Entertainment

Close encounters of the animal kind: Aloha Safari Park

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Tuesday, 20 May 2025

Written by Crissy Neville

"Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!" Not in Oz, mind you, but less than an hour up the road in the Town of Cameron, animal adventures await. Featuring everyone’s favorite wild beasts, farm critters, woodland creatures, prairie pals, reptiles and more, Harnett County’s Aloha Safari Park is a year-round attraction for all ages.
Founded in January 2010 by Lee Crutchfield as an animal sanctuary for unwanted, mistreated and injured animals, Aloha Safari Park was purchased by Scottie and Kim Brown in July 2021. The animal enthusiasts also own Zootastic Park in Troutman, North Carolina. While Aloha is still in the business of providing a caring home to its animal inhabitants, sharing animal encounters and education with the public and creating fun for all ages, it is not solely an animal sanctuary any longer. Animals come to Aloha Safari in many different ways.
Zookeeper Chloe Saylor explained more. “Most of our animals come from other zoos, whereas previously we brought in only rescue animals,” she said. “We still have some of those animals that somebody got as a pet and realized, oh, maybe I cannot keep a tiger in my backyard. Our bear actually came from a truck stop. He was like a truck stop attraction. We also have animals from zoos that shut down. People also donate animals to us. Just the other day, someone donated three rabbits. Sometimes, we unfortunately have to say we cannot take the donated animals right now, but we still rescue if there is a need.”
The 60-acre park houses 600 animals—300 unique species. While the lion in the trilogy is not in this multitude, a tiger, bear, and many others are. Guests experience pot-bellied pigs, friendly giraffes, donkeys and llamas, alpacas and alligators, iguanas and geckos, capybaras and hyenas. There are Jacob sheep and Burmese pythons, bison and zebra. If you like monkeys, swing in to see Aloha’s squirrel, spider, Colobus and Capuchins, plus lemurs of the ring-tailed, black and white ruffed and the red ruffed varieties. Wild cat lovers go wild over the exotic serval, caracal, cat-meets-mongoose cross, the genet. The roll call of animals is nearly endless. And the memories zoo visitors make? Priceless.
Facebook reviews of the park reveal how much. Jodylynn Jordan, visiting from Myrtle Beach. S.C. wrote, “Absolutely amazing time, lots of animals both walking and on the safari drive. That’s the coolest thing I’ve ever done: feeding all the animals from my Jeep. I’ve been to many zoos, but this is by far a great experience! We hope to return soon!”
Madison Taylor of Sanford said, “Such an amazing fun zoo. Love the drive-thru part of the experience.” Hannah Young has great things to say about her September visit: “What an awesome day spent at Aloha! My husband is in law enforcement, and they offered free admission today. How awesome that an establishment appreciates our first responders and military?! The drive-thru safari was easy and fun. Walking through the park and getting to feed animals was great too! Plenty of shady spots and food truck options.”
Kate Smith from Charleston is a repeat guest. She wrote: “I visit Aloha every time I travel from Charleston, SC, to NC. The kids and adults have a blast interacting with the animals, especially the giraffes! Each visit, the animals look healthier and happier than the time before, and the staff is super friendly. I highly recommend supporting Aloha Zoo! It's a great time every time!”
The comments reveal some of the most popular aspects of a visit to Aloha. Park admission includes the chance to walk around and also drive through the park. Drive-through participants can either have their windows all the way up to view the animals or down to have more up-close encounters. More exotic animals are featured in the walking portion, while larger animals and hoofstock are the drive-through stars. Both options are recommended. Barnyard grain and carrots for the giraffes—gentle giants you won’t want to miss feeding and get selfies with—are sold in the gift shop, along with toys, stuffed animals and various souvenirs.
Concessions are also available à la carte.
“Right now, we have a concession trailer with ice cream, popcorn and shaped ice, and then a food truck with chicken tenders, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, hamburgers, pretzels and other small foods,” Saylor shared.
Many recall the safari tram rides that were formerly a park staple. The fun transport is still available for group tours, field trips and birthday parties, for a minimum of 20 guests. Schools, churches, scout groups, camps, daycares and senior citizen groups come to Aloha often and on repeat, and birthday parties are a roaring success. Group tours include the ride, an animal talk with a zookeeper and close encounters with the zoo’s friendliest creatures. Picnic grounds and playgrounds sweeten the deal.
If seeing, petting and experiencing cute and interesting animals isn’t enough, special events at Aloha are another reason to make the trek to Cameron. From the zoo’s Easter Egg Hunts, held on four dates this year with the added highlights of face painting, bounce houses, arts and crafts and more, to its Fall Festival, Christmas Lights with Santa visits, Teacher Appreciation Days providing free admission for educators and their families and more, Aloha Safari events are just “purr-fect.”
Now is a great time to visit the zoo to see the spring babies born to many animals. Check out Nigel, Aloha’s new little Watusi bull calf, which graces the zoo’s page cover at https://www.facebook.com/alohasafaripark. This spring, the zoo has welcomed a baby joey, kid goats and newborn antelopes are expected soon. Stay tuned for more fun with the soon-to-be-offered Animal Encounters.
Come to Aloha to experience all these exciting animal adventures and more. Open six days a week (closed on Tuesdays) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and located at 159 Mini Lane in Cameron, Aloha Safari Zoo is “where memories begin.” Learn more at https://www.alohasafaripark.com/.

