Entertainment

Mid Carolina Senior Games kicks off 40th year

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Tuesday, 07 April 2026

Written by Amanda Ransom

For four decades, the Mid-Carolina Senior Games has brought older adults together to celebrate active living, friendly competition and creative expression. What began as a small local program has grown into one of the region’s most inspiring celebrations of active living for adults aged 50 and over. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Mid-Carolina Senior Games, a milestone that highlights decades of dedication from participants, volunteers and community partners. Coordinated through Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation and Harnett County Parks & Recreation, the games bring together older athletes and artists from across the region to compete, perform and celebrate healthy aging.
LaShonda Gough, Health Coordinator and Senior Games Coordinator for the Mid-Carolina Council of Governments, says the mission has remained the same since the program began.
“Our mission promotes health and wellness for all people 50 and better across our region,” Gough said. “The games unite older athletes and SilverArtists in a program that celebrates discipline, dedication and pride in one’s accomplishments.”
Reaching the 40-year milestone reflects the lasting impact of the program on the community.
“It highlights four decades of dedication to healthy aging,” Gough said. “It reflects the commitment of our participants, volunteers, sponsors and community partners who have kept the spirit of the games alive.”
Throughout the years, the Mid-Carolina Senior Games has grown from a handful of local competitions into a diverse program featuring more than 50 athletic and artistic categories. Athletic events include the fun walk, track and field, pickleball, bowling, swimming, cycling, mini golf, disc golf and cornhole. The SilverArts program highlights creative expression through categories such as acrylic painting, pottery, photography, crochet and poetry.
Participants also showcase their talents in performing arts categories, including vocal solos, comedy and dance. One of the highlights this year will be the SilverArts Performance Show on April 23 at 2 p.m. at the J.D. Fuller Recreation Center at 6627 Old Bunce Rd., where community members can watch local performers take the stage. Participation continues to grow. According to Gough, 432 athletes and artists have registered this year, the highest number in the past five years.
“These participants compete in their age groups and give it their all,” she said. “Many are hoping to qualify for the North Carolina Senior Games State Finals in September.”
The Mid-Carolina Senior Games is one of 54 local senior games programs across North Carolina. Athletes who qualify locally advance to the state finals, where winners may earn the opportunity to compete in the National Senior Games, held every two years. This season carries extra excitement because it is a national qualifying year, meaning successful competitors could advance to the 2027 National Senior Games in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Beyond competition, the games promote physical health and community connection for older adults.
“Regular participation improves strength, balance, cardiovascular health and overall well-being,” Gough said. “Many participants say they feel stronger, more mobile and more connected to their community.”
Volunteers are also essential to the program’s success. More than 100 volunteers from organizations including Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation, Harnett County Parks & Recreation, Methodist University, Fayetteville State University and Fayetteville Technical Community College help organize and support events each year. The 40th anniversary season will begin with the Celebration of the Games Torchlight Ceremony on April 8 at 9 a.m. at Methodist University, honoring participants and longtime supporters. Among those recognized will be Rhonda Groves and Tracy Honeycutt, who have supported the games for more than two decades.
“For many years they were too young to compete,” Gough said. “Now they are finally able to join the fun themselves.”
They will serve as torchbearers for the 2026 games, recognizing their years of dedication. Gough says the athletes themselves continue to be the most inspiring part of the program.
“Our oldest participant, Mr. Douglas Hepner, is 97 years old and still smashing the bowling lanes,” she said.
For adults considering participating for the first time, Gough offers simple advice.
“Come join us,” she said. “There is truly something for everyone, and you don’t have to be an elite athlete. The games are about participation, fun and challenging yourself at your own pace.”
Community members can also support the Mid-Carolina Senior Games by volunteering with event setup, registration, timing or sponsorship outreach.
More information about the games can be found at www.mccog.org/senior-games.asp, and updates are shared on the Mid-Carolina Senior Games Facebook page. As the Mid-Carolina Senior Games marks its 40th anniversary, it remains a powerful reminder that the spirit of competition, creativity and community only deepens with age.

