Entertainment

A Tradition of Magic Continues: Blume School of Dance Celebrates 56th Nutcracker

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Tuesday, 02 December 2025

Written by Katie Herring

The holiday season in Fayetteville would be incomplete without the cherished tradition of Charlotte Blume School of Dance’s annual production of Tchaikovsky’s magnificent ballet, The Nutcracker. 2025 marks the 56th consecutive staging of the beloved Christmas story by the venerable institution, continuing a legacy built on artistic excellence and community spirit.
The two public performances will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14, both at 3 p.m., at the Crown Theatre at 2405 Gillespie St.
The Nutcracker tells the classic Christmas Eve story of Clara, who receives a mysterious nutcracker doll from her godfather at a family party. After the doll is broken and Clara falls asleep, she awakens in a magical land where her broken toy transforms into a Prince and leads her on an enchanting adventure. The ballet is a festive showcase of dazzling choreography and music that has captured the imagination of families for generations.
The enduring success of this production is rooted in the history of its founder, Charlotte Blume, who started the school 71 years ago. Blume was a true pioneer in Fayetteville, establishing a lasting legacy that was ahead of its time.
"Charlotte Blume started a legacy, more than a tradition," said Dina Lewis, executive director of the Blume School of Dance. "She created an integrated studio at a time when segregation was still the norm; everyone was welcome."
This commitment to inclusivity remains a guiding principle today. Lewis reflected on her own experience, having directed the production for 11 years. She added, “Charlotte Blume taught me to work harder and keep trying and get better; I admired her then and admire her even more now.”
The glittering final performances are the culmination of a year-long effort. Planning for each production begins in January, almost immediately after the previous holiday’s curtains close. Auditions are traditionally held on Palm Sunday, with additional opportunities available during the summer for new students to join the ranks.
The cast, which ranges from the youngest dancers, starting at just 3.5 years old, up to seniors in high school, commits countless hours to rehearsal and preparation. Their success is a testament to the dedication of the dancers, the unwavering commitment and support from their families, and the collaboration of the wider community.
The 2025 production promises to be especially memorable, featuring a host of unique additions. This year, audiences will be treated to all brand-new costumes, bringing fresh vibrancy to the iconic scenes.
The most poignant change is the Mother Ginger number, which will be performed in honor of Sheila Mitchell, a beloved instructor who dedicated more than 50 years to the Blume School of Dance. The choreography for the piece will feature influences from Mrs. Mitchell, and notably, all the dancers performing the piece were personally influenced and trained by her over the years. It will serve as a moving tribute to a cornerstone of the school’s history.
Adding to the cast’s community flavor, the production will welcome special guest performers, including Andy Dualan, Jaron Warton, and Nicholas Campanello. All three men are either active duty or former Army servicemen, demonstrating the school's ongoing connection to Fayetteville's strong military community as they help bring the classic story to life.
With three sold-out school-day performances and two public showings, the enduring power of The Nutcracker to usher in the holiday spirit remains strong. Tickets for the public performances on Dec. 13 and 14 are available now and can be secured through the Crown Complex website at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/blume-school-of-dance-presents-the-nutcracker-1. Don't miss the chance to experience this treasured local event, a celebration of history, inclusion, and the magic of Christmas.

(Photo courtesy of Charlotte Blume School of Dance)

