Entertainment

Fascinate-U celebrates science with annual fun fest

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Tuesday, 21 April 2026

Written by Amanda Ransom

Each spring, as Fayetteville joins communities across North Carolina in celebrating science, one event continues to stand out as a favorite for families: the Super Science Fun Fest. Hosted by Fascinate-U Children’s Museum, the annual event is now in its 13th year and has become a signature celebration of hands-on learning in the community. Designed to spark curiosity and excitement, the festival brings together children, families and local organizations for a day filled with interactive experiments and engaging science experiences.
This year, the festival will be held during the Dogwood Festival at Festival Park on April 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Super Science Fun Fest is free.
“The Super Science Fun Fest is one of our signature events,” Amanda Jekel, executive director of Fascinate-U and organizer of the event, shared. “It’s a high-energy celebration of science designed to spark curiosity and excitement in children and families.”
The event was intended to bring the community together around exploration and discovery, as it was originally created to align with April’s designation as the Month of Science. Over time, it has grown into a vibrant festival featuring a wide variety of science themes and activities. At its core, the event reflects the mission of Fascinate-U, which encourages children to learn through hands-on, curiosity-driven experiences.
“Kids are actively experimenting, asking questions and discovering how things work in a fun, engaging way,” Jekel explained. “It’s about sparking that sense of wonder and giving them opportunities to explore, create and learn in ways that stay with them.”
The Super Science Fun Fest is also part of the statewide North Carolina Science Festival, connecting Fayetteville to a larger celebration of innovation and education.
“Being part of the statewide festival is incredibly meaningful,” Jekel said. “It allows us to bring a high-quality, accessible science experience to local families while also being part of something much bigger happening across the state.”
This year’s event features a wide range of hands-on activities designed to engage children of all ages. In celebration of Earth Day, families can create wildflower seed balls, design imaginative insects and examine preserved specimens up close. Guests can also learn from beekeepers and wildlife experts, offering a closer look at the natural world. For those ready to experiment, the festival includes larger-than-life activities such as creating giant bubbles, building model spacecraft and designing chain reactions that combine creativity with problem-solving.
“These experiences are designed to be both fun and educational,” Jekel said. “They encourage kids to think critically while enjoying the process of discovery.”
A key element of the event’s success is its collaboration with local organizations and STEM professionals.
“These partnerships allow us to offer a wider variety of activities and give children the opportunity to interact with professionals right here in their community,” Jekel said. “It makes learning more engaging and more relevant.”
The downtown setting adds to the energy of the day. This year’s event will be held at Festival Park and will coincide with the Dogwood Festival, creating a larger community celebration.
“Being part of a bigger downtown event helps us reach more families and create more opportunities for engagement,” Jekel said. “It really brings the community together.”
While the festival is a highlight of the year, Fascinate-U continues to promote STEM learning through year-round programming, including Super Science Saturday, Toddler Tuesday Science and the Little Beakers Pre-K program.
“I think hands-on science experiences are so important because they turn learning into something active and memorable,” Jekel said. “When children can touch, build and experiment, they’re able to truly understand what they’re learning.”
Ultimately, the goal of the Super Science Fun Fest is to inspire curiosity and confidence.
“We hope children and families walk away feeling excited about science,” Jekel said. “If a child leaves wanting to ask ‘why’ or explore something new, then we’ve done what we set out to do.”
For families who have not yet visited Fascinate-U at 116 Green St., the event offers a glimpse into what makes the museum special, a place where science, creativity and imagination come together. Families can learn more at www.fascinate-u.com or follow Fascinate-U on social media for updates on events and programs.

(Photo: Children learn about bubbles during a Fascinate U Children's Museum Super Science Fun Fest. Photo courtesy of Fascinate-U Children's Museum Facebook page)

FTCC & PWC Present Salad Days, one-of-a-kind dining experience

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Wednesday, 15 April 2026

Written by Amanda Ransom

Fayetteville Technical Community College’s annual Salad Days, presented by Fayetteville PWC, brings together students from across campus to create a one-of-a-kind farm-to-table dining experience that blends culinary artistry, handmade ceramics and community engagement. The event celebrates student talent while also supporting an important cause: the FTCC Food Pantry, which helps students facing food insecurity. What began as a collaborative idea between departments has grown into an event that highlights both student learning and FTCC’s commitment to hands-on education. The special lunch will be held April 21 from 11 a.m. to
12:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at https://one.bidpal.net/2026saladdays/welcome.
“Salad Days is a cross-departmental fundraising event hosted by the FTCC Foundation in collaboration with the Fine Arts and Culinary Arts departments,” said Chef Sabrina Santucci, department chair for Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry Arts and Hospitality Management. “The event brings together visual art, live performance and a seasonal farm-to-table dining experience to create something truly unique for our community.”
The concept emerged when the Fine Arts Department approached Culinary Arts about finding ways students could contribute. Since FTCC offers a Farm-to-Table elective course during the spring semester, the partnership was a natural fit.
“Together, we developed a collaboration that supports the Foundation while also giving our students meaningful hands-on experience planning and preparing a seasonal menu centered on local ingredients,” Santucci said. “The result highlights student learning, showcases cross-campus creativity, and connects the community with the work happening here at FTCC.”
“Salad Days, presented by Fayetteville PWC, is a fundraiser for FTCC’s Food Pantry that celebrates the talent and creativity of our Ceramics and Culinary programs,” said Jennifer Hammond, executive director of the FTCC Foundation. “It’s a fun way to welcome area residents to campus while supporting an important resource for student success.”
The Food Pantry was established in 2020 to address food insecurity among students. “Salad Days was born out of a desire to raise awareness for the Food Pantry while also highlighting our incredible students and their many gifts,” Hammond said. “This resource helps our students stay focused in the classroom and on their future workforce goals.”
One of the most distinctive features of the event is the collaboration between departments, with culinary students preparing the meal and ceramics students creating the handcrafted plates guests take home.
Students in the Department of Fine Arts work alongside instructor Abir Mohsen to gain real-world experience through the project.
“The Salad Days project provides a great opportunity for our students to gain valuable skills essential for the workforce,” Mohsen said. “Students worked together to establish a process and timeline to complete the commission of 150 plates. While each student had assigned tasks, much of the decision-making and problem-solving was collaborative.”