(Photo: Participants line up for a cycling race at the Mid Carolina Senior Games. The Games are open for those 50 years and older. Photo courtesy of LaShonda Gough.)

Holiday Highlander presents Strongest at the Sideshow

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Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Written by Tara Kamiya

The Holiday Highlander brings the Strongest at the Sideshow competition to the Crown Complex Expo Center on April 18 for a show of strength and endurance.
The event will run alongside the All American Tattoo Convention, and is expected to draw competitors from across the region for a day centered on classic strongman challenges and raw strength displays. Organizers say the competition will feature a mix of individual and team-based events designed to test lifting ability, grip strength, and overall athletic performance.
Spectators will get to see traditional strength movements such as deadlifts, along with other functional lifts commonly seen in strongman competitions. Athletes will be required to demonstrate not only maximum strength but also control and endurance under pressure. The format is intended to appeal to both seasoned competitors and those newer to the sport.
The team strongman competition, which is expected to be a central highlight of the day, will remain open for registration until all six team slots are filled. This portion of the event is designed to foster collaboration and strategy, with teams working together to complete a series of physically demanding challenges.
Strongman competitions have grown in popularity in recent years, combining elements of traditional weightlifting with unconventional strength tests. Events often include carrying heavy objects, lifting awkward implements, and completing timed challenges that push athletes beyond standard gym routines.
Strongman competitions trace their roots to ancient tests of strength, where athletes in cultures such as those in Ancient Greece and Ancient Egypt demonstrated power by lifting stones, carrying heavy objects, and performing feats of endurance in public arenas. These displays evolved over time into organized exhibitions.
The Strongest at the Sideshow event captures that intensity while creating an engaging experience for spectators. Held in conjunction with the tattoo convention, the event also reflects a broader cultural intersection between strength sports and artistic expression. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience both the athletic competition and the visual energy of the tattoo community in a single venue.
Proceeds support Continuing the Mission, a nonprofit organization focused on serving veterans and their families, which is the main cause. The connection adds meaning and purpose beyond entertainment and sport. Spectators can expect a full day of action featuring powerful lifts, team dynamics, and a lively atmosphere inside the Crown Complex. As preparations continue, organizers remain focused on delivering an event that highlights strength, resilience, and community engagement in Fayetteville. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1148412800369804/

Golf tournament stays course for supporting mental health

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Tuesday, 07 April 2026

Written by Tara Kamiya

A charity golf tournament aimed at supporting mental health, substance use recovery and community outreach will take place on April 25 at Carolina Trace Golf Course in Sanford, NC. The event will bring together community members, business leaders and supporters for a day of purpose-driven fundraising.
The event is hosted by KWIT Inc., the non-profit organization also known as Know When It Is Time. The organization was founded as the charitable arm of Elite Care Service. KWIT was initially created in response to a growing need for accessible mental health and substance abuse support within local communities.
Leaders said the motivation behind forming the nonprofit was clear. Too many individuals and families were struggling quietly without resources, guidance, or support. The organization was established to bridge that gap by offering education, community outreach, and programs designed to help people recognize when it is time to seek help and move toward healing.
Since its founding, KWIT has focused on addressing both immediate and long-term challenges affecting individuals and families. The organization provides support that ranges from food and clothing assistance to financial literacy education, life skills development, and recovery support. Faith-based mentoring and empowerment workshops also play a role in helping participants reconnect with purpose and stability.
Organizers said one of the biggest challenges in the work has been overcoming stigma surrounding mental health and substance use. Many individuals hesitate to seek help due to fear, shame, or a lack of understanding about available resources. Building trust within communities has required consistent outreach and partnerships.
Another ongoing challenge has been securing consistent funding to expand programs and reach more people in need. Like many nonprofits, KWIT relies heavily on community support, sponsorships and fundraising events such as the upcoming golf tournament to sustain operations and grow services.
Despite these challenges, organizers said the most rewarding part of the work is witnessing lives change. Whether it is an individual gaining the courage to seek help, a family receiving support during a crisis, or community members coming together to support one another, those moments continue to drive the mission forward.
The April 25 charity golf tournament is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to participants of all skill levels. Organizers emphasized that the event is not focused on competition but rather on connection and community impact. Participants who may not consider themselves strong golfers are still encouraged to attend and participate.
The ideal participant includes anyone who believes in making a difference, from experienced golfers and business leaders to families and community members looking to support a meaningful cause. Every team, sponsorship, and donation helps fund programs that address mental health awareness, recovery education, youth mentorship, homelessness support, and financial literacy initiatives.
KWIT operates under a philosophy centered on transformation and timing. The organization believes individuals reach moments in life when change becomes necessary, whether it involves healing, growth, or moving forward from difficult circumstances. Through education, outreach, and collaborative partnerships with schools, faith organizations, and local agencies, KWIT aims to guide individuals toward those turning points.
In addition to recovery and mental health programs, KWIT also supports youth mentorship and leadership development, reentry support for individuals transitioning from incarceration and family strengthening initiatives. Volunteers play a significant role in these efforts by organizing outreach events, mentoring youth, delivering meals and assisting with community education programs.
The charity golf tournament represents more than a fundraiser. It serves as an opportunity to bring people together around a shared mission of compassion and support. Proceeds from the event will help expand services and strengthen outreach efforts throughout the community.
The goal is to raise funds but also raise awareness about the importance of mental health, recovery, and community support. Through events like this, KWIT continues its mission of helping individuals recognize when it is time to seek change and step forward into a new beginning.
To register for the golf tournament or to be a sponsor, visit https://kwit.info/register-for-charity-golf/

