Entertainment

County fair celebrates pollinators, agriculture, family fun

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Tuesday, 19 August 2025

Written by Anna White

A tradition over 150 years in the making will kick off on Aug. 29 at the Crown Complex with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. The ribbon cutting will mark the start of a week filled to the brim with festivities celebrating talent, agriculture, food, business and entertainment for the whole family. With competition galore, rides enough to satisfy any thrill-seeker, endless agricultural education, and sensory-friendly days to make the event accessible for all, there’s no reason not to grab a friend and “Buzz on over to the Cumberland County fair!”
The beloved community gathering is what Gary Rogers, Director of Marketing at the Crown Complex, calls a “longtime tradition” that “really brings the community together for fun, exciting times, and that showcases what our community does.” He added, “We have a very cool theme with our bees and honey and the importance that they play in our local farmers and grocery stores.”
This year’s theme, determined jointly by the Cumberland County Co-operative Extension and North Carolina Cooperative Extension, is an ode to the region’s indispensable pollinators. Visitors will immediately notice not only the bees and honey in the Cumberland County Cooperative Extension’s Exhibit, but Pooh bear fans will be excited to see their favorite bee and honey-lover playing a key role in the Cooperative exhibition.
County Extension Director Lisa Childers says visitors can expect to see Pooh’s home, a tree with a red door, as part of the exhibit.
“I always choose a theme that's fun, light-hearted, but also will grab the attention of a child,” Childers explained. “I want kids to understand the importance of bees and all pollinators and how we need those to have food production.”
She says the exhibit is designed to prompt children’s curiosity and includes a scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt prompts will be easy and accessible while teaching kids about agriculture in the Cumberland County area, and how bees impact farming and the food that they purchase
at the grocery store.
“I can’t take these kids on a farm, but I can bring pieces of the farm to them,” Childers shared.
Anna Deaton, Marketing Manager at the Crown Complex, says parents love the educational aspect of the fair, especially when it’s a topic their kids may not interact with regularly.
“We're really just talking about the importance of bees in agriculture, while making it fun for kids to learn about that and really have a hands-on experience and learn about some topics and also dive into topics that they might not get to interact with every day,” she explained. “We also pride ourselves on having that educational aspect that parents love for their kids to have before they go and have fun out on the rides and eat some good food.”
In addition to the Cumberland County Cooperative Extension’s agricultural exhibit, they will also host a petting zoo, a “Little Ewe” photo op for children too young to show animals, a play area where kids can play games and receive free books and competitive exhibits.
The competitive exhibits highlight community members who have a special food or craft item they want to show off.
“The community is invited to bring their famous pie, their pound cake, their canned goods, crafts, paintings, photography, you just name any kind of craft item,” Childers shared. She said that winners who place Best in Show for the competitive exhibits will be considered for the State Fair.
The petting zoo is a chance for kids and adults alike to interact with animals they wouldn’t normally see in everyday life.
“It's a really sensory opportunity for them to get to feed and potentially pet the animals. I personally love that,” Denton shared. “Who doesn't love a cute, fuzzy little animal?” Childers said that when the kids purchase feed for the animals and get to participate in feeding them, it’s often their first time doing so.
“Oftentimes, kids only see these animals in books they read, or maybe on TV, but they've never actually seen them in person.”
Once visitors have explored the agricultural and educational aspect of the fair, they can venture on to vendors, rides and food.
“We have a variety of local food trucks that will be there with just your awesome, traditional, fried, greasy, delicious food,” Rogers said.
For many, the exhilarating rides are the highlight, and Rogers says they’re proud to partner with Big Rock Amusements to bring visitors those opportunities.
“Big Rock Amusements is probably one of the best in the country, as far as facilitating not only safety, but a great opportunity for enthusiasts when it comes to exciting, thrilling rides,” he said.
According to crowncomplexnc.com, the fair will have around 26 different rides, including the classic Giant Wheel and Grand Carousel. With 6 rides and 2 mazes intended specifically for children, and a roller coaster made to accommodate individuals of a certain height that can ride with adults, no one gets left out of the fun. There will also be at least 12 adventure rides, including the Zipper, Air Flyer, Zero Gravity, YoYo, The Beast, and the Sizzler. An Unlimited Rides wristband can be purchased for $32.
Deaton says several days focus on accessibility and giving back to the community. Opening day is free admission for military and first responders with a valid ID. Sensory-friendly times, which include limited rides with no music or lights, are from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Tuesday, Sept. 2, is a Day of Giving which benefits Second Harvest Food Bank. Attendees can bring six non-perishable food items to donate.
“Visitors love that, because they're doing something good, and then they get some fun out of it. So it really benefits everyone in our community,” Rogers said.
Childers says one of the highlights of the fair is seeing people return year after year and watching kids grow excited about agriculture.
“Over the years, the impact I’ve seen is that we have a lot of kids who were raised in a community where they didn’t have a lot of experience in agriculture, but after volunteering at the fair, we’re seeing kids even more excited about the agriculture industry.”
She’s seen some kids for whom the fair piqued an interest in agricultural careers they weren’t aware of before.
“It is a great opportunity for all ages, all areas of our community, to come together, and of course, not only once, but for nine straight days. So, you get to learn, you get to have fun, and you get to experience life with your family and friends in a way that has been a tradition for many, many years,” Rogers shared.
The Cumberland County Fair runs Aug. 29 to Sept. 7. Tickets can be purchased online or during the Cumberland County Fair's operation hours at the Box Office in front of the Crown Theatre.
Standard admission is $11, but information about daily specials can be found at crowncomplexnc.com/events or call 910-438-4100.