At the same time, culinary students design and prepare a menu centered on seasonal ingredients and global flavors. This year’s farm-to-table meal features three composed salads created by students in the Farm-to-Table course.
“Each salad highlights fresh seasonal ingredients and globally inspired flavor profiles,” Santucci said.
The Rainbow Garden Salad includes baby spinach, roasted asparagus, radishes, grapes and house-made focaccia croutons with ranch dressing. The Zesty Latin Salad features butter lettuce, roasted corn, avocado, black beans and honey chipotle vinaigrette topped with tortilla strips. The Sweet & Savory Asian Salad includes spring mix, mandarin oranges, cabbage and herbs with teriyaki dressing and wonton strips. Students are also preparing freshly baked yeast rolls.
“The smoky-sweet yeast rolls were developed by one of our Baking & Pastry Arts students graduating this May,” Santucci said.
The event’s presenting sponsor, Fayetteville PWC, plays an important role. “We are incredibly grateful to Salad Days’ presenting sponsor, Fayetteville PWC,” Hammond said. “Their support reflects a shared vision of strengthening opportunities and quality of life throughout our region.”
Community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with the inaugural 2024 event selling out quickly. “Our ceramics department created 100 handcrafted plates for the first event, and it sold out very quickly,” Hammond said. “This year we’ve increased that number to 150 and have already sold more than 80 percent of our tickets.” Each $45 ticket includes a handcrafted ceramic plate inspired by FTCC’s rose garden, a fresh salad, grilled chicken and homemade bread.
“We wanted these plates to be truly special,” Mohsen said. “Each piece reflects the beauty of our campus and the creativity of our students.” Beyond the meal and artwork, the event reflects FTCC’s commitment to experiential learning.
“Events like Salad Days give students opportunities to apply their skills in a real-world setting,” Santucci said. “Students gain confidence and professionalism while preparing for the expectations of the industry.”
Community members can learn more at www.faytechcc.edu/foundation-events. Through shared experiences and student innovation, Salad Days shows how education and community
support can come together to make a meaningful impact.

Tau Epsilon Zeta Chapter welcomes community to 3rd Annual Gun Violence Awareness Walk

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Tuesday, 21 April 2026

Written by Staff Report

The Tau Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, proudly invites the community to participate in the 2nd Annual Gun Violence Awareness Walk on Saturday, June 6, at the Hope Mills Track from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This impactful event is free and open to the public. Participants are encouraged to register in advance and wear orange in observance of National Gun Violence Awareness Day, symbolizing solidarity and remembrance.
Gun violence continues to be a growing concern in North Carolina. According to data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, firearm-related deaths increased by more than 40% over the past decade, with North Carolina ranking among the top states for gun-related homicides. These numbers are not just statistics—they represent lives lost, families shattered, and communities deeply affected.
In response, the Tau Epsilon Zeta Chapter remains committed to being a voice for change. The annual Gun Violence Awareness Walk is more than just a walk—it's a call to action. It’s a chance for neighbors, families, and organizations to come together in unity, raise awareness, honor victims, and advocate for safer communities.
“Gun violence doesn’t just affect individuals—it affects entire communities,” said Kendra Jones, Chapter President of Tau Epsilon Zeta. “We believe in the power of unity, advocacy, and education. This walk is a step toward healing, awareness, and progress.”
The cost of the walk is free, but registration is required by visiting https://forms.gle/Db65hVDoHSksAUnF9
To fully engage in this year’s event, attendees are encouraged to purchase a memorial yard sign to honor a loved one whose life was lost due to gun violence. Each yard sign will feature the individual’s photo and serve as a powerful visual tribute during the walk.
Yard signs can be purchased for $45 through Minuteman Press. To order, please contact Art@minutemangraphics.com. The order Deadline is Friday, May 22.
Proceeds and participation through yard signs help raise awareness of the human impact of gun violence and pay tribute to those we have lost. Join in taking a powerful step toward ending gun violence. Together, we can make a difference.
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Erika Burns, M.L.S., Social Engagement Chair at 910-670-6739 or by email at TEZEngaged@gmail.com

