned about your child’s dental health, or if you just want a fun activity that will encourage your child to get excited about staying healthy, we have great news. Fayetteville Technical Community College can help you and your child! Please join us for the Youth Dental Health Fair at Fayetteville Technical Community College.
When: Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Where: Tony Rand Student Center, 2220 Hull Road, at the Fayetteville campus of Fayetteville Technical Community College
Who: This event is primarily focused for children ages 3 to 12, but children of all ages are welcome to attend and participate in all the day’s great activities.
Activities will include
• Educational Presentations
• Free Dental Screenings
• Microscope station for children of all ages
• A Special Guest Appearance by the Tooth Fairy
• Free Athletic Mouth Guards for Young Athletes
Cost: This event is free. There is no charge for the event or any of the fun activities. The event is sponsored by a grant from United Way’s Youth Growth Stock Trust, Crest+, Oral-B, and P&G Professional Oral Health.
In addition to helping your child get or keep a great smile, this event will also help children realize that science can be fun.
FTCC’s Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting students are eager to help your child get the smile he or she deserves. To learn more about Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting training available at FTCC, please visit our website, www.faytechcc.edu, or email us at healthproadmissions@faytechcc.edu. Jessica Jones is the dental hygiene instructor, and can be reached at jonesj@faytechcc.edu or by phone at 910-678-8552. Her office is at the Health Technologies Center, 240 Hull Road, Room 101A.

Discover spooktacular local adult Halloween events

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Tuesday, 28 October 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

No Halloween plans yet? No problem! There is still plenty of frightful fun to be had because spooky season isn't just for the kids. Here is a full lineup of adult-only events waiting to thrill and chill. Grab your broomsticks and pumpkin spice lattes because it's time to plan a Halloween to remember. All the events listed are happening on Friday, Oct. 31.
Costumes & Cocktails at The Executive Studio, 253 Flagstone Lane, Raeford, 8 p.m.
Head out for an unforgettable Halloween celebration at The Executive Studio, presented by 1910 Wine Nest. Get ready for a night filled with a live DJ, a $100 Best Costume giveaway, and wickedly delicious specialty cocktails. This is a 21+ event, and costumes are required. Tickets: $15 in advance | $25 at the door. VIP Access is also available. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdv626t8
Dead Man's Cabaret Halloween Party at Group Therapy Pub & Playground, 1908 Skibo Rd., 9 p.m.
Dare to enter Fayetteville's most thrilling costume contest for a chance to win a $1,000 prize! Beyond the competition, indulge in wickedly delicious cocktails, sinister snacks, and enjoy $10 mini golf. DJ Lazarus will be on hand, spinning all your favorite tracks to keep the energy high. This is an 18+ event, with a $5 cover at the door. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3jjh9z6h
HALO-WEEN Party! at Club Halo, 1501 Skibo Rd., 9 p.m.
Get ready for a night of thrills, chills, and killer beats! This bash features a $1,000 costume contest, jello shots, and hookah, all powered by the music of DJ Serg Sniper and DJ Erick. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/43d6huun
Haunted Halloween House Party at Paddy's Irish Pub, 2606 Raeford Rd., 7:30 p.m.
Head to Paddy’s for a night of wicked good times at the ultimate Halloween destination. Get ready for an experience like no other, where the pints are haunted and the spirits are real. From 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., there will be True Crime CA$$H Trivia with Pepper, and at 10 p.m. to the end of the night, DJ SIIX will be in the club & the Low Down Dirty Heathens Band will be in the pub. That's right – TWO parties, one venue. Enjoy drink specials, an extended patio, jello shots, treats, killer cocktails, and all the creatures of the night. Don your best costume and prepare for a night of spooky shenanigans. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/99wwvekn
FREE Halloween Movie Night at North South Brewing, 304 Williams St., 7 p.m.
Join North South Brewing for a Spooktacular Halloween Screening of Hocus Pocus. This event is free to attend. Delicious food will be available for purchase from the Bella Nonna food truck. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2e28usua
Halloween Costume Contest at Wana Navu Kava Bar, 500 N. Reilly Rd., 7 p.m.
The spirits are stirring at Wana Navu Kava Bar this Halloween Night, and they’re calling all creatures of the night. Enjoy live music from Awaken the Dead, bewitching drink specials and a costume contest with cash prizes. This is an 18+ event. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4p92anry
Halloween Costume Party at Dad Bod Dive Bar, 444 W Russell St., 8 p.m.
Get ready for a spooktacular Halloween bash at Dad Bod Dive Bar! Their costume party features a thrilling $300 cash prize for the best costume. Sip on fantastic drink specials while DJ Fuzzy spins your favorite hits. From hilarious to horrifying, they want to see your most creative looks. Grab your coven and ghouls for an unforgettable night out. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/39f645yu
Halloween Rock Ball at Dirtbag Ales, 5435 Corporation Dr., Hope Mills, 7 p.m.
Get ready for a spooktacular Halloween bash! Dirtbag Ales, in partnership with Dirty Whiskey and Rock 103, presents an unforgettable night. Enjoy live music from the Guy Unger Band from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., followed by a thrilling costume parade and contest at 10 p.m. The festivities continue at Dirty Whiskey with DJ Deamonfire at their after-hours party. This event is strictly 21+. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2hk6dcxs
Annual Halloween Party & Costume Competition at Stop Button, 4251 Legion Rd #127, Hope Mills, 9 p.m.
Get ready for a spooktacular night of fun, games, and Halloween vibes! Enjoy free-to-play arcade games, festive drink specials, and a live DJ spinning the best tunes. Don't miss the thrilling costume contest, kicking off at 9 p.m. Entry is $10, and the event is 18+ after 9 p.m. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/n8kbnkvn
Halloween at PKs Grill & Pub, 155 Airport Dr., Raeford, 6 p.m.
Prepare for a frightfully fun Halloween night! Immerse yourself in spooky vibes, killer tunes, and wicked entertainment. Dance the night away to the DJ's ghoulish beats that will keep every monster moving. Don't miss the costume contest at 9 p.m. and savor eerie-sistible cocktail specials. Grab your costume, gather your friends, and make this a Halloween to remember. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mt54am54
Annual Halloween Party at Charlie Mike's Pub, 195 Starpoint Dr., 9 p.m.
Get ready for a hauntingly good time at Charlie Mike's Pub! They're transforming into a fright-filled party zone with wicked drinks, creepy decor, and music that will raise the dead. Don't miss the costume contest with cash prizes for the winners. No cover charge for this event. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/ywvxapce
Halloween Masquerade Party at Mondrell's Social Lounge, 226 Franklin St., 9 p.m.
Head out to Mondrell's for a masquerade party hosted by Peter Everett and The Total Package. Enjoy live music, great drinks and a hauntingly good time. Tickets for this event are $10. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/ecct469w