Calico Boutique celebrates family at jamboree

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Tuesday, 25 November 2025

Written by Tara Kamiya

Families, neighbors and local organizations will gather this fall at the Eutaw Shopping Center for the Eutaw Family Jamboree, a free outdoor event hosted by The Calico Boutique.
The jamboree will be held at The Calico Boutique in the Eutaw Shopping Center, 2738 Bragg Blvd., on Friday, Nov. 28.
This is the first year it’s being held, designed to showcase local talent and support small businesses. The event will create a space where families can connect in a fun, safe environment. Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., organizers say anyone in the community is welcome to attend.
Guests can expect a festive market atmosphere with vendors offering a variety of products and services from local entrepreneurs. This Inaugural event will also feature interactive activities geared toward children, giving families a chance to enjoy games and in-person experiences while exploring what area businesses have to offer.
Nonprofits are invited to host vendor spaces at no cost, which is part of the boutique’s efforts to make the event accessible to organizations that serve the community. City and county offices can also reserve spaces at deeply discounted rates to share information about services, programs and local resources.
Vendor fees collected from participating businesses will go toward covering event setup, including safety, security and permits. Organizers say that structure helps keep the jamboree free for attendees while ensuring that the event remains welcoming and secure for families.
While the jamboree will not include food vendors, attendees are encouraged to enjoy the many dining options already available in the Eutaw Shopping Center. Event organizers hope that directing visitors to on-site restaurants will further support local businesses and highlight the center as a community hub.
In addition to vendor participation, The Calico Boutique is accepting donations of bottled water, juice, snacks and basic supplies to stock a First Aid Area. Those contributions will help keep guests comfortable and prepared throughout the day.
The event also reflects the mission behind The Calico Boutique’s Kingdom Focused Entrepreneurship initiative. The faith-based effort is aimed at empowering entrepreneurs to build and grow businesses guided by purpose, integrity and biblical principles. Through this initiative, the boutique offers resources, blog articles and specialized courses designed to equip business owners to serve their customers and communities with both excellence and conviction.
Organizers say the Eutaw Family Jamboree is a natural extension of that vision: a space where small businesses can gain visibility, nonprofits can share their work, and families can discover new connections close to home.
With its emphasis on collaboration, faith and service, the jamboree is positioned as more than just a market. It is intended to be a community gathering where residents can meet their neighbors, learn about local services and make lasting memories together.
The Calico Boutique encourages residents across Fayetteville and surrounding areas to bring their families, invite friends and spend the day exploring all that the Eutaw Family Jamboree has to offer.

Anderson Creek's Turkey Trot brings together community

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Tuesday, 25 November 2025

Written by Tara Kamiya

Registration is now underway for the 2025 ACC Turkey Trot, giving Anderson Creek Club residents and guests a festive way to kick off Thanksgiving morning while supporting local students. The race will start and end at Anderson Creek Clubhouse at 125 Whispering Pines Dr. in Spring Lake.
The annual event is set for Thursday, Nov. 27, with all races starting and finishing just in front of the ACC Club House at Bunkers Bar and Grill. Organizers say the family-friendly morning will blend fitness, fun and philanthropy, with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting the David Levinson Memorial Scholarship Fund.
The scholarship fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provides financial assistance to rising college students from the Anderson Creek Club and Anderson Creek Crossing communities. Every registration helps expand educational opportunities for young people close to home.
The Turkey Trot schedule features something for nearly every age and pace. At 9 a.m., children under 12 can take part in a free half-mile fun run. The shorter distance is designed to give young runners the feel of race day excitement in a low-pressure setting. Every child who finishes the fun run will receive a finisher medal in recognition of their effort.
At 9:30 a.m., the main event, a 5K, will send walkers and runners onto a scenic course through the community. The 5K costs $35 in advance and $45 on race day.
Awards will be presented to the top three male and top three female finishers in the 5K. The event’s competitive side is balanced by its relaxed holiday spirit, with families, neighbors and friends invited to join in, whether they are racing for a personal best or simply strolling before sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner.
Bunkers Bar and Grill, located at the ACC Club House, will open its doors to participants and spectators throughout the morning. Breakfast items will be available along with a selection of kid-friendly beverages and drinks for adults. Organizers say the hope is to create a festive gathering spot, where runners can warm up before the race and celebrate together afterward.
Residents can register online through RunReg at the Anderson Creek Club Turkey Trot page. The registration portal includes race day details, pricing and waiver information. Race organizers also maintain an event presence on Facebook, where updates, volunteer needs and last-minute announcements are shared with the community.
While Thanksgiving road races are now a common tradition across the United States, the roots of the “Turkey Trot” stretch back well over a century. One of the earliest and best-known holiday races started in Buffalo, New York, in 1896, helping establish the idea of lacing up for a run before the big meal. Over time, ‘Turkey Trots’ have grown into a national staple, with thousands of participants in cities and towns choosing to spend their holiday morning on the move.
The term “Turkey Trot” once had a very different association, however. In the early 20th century, it was also the name of a lively dance that stirred controversy in some social circles for its energetic and unconventional moves. Today, the race tradition has largely eclipsed the dance in the public mind, and “Turkey Trot” is more likely to call to mind running shoes than dance floors.
Organizers of the ACC Turkey Trot say they hope the event will become a lasting Thanksgiving tradition for families in the Anderson Creek area, one that blends the national custom of a holiday run with a local commitment to education. By participating, residents can get some exercise, enjoy time with neighbors and help deserving students move closer to their college goals.
Community members are encouraged to invite friends and family, form informal teams and dress in festive attire to celebrate the holiday with a healthy start. Whether participants line up for the free kids’ fun run, race the 5K or cheer from the sidelines with a warm drink from Bunkers, the morning is designed to offer a welcoming atmosphere for all.
For more information, residents can visit the 2025 ACC Turkey Trot registration page at RunReg and follow updates on the event’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/accturkeytrot. The message is simple: lace up, show up and help make a difference for local students this Thanksgiving.