Free social dancing lessons set stage for a night of movement

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Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Written by Jamie Bishop

In a city where community events continue to shape the rhythm of downtown life, an upcoming gathering is inviting residents to do something simple—but often overlooked: get up and dance.
Roland’s Dance Studio will host Free Social Dancing Lessons in downtown Fayetteville, creating an open, beginner-friendly space where music and movement take center stage. The event is scheduled for an evening session from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is open to the public at no cost, making it an accessible option for anyone looking to try something new without commitment or pressure.
At a glance, the concept is straightforward. Show up, step in, and learn. But the appeal goes deeper than just learning dance patterns. The event is designed to bring people together in a shared experience, something Fayetteville’s growing entertainment scene has leaned into more intentionally in recent years. Participants can expect an introduction to social dance styles that may include elements of swing, salsa or other partner-based movements. The instruction is geared toward beginners, with an emphasis on comfort and participation rather than precision. No partner is required, and attendees are encouraged to engage at their own pace.
Roland’s Dance Studio, a longstanding presence in the Fayetteville community, has built its reputation on making dance approachable. For decades, the studio has offered lessons across a range of styles, serving everyone from first-time dancers to those preparing for weddings or competitions. That same philosophy carries into this event, meeting people where they are and helping them find their rhythm. What makes this event stand out is its simplicity. There’s no ticket barrier, no expectation of experience, and no rigid structure. It’s a low-pressure environment that invites curiosity, which is often the hardest step for newcomers to take.
Downtown Fayetteville continues to evolve as a hub for interactive events that encourage participation rather than observation. While large-scale festivals and concerts draw attention, smaller gatherings like this one offer a different kind of value, creating space for direct engagement and connection.
Dance naturally lends itself to that kind of environment. It’s equal parts social and expressive, giving people the chance to interact without the need for conversation. In a setting like this, a few steps can quickly turn into shared laughter, familiarity and, in some cases, lasting connections.
For those who have considered dancing but never taken the first step, this event offers a clear entry point. It’s not about getting everything right, it’s about showing up and being willing to try. The evening also serves as a window into Fayetteville’s broader dance community. Beyond the free lesson, opportunities exist throughout the city for continued learning, social dance nights and group classes, many of which are anchored by local studios like Roland’s.
As Fayetteville continues to expand its entertainment offerings, events like this highlight a shift toward experiences that are both inclusive and interactive. They invite residents to be part of the moment, not just spectators. And for one night, at least, the invitation is simple: step onto the floor, find the beat, and let the rest take care of itself.’
For more information, visit Roland’s website at https://rolandsdancestudio.com/ or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/rolandsdancestudio/