FTCC ComicCon brings together art, storytelling, community

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Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Written by Jamie Bishop

Long before the doors open, the energy of a comic convention lives in the details, sketchbooks filled with unfinished ideas, costumes stitched late into the night and artists quietly wondering if their work is ready to be seen. For many, that first step into a convention space can feel just as intimidating as it is exciting.
On Saturday, April 25, Fayetteville Technical Community College aims to turn that uncertainty into opportunity. FTCC will host its inaugural ComicCon from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Tony Rand Student Center on its main campus, creating a space where students, artists and the broader community can gather around a shared love of storytelling, pop culture and creative expression. The free, public event is organized by the college’s Fine Arts Department and represents a new chapter for Fayetteville’s evolving arts scene.
The convention arrives in the wake of a noticeable gap. With the conclusion of Fayetteville’s previous ComicCon event in October 2024, local artists and fans lost a central hub for connection. Rather than letting that momentum fade, FTCC stepped forward with a vision rooted not only in filling that void but in reshaping it. At the center of that effort is Dexter Morrill, an illustrator, sequential artist and FTCC art instructor whose personal journey through conventions directly informed the event’s creation. Morrill spent years attending conventions both as a fan and as a vendor in Artist Alleys, where artists showcase and sell their work while building relationships within the industry. Through those experiences, he came to understand the deeper value of conventions not just as marketplaces, but as spaces where careers begin to take shape.
“Working as an artist at a convention is not only a wonderful way to engage with the community and potential fans,” Morrill said, “but it’s a great opportunity to connect with other professional artists, all of which is important for growing in an art career.”
That understanding took on new meaning when he transitioned into teaching. In the classroom, Morrill began to see what many young artists experience but rarely articulate: hesitation. The idea of applying for Artist Alley, presenting work publicly, or navigating a professional creative space can feel overwhelming, especially for those just starting. Recognizing that gap, he began building ways to guide students into those environments with more confidence.
In 2021, Morrill helped establish FTCC’s annual presence at the Fayetteville ComicCon held at the Crown, giving students a structured entry point into the convention world. The partnership offered valuable exposure, allowing students to display their work alongside more experienced artists while gaining firsthand knowledge of the industry. For several years, that model worked. But when the event held its final run in 2024, the opportunity disappeared. Instead of retreating, Morrill leaned in.
“With the loss of that arrangement, this led me to choosing to establish a convention right here at FTCC,” he said.
The result is more than just a replacement, it’s a reimagining. FTCC ComicCon is built around accessibility, designed to remove the barriers that often make the arts feel exclusive. By hosting the event on campus and framing it through familiar cultural touchpoints like comics, cosplay and storytelling, the convention creates an environment that feels both welcoming and approachable. At its core, the event is anchored in a broader philosophy: that storytelling connects all forms of art.
“Story is incredibly important in all art forms, whether you are creating images, music or performances,” Morrill said. ‘The FTCC Art Department offers incredible courses that provide our students with the mental and physical tools to express their stories with their own unique voices.”
That philosophy will be reflected throughout the convention, which brings together a diverse mix of participants from current students and alumni to established professionals working in the comics industry. Among the featured guests are North Carolina-based creators such as Chris Giarusso, known for G-Man and Mini-Marvels, and Jeremy Whitley, writer of Priceless and My Little Pony. Their presence offers attendees a chance to engage directly with working professionals, gaining insight into the creative process and the realities of building a career in the arts.
At the same time, the event maintains a strong local foundation. Businesses like MNP Collectz and Angry Comics will be featured alongside a range of artists, including FTCC students and graduates. That blend of local and professional talent creates a space where emerging artists can see themselves reflected in the work around them. The convention also leans into participation. A cosplay contest will invite attendees to dress as their favorite characters, transforming spectators into active contributors. Participants who register will have the opportunity to showcase their costumes, with selected winners receiving prizes. But beyond the costumes and collectibles, the event carries a deeper purpose.
“This event is designed to break down the barriers that often make the arts feel inaccessible,” Morrill said. “By creating a welcoming, convention-style environment, it meets people where their interests already exist and shows them that art is a part of those experiences.”
That approach reshapes how the arts are experienced within the community. Someone may attend for entertainment, drawn in by cosplay or comics, but leave with a new understanding of the creative process and a greater appreciation for storytelling in everyday life. For students, the impact is even more immediate. The event provides direct exposure to professionals and alumni, offering a clearer picture of what a creative career can look like. It transforms abstract ambition into something tangible. For Fayetteville, it signals continued growth as a cultural space, one where creativity is not confined to galleries or classrooms but woven into community experiences.
And when the doors close at the end of the day, the real impact of FTCC ComicCon may not be measured in attendance or costumes, but in the quiet moments that follow when a student opens their sketchbook again, a little more certain that their story is worth telling, and a little less afraid to let the world see it.
FTCC’s ComicCon is free and open to the community. For more information about the event, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1600403451010257/