(Photos: The fair brings food, fun and games for the whole family. Livestock barns are also available for those wanting to experience the opportunity to see animals. Photos courtesy of Anna Deaton, Crown Complex)

Skin Confessions: A fashion show for awareness

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Tuesday, 19 August 2025

Written by Lena Simmons

The Standing Light Foundation will present Skin Confessions Fashion Show on Saturday, Aug. 30. Skin Confessions is a fashion show honoring people experiencing chronic disease while also celebrating Psoriasis Month. The show will be held at 159 Maxwell St., from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Vendors and sponsors are welcome by contacting Standing Light Foundation via email, https://thestandinglight foundation@gmail.com. General admission is free. For more information and tickets, contact https://facebook.com/events/s/skin-confessions-fashion-show/141735823424708. The VIP experience includes food, drinks, a swag bag and exclusive seating. Live music and vendors are available with general admission. The sponsors of the event are The Standing Light Foundation, KLS Properties, and Chefs Kiss Photography.
The Standing Light Foundation provides resources and healing spaces through creative awareness and community development with a focus on mental health, chronic illness, and domestic violence. Their core message is Shining Light, Building Hope, Creating Change.
August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition that affects millions worldwide, according to Skin Care Physicians of Georgia. The goal is to educate the public, dispel old myths, and encourage those people experiencing psoriasis to seek proper care and support. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches on the skin. It is caused by an overactive immune system and is not contagious. While there is no cure, various treatments can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life.
The local statistics of Cumberland County concerning the prevalence of psoriasis are unavailable. The general prevalence according to the United States is three percent based on 2020 census. The percentage translates to 75.5 million adults who live with this condition.
Takieyah Mathis, mom, wife, author, business owner, public speaker, court mediator, podcast host and founder of The Standing Light Foundation, is also a person experiencing Psoriasis.
“After high school, I was thriving as a fashion model until the onset of psoriasis changed everything. When psoriasis came, I felt the need to start hiding,” she said. “My diagnosis is Psoriasis. I have experienced it since 2016. It is a complicated and inspirational piece of my life. When I got diagnosed, I did not think about major skin conditions or my hair. My hair started falling out everywhere.
“I moved back to Fayetteville and worked at a fast-food restaurant. The manager of the fast-food restaurant asked me to cover my face with makeup. I said, ‘I cannot.’ She gave me a disgusted look. I did not go back; I slowed down on the modeling,” she said. “I accepted it is ok to be alone. No one has to accept me. No one has to love my skin. My husband is more than accepting of my skin. He is my confidence-building source.
“We have two beautiful sons. My sons bring a different love to my life. My sons are so loving. My sons are great motivation for advocacy. I did not know about a whole community of people like me. I started telling people about psoriasis. I have been blessed to be a voice for a lot of people. I have been receiving awards, being an honored hero of the Psoriasis Foundation. Being an Honored Hero changed my life. I did not think of myself as a hero for anybody but myself. I am glad I did not give up on myself,” she said. “I did not stop for moments, feeling misunderstood or overlooked. Even if you do not have a chronic disease, do not give up on yourself.”
Come to a bold, emotional, empowering evening of the intersection of fashion and advocacy: models living with psoriasis, eczema, and other chronic diseases strutting down the runway. Celebrate Psoriasis Awareness Month at the Skin Confessions Fashion Show on Saturday, Aug. 30. Family-friendly, vendors, music available with general admission. For tickets and more information, contact https:// facebook.com/events/s/skin -confessions-fashion-show/411735823424708.