14th Annual Green Beret Jingle Jog brings holiday spirit

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Tuesday, 25 November 2025

Written by Jamie Bishop

The holiday season in Cumberland County will begin with jingling bells, running shoes, and a strong sense of community as the 14th Annual Green Beret Jingle Jog returns Saturday, Dec. 6, at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom.
Organized by Special Forces Association Chapter 100, the Jingle Jog has become a cherished tradition in the Fayetteville area, blending festive fun with a serious mission: raising funds to support Green Berets and their families. Proceeds from the event benefit programs that provide assistance to soldiers of the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) and the broader Special Operations Forces community.
“This race is about more than fitness,” said organizers Kyle and Susana Hiser. “It’s about honoring service, building community, and ensuring families of Special Forces soldiers know they are supported.”
Race Details
The Jingle Jog will feature both 5K and 10K races, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Runners will gather at Dirtbag Ales, located at 5435 Corporation Drive in Hope Mills, where the brewery will host the event and provide space for vendors, post-race celebrations, and family activities.
Registration fees range from $33 to $45, depending on race length and date of sign-up. Discounted rates are available for high school students, JROTC, and ROTC participants, encouraging younger athletes to join in the tradition. Packet pickup will be held at Fit4Life All American, 210 Owen Drive in Fayetteville, on Dec. 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Race-day registration will also be available, though organizers recommend early sign-ups to guarantee race shirts and preferred sizes.
The Jingle Jog is known for its holiday spirit. Participants often run in festive costumes, with strollers and pets welcome on the course. Families line the route to cheer on runners, creating a lively and supportive environment. The event has grown steadily over the years, drawing athletes from across North Carolina and beyond.
Local businesses and organizations play a key role in sustaining the event. This year’s sponsors include Dirtbag Ales, Fayetteville Soccer Club, and Fit4Life All American, each contributing to the race’s success and community impact.
• Dirtbag Ales provides the venue and post-race gathering space, offering a family-friendly environment for runners and spectators.
• Fayetteville Soccer Club, a cornerstone of youth athletics in the region, supports the event by encouraging families and young athletes to participate, reinforcing the connection between sports and community service.
• Fit4Life All American, a leading fitness facility in Fayetteville, not only hosts packet pickup but also promotes the event through its network of members and fitness enthusiasts.
Mission Beyond the Finish Line
While the Jingle Jog is festive and fun, its purpose is deeply meaningful. Funds raised go directly to programs that assist soldiers and their families in times of need, whether through financial support, memorial initiatives, or community outreach.
“Every step taken in this race represents a step toward helping a soldier or family in need,” said Kyle. “We’re proud to see the community rally behind this cause year after year.”
The Special Forces Association emphasizes that the Jingle Jog is not just a race but a fundraiser with lasting impact. The event has helped provide scholarships, emergency assistance, and support for memorial services honoring fallen soldiers.
The Jingle Jog has become a cornerstone of the Fayetteville-area fitness and military community calendar. With Fayetteville’s strong military presence, the event resonates with service members and their families, many of whom rely on fitness as a cornerstone of resilience and readiness.
Sponsors say their involvement reflects a commitment to both health and community. Fayetteville Soccer Club highlights the importance of teaching young athletes about service and giving back, while Fit4Life All American emphasizes the role of fitness in building stronger communities. Dirtbag Ales, meanwhile, has become a hub for local events, offering a space where families can gather and celebrate.
Looking Ahead
Kyle and Susana Hiser hope to continue growing the Jingle Jog, expanding participation and sponsorships to ensure even greater support for Special Forces families. With its mix of holiday cheer and meaningful purpose, the event has become a tradition that embodies the spirit of Fayetteville and Hope Mills.
“This is about community,” said Susana. “It’s about showing our soldiers and their families that we stand with them, not just during the holidays but all year long.”
Register at https://greenberetjinglejog.itsyourrace.com . The Green Beret Jingle Jog is more than a race. It is a celebration of service, resilience, and community spirit. Whether running in costume, cheering from the sidelines, or supporting through sponsorship, participants are part of a movement that honors soldiers and strengthens the bonds of Fayetteville and Hope Mills.