Vintage Vegan Block Party brings sustainability, soul

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Tuesday, 21 October 2025

Written by Amber Little

The historic 200 block of Franklin Street will be abuzz on Saturday, Nov. 8, for the inaugural Vintage Vegan Block Party, an autumn block party “where sustainability meets soul!”
Come downtown for a day of upcycled and thrifted fashion finds, plant-based vendors, and plenty of music, live entertainment, dancing, and most importantly, community. Festivities start at noon and continue until 6 p.m. with DJ Tommy Gee Mix “The Throwback Kat” mixing the beats, keeping the crowd going with hits from the 70s to today.
There will be a couple of fun, interactive experiences for the whole family to enjoy. Teaching attendees the Hustle and Electric Slide is Dancing without Sin’s Stephanie Kegler. Daphne Fuller of Therapeutic Wellness will guide participants in a peaceful yoga flow with leg warmers and headbands. The party doesn’t stop there; catch the thrift and upcycle fashion show, featuring the best vintage finds from some of the day's vendors.
Between dancing and yoga, browse the many plant-based vendors and shops that will be set up along the street. Vendors include:
Food Trucks/Tent
• Romeo’s Vegan Burgers
• ZiZi’s Vegan
• HH6
• Gelu Italian Ice
• Frios
• AJs Cheesecakes
• Peacefully Made
• Just Juicee
• Soul Cakes
• Veg South
Vintage/Upcycle
• Beaver Lake
• Vintage Dink Vintage
• Elle Finds
• GC Vintage
• Hoppy 2gether Oddities
• Timeless Pieces Vintage
• Vintage In Purpose
Plant-based Products/Services
• Always Infinity Jewelry
• Cooking 4 Fitness
• Earthly Apothecary
• Squeaky Clean Soaps
• Sunmed
The first 150 people to join the party will receive a free bag, and there will be hourly giveaways. The Vintage Vegan Block Party is a can’t-miss downtown Fayetteville event. Never tried vegan food? What better place to start than a block party dedicated to the lifestyle? Have an interest in plant-based products?
Check out the vendors and learn more, and make a purchase. Whether you're a carnivore or a vegan, there will be something for everyone. Even though the party on Franklin Street ends at 6 p.m., the party continues at Sol’s Arcade, located at 421 Maiden Lane. Make sure to grab the official “After Party Voucher” before heading that way to receive a $10 game credit. Organizer Morineki Brooks, downtown resident, community activist, and practicing vegan for over 2 decades, had a vision, born from her travels.
“It's about sustainability formally, but it was actually born from trips with my bestie, who also sells vintage. We are both vegans, and our road trips usually are thrift store driven. We would end up posting vintage/antique looks and videos or pics of the cool vegan restaurants we would find while on our expeditions. I decided to create an event that celebrated my loves…set to a classic soundtrack,” she said. “All vendors and food trucks are 100% plant-based or sustainable.”
She added, “Expect cozy autumn eats from vegan food trucks, sustainable and upcycled fashion finds, plant-based vendors, live performances, DJ sets, DIY stations, and unforgettable vibes. Whether you’re a conscious shopper, a foodie, or just here for the culture, VVBP is the seasonal block party you didn’t know you needed!”