White Lake Triathlon returns to roots at Goldston’s Beach

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Tuesday, 19 August 2025

Written by Tara Kamiya

The North Carolina Triathlon Series will bring athletes from across the region to White Lake this September. The series is a weekend of competition steeped in tradition and community spirit. The White Lake Fall International Triathlon will take place Saturday, Sept. 6, followed by the Double Sprint Triathlon on Sunday, Sept. 7, at The Grand Regal at Goldston’s Beach.
“Goldston’s Beach was where it all began, and now, almost three decades later, it’s still the heart of White Lake triathlon weekends”
A Rich History on the Water’s Edge
The event traces its roots back to a chance meeting in 1995, when the race’s founder, then a Wilmington sporting goods store owner and avid triathlete, met 67-year-old Jack Riel. Riel, in remarkable shape and working as an extra in films shot in Wilmington, struck up a conversation about the triathlon shirts hanging around the shop’s walls.
Intrigued by the sport and eager to show off his hometown, Riel invited the store owner to visit White Lake. Standing on the pier at Goldston’s Beach, the organizer was struck by the lake’s beauty. Within a year, plans were in motion, and in May 1996, the first White Lake Triathlon took place.
Riel quickly became the heart of the event’s post-race festivities, famously performing karaoke, complete with a sound system on the pier and delivering renditions of “New York, New York” that became the stuff of local legend.
“Jack negotiated karaoke into the event agreement,” the organizer recalled. “It was pure Jack; he brought joy and personality to the races.”
Riel passed away in 2008, but his influence remains woven into the fabric of the event. His son, Tom Riel, now serves on the Elizabethtown City Council, while Jake Womble, who was present at that first race, operates the family business at Goldston’s Beach.
The Grand Regal: A New Name for a Familiar Landmark
Formerly known simply as Goldston’s Beach, the venue has been rebranded as The Grand Regal at Goldston’s Beach, still maintaining its historic charm while offering updated amenities. The venue’s deep connection to the triathlon community makes it an ideal setting for the fall races.
Competitors can expect a scenic course, a supportive crowd and the crystal clear waters that have long been the lake’s hallmark. Organizers say the lake’s clarity and mild temperatures make it one of the most inviting swimming venues in the Southeast.
More Than Just a Race
While the competition draws seasoned triathletes and weekend warriors alike, the event has always been about more than finishing times. Families and friends gather for the weekend, enjoying the beach, local dining, and the camaraderie of the sport.
“It’s a community celebration,” the organizer said. “Athletes come for the challenge, but they stay and come back year after year for the people and the atmosphere.”
Registration and Participation
Both events are open to individuals and relay teams. Organizers encourage early registration, as the races are expected to draw strong participation from across the Carolinas and beyond.
Whether competing in the grueling International distance or the fast-paced Double Sprint, athletes will be part of a tradition nearly three decades in the making.
From its origin story involving a chance meeting and a boat tour, to the karaoke nights led by its colorful co-founder, the White Lake Triathlon has carved out a unique place in North Carolina’s endurance sports scene. And this September, the tradition continues right where it all began.
Race Details and Schedule
The White Lake Fall International Triathlon will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday. Participants will swim 1,500 meters, cycle 28 miles on surrounding roads and finish with a 10-kilometer run.
The Double Sprint, starting at 8 a.m. Sunday, offers a unique twist, a 375-meter swim, 1.5-mile run, 18.5-mile bike ride, another 1.5-mile run, and a final 375-meter swim all before crossing the finish line.
Packet pickup for the International race will be available Friday, Sept. 5, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday morning from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Double Sprint participants can collect packets Saturday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., or Sunday morning between 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. All packet pickup will take place at The Grand Regal at Goldston’s Beach, 1608 White Lake Drive, White Lake, NC. To register, visit https://findarace.com/us/events/white-lake-fall-international-double-sprint