(Photo: A giraffe looks down at the camera during a photoshoot at Aloha Safari Park. Photo courtesy of Aloha Safari Park)

Mac's Speed Shops Celebrate Their 20th Anniversary

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Monday, 19 May 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Mac's Speed Shop has been a cornerstone of the Carolinas' barbecue scene since it first opened its doors in Charlotte, North Carolina, in May 2005. What began as a wild idea among five friends with no restaurant experience, a smoker from Texas, and a lot of heart, has evolved into a beloved local institution. Over the past two decades, Mac's has grown from a single location to a chain of nine restaurants across North and South Carolina, with two more in the works.
Co-founder Hall Johnston reflects on the journey, saying, “We never imagined we’d still be cranking out barbecue 20 years later. It’s all because of the people who walked through our doors.”
Mac's has become more than just a place to grab great barbecue; it's a gathering space that brings people together. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Mac's Speed Shop is hosting a series of events and activities
across all nine locations in North and South Carolina, including the Fayetteville location at 482 North McPherson Church Road. The festivities kicked off on May 16, National Barbecue Day, and will run through May 28, National Brisket Day, culminating in Mac's popular Bike/Jeep/Speed Night.
Throughout 2025, Mac's will continue to celebrate with activations, including a social series, "20 Stories for 20 Years", which spotlights longtime employees, loyal fans, and unforgettable moments. Be sure to check these out on their social media channels. Follow @macsspeedshop on Instagram and Facebook. The celebration continues later this fall with a special Pig Pickin’ event on Sunday, Oct. 19, hosted in partnership with the Carolina BBQ Festival.
Mac's Speed Shop is known for its mouth-watering barbecue and a wide selection of beers. Their signature dishes include Texas beef brisket, smoked wings, BBQ pulled pork, ribs, sausage, and smoked chicken. They emphasize slow-smoked meats with various sauces, including their famous Carolina BBQ sauce.
The restaurant boasts over 50 draft options and 100 bottles and cans of beer, including local craft beers. They also offer a full liquor menu specializing in cocktails, bourbon, and scotch whisky. During the anniversary celebrations, guests can look forward to food and drink features, limited-edition merchandise, and a throwback pop-up brunch with a special menu.
Mac's Speed Shop has always been committed to giving back to the community. Over the past two decades, they have supported various causes that reflect their fun, family-friendly,
community-first spirit. Current and past initiatives include donating 100% of hush puppy sales to local youth organizations, hosting Community's Cue Nights where local schools receive 10% of proceeds, and offering a 25% discount year-round for first responders, teachers, healthcare workers, and military personnel with valid ID.
As part of its 20th-anniversary campaign, $1 from every pork sandwich sold between May 16 and May 28 will be donated to the North Carolina Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund. This fund provides grants to nonprofit and charitable organizations in North Carolina communities impacted by disasters, including those affected by Hurricane Helene.
“The average restaurant lasts three to five years—we’ve lasted 20,” said co-owner Wynn Davis. “That’s a testament to our team, our customers, and the way Mac’s brings people together. We’ve had NASCAR legends, rock stars, military and local softball teams all sharing beers and BBQ at the same place. That’s the kind of experience we set out to build.”