Paint the Park Purple with Alzheimer's Association, Woodpeckers

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Tuesday, 19 August 2025

Written by Aly Hansen

The Alzheimer's Association-North Carolina is holding a Paint the Park Tailgate outside Segra Stadium on Friday, Aug. 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The tailgate will feature fun activities for the family before the Fayetteville Woodpeckers' Paint the Town Purple game. Tickets to the game are not required to join in on the tailgate. To RSVP to the tailgate, visit https://tinyurl.com/FAYWalkKickOff2025
The Alzheimer's Association-North Carolina is gearing up for the Walk to End Alzheimer's taking place on Oct. 25, in downtown Fayetteville. The tailgate is an opportunity for the Association to talk to people about signing up for the walk.
"The tailgate will be casual, an opportunity to connect with other participants and get the tools needed to help people recruit their Walk team and raise funds for the cause," said Kara Harrington, senior director of marketing and communications, Alzehimer's Assocation-North Carolina.
"Our kickoff event is an opportunity to build the excitement for our Walk to End Alzheimer's - Fayetteville event on October 25. People can get registered if they haven't already, enjoy meeting other participants and receive the tools they need to help them raise money for the cause and recruit their Walk team," she said. " The tailgate is a social event - free to attend and while at the stadium, you are not required to attend the Woodpeckers game in order to participate."
The game will also be promoting Alzheimer's awareness, for the sixth year in a row. Players will be wearing purple jerseys that will be auctioned off, with the proceeds going to help fund the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's-Fayetteville. The night will conclude with an all purple fireworks show. The game starts at 7:05. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.gofevo.com/event/Alzheimersawareness21
"The Fayetteville Woodpeckers have hosted an Alzheimer's Awareness Night at the ballpark for several years now called Paint the Park Purple. This annual event gives a portion of ticket sales to the Alzheimer's Association, players wear special jerseys and attendees learn more about local resources and support available through the Alzheimer's Association. We will also have a Tribute Fence on the 3rd base plate side, where people can honor and memorialize their loved ones impacted by the disease," Harrington said. " We like to host a Walk kickoff event each year and turning Paint the Park Purple - Alzheimer's Awareness Night with the Fayetteville Woodpeckers was a perfect way to do it since so many in the community attend the game."
Harrington said she hopes the tailgate party and game bring, "A better understanding of how much Alzheimer's and other dementia impacts the community, particularly caregivers. We are also in an era of treatment and research is moving us closer to our mission to one day end Alzheimer's. We want people to feel supported, and also have hope that we will one day see that happen."

(Photo courtesy of Walk to End Alzheimer's -Fayetteville Facebook page)