Gates Four's 5th Annual Summer Concert Series

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Tuesday, 20 May 2025

Written by Jamie Bishop

As summer approaches in Fayetteville and Cumberland County, the stage is being set for a popular, local tradition that blends live music, community fellowship, and support for education and literacy in Cumberland County. Produced in conjunction with Greg Adair of Rivermist fame and the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre, the Gates Four Summer Concert Series is back for its fifth successful season, promising an exciting lineup of A-list North Carolina-based bands, good food, door prizes, and family-friendly activities, all in the natural beauty of one of the most prestigious golf country clubs in the Cape Fear Region.
Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper was the first to suggest the free concert series idea to Gates Four, and it has steadily grown into one of the area’s most anticipated summer musical events. What started as a modest idea to promote live music and showcase local talent while bringing quality live entertainment to the area has evolved into a large-scale celebration of live music, local and statewide talent, and community togetherness.
At the heart of the Concert Series' success is the vision to create accessible, high-quality entertainment free to local residents that brings people together from all walks of life. According to Bill Bowman, publisher of Up & Coming Weekly newspaper and one of the concert series’ key organizers, the idea was simple: provide a luxurious and safe space where families, friends, and neighbors can enjoy live musical performances, without having to travel long distances.
“We wanted to bring live quality entertainment to Cumberland County, especially the Hope Mills area, while providing local and regional bands an opportunity to showcase their talents,” said Bowman. “By partnering with Gates Four, we’ve created a free outdoor entertainment venue for their club members, homeowners, and the general public.”
The combination of exceptional music and a picturesque setting has created something unique and special about this concert series. Gates Four Country Club provides the perfect backdrop for this musical experience with its manicured landscaping, rolling greens, ample space, and country club amenities that greatly enhance the outdoor concert-going experience.
The 2025 concert series is set to feature four high-energy shows, each offering a different musical experience and drawing in a broad audience. This season has something for everyone: rock, classical fusion, and tribute bands. Here is what to expect:
• May 24: The series kicks off with Guy Unger Band, known for their Southern rock flair, followed by Joyner, Young & Marie, who blend R&B and soul into crowd-pleasing performances. Both bands are local legends in the Southeast.
"We are incredibly excited to play this series, especially with our friends from Joyner, Young and Marie! We have had respect for each other's musicianship and professionalism for years," said Guy Unger. "We don't often get to see each other play because we are both so busy playing at different locations. So getting a chance like this is a treasure. I think it's going to be an epic night."
• June 28: The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra takes the stage with a unique “Symphony Jam” that merges classical sounds with jazz, pop, and several fun interactive musical bingo games with prizes. This innovative performance will appeal to both traditional and modern tastes.
• July 12: Classic rock lovers will enjoy Beggars Banquet, a tribute to The Rolling Stones, bringing timeless hits and the spirit of the '60s and '70s to life.
• August 8: Closing the series is Shoot to Thrill, an all-female AC/DC tribute band that delivers electrifying performances and raw rock energy, ensuring the summer ends on a high note.
Each concert begins at 7 p.m. and concludes around 10 p.m., with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for free general seating. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, limited VIP and reserved seating tickets are available for the Gates Four covered pavilion via the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre website, www.fayettevilledinnertheatre.com.
While the music is the main attraction, organizers have taken great care to ensure there is something for everyone at this family-friendly event. This year, Fayetteville’s premier family fun entertainment center, Main Event, will be on hand providing fun activities, prizes, and surprises for adults and children in a designated children's area.
Food lovers will enjoy a wide selection of cuisines from two popular local food trucks, Bobby Jackson’s Ragin Rooster, and Gates Four's favorite, RollingTaco. There will be two cash bars available serving favorite beverages, free parking, and indoor restrooms. Pets are welcome to join in on the fun. No outside food and beverages are allowed.
“We’ve made some exciting new changes this year,” Bowman noted. “Most of the concerts this year will take place on Saturdays, allowing more families to attend. And now, with Main Event on board, we’re making it even more fun for the children.”
Beyond the fun and music, this concert series serves a higher purpose. A portion of the proceeds from VIP ticket sales and reserved seating go toward supporting the Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that promotes education and childhood literacy in Cumberland County. This organization was founded in 2011 to combat low literacy rates and encourage reading among young students. The Foundation raises money to create, purchase, and distribute educational materials, creating literacy-rich environments for children in underserved communities.
None of this would be possible without the generous support of Gates Four and the generosity of local businesses and community partners. In addition to Gates Four, Jay and JJ Dowdy of All American Homes, the Larry Parker family of Certified Heating & Air Conditioning of Parkton, and Mac Healy of Healy Wholesale have been supporting the Concert Series from the very beginning. This year, the Servpro Zubricki Team has signed on as a title sponsor. The Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and the entire Beasley Media Group, and many other prominent businesses and organizations have stepped up to ensure the Gates Four Concert Series remains free and open to the public.
“Our community sponsors are the heartbeat of our success, making this all possible,” Bowman said. “They understand the importance of community and are willing to invest in experiences and events that bring people together.”
The Fayetteville Dinner Theatre and Up & Coming Weekly newspaper play key roles in the marketing, promotion, planning, and logistics to ensure each concert is well-attended and smoothly executed. Gates Four Golf & Country Club, General Manager Kevin Lavertu, and the J.P. Riddle family continue to be gracious hosts, allowing use of their gated community and facilities for the benefit of the Fayetteville/Cumberland County community.
As the concert series marks its fifth year, organizers are reflecting on how fast the event has grown and what lies ahead. Each year has seen growth in attendance, enhancements to the concert experience, and deeper community involvement. There’s already talk of expanding the series in future years to include more dates and a wider range of performances.
“The Gates Four Summer Concert Series has really taken on a life of its own,” Bowman reflected. “We’ve created something meaningful, not just a music concert, but a tradition that brings people together. And we’re not done yet.”
General admission is free, open to the public, and all concerts take place at Gates Four Golf & Country Club, 6775 Irongate Drive, in Fayetteville. VIP and reserved seating can be purchased online, and early reservations are encouraged due to high demand. For more information, visit the Fayetteville Dinner Theatre website at www.fayettevilledinnertheatre.com or call 910-391-3859.
Longtime fans and first-time guests are invited to attend the Gates Four Summer Concert Series to enjoy good music, good food, and good company, all while supporting a great cause.

(Top photo courtesy of Guy Unger Band's Facebook page. Bottom photo courtesy of Joyner, Young & Marie's Facebook page)

Rockfish baseball is back with new season

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Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

The Hope Mills Rockfish boast a talented roster of 30 collegiate players, many of whom hail from the surrounding area. This summer league team is focused on developing players and preparing them for the next level of their baseball careers. 

Local businesses have the opportunity to be a Rockfish sponsor in a number of areas, including a scoreboard sponsor, dugout sponsor, outfield banner sponsor, and more.  Businesses interested in learning more can visit https://tinyurl.com/mr25th5z.