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Community Concerts brings Clint Black to Crown

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Tuesday, 07 October 2025
Written by Emily Sussman

41Like the Rain, Fayetteville has fallen for Clint Black and friends. Clint Black is a legendary figure in country music. He has sold over 20 million records, won several Grammys and celebrated 22 number one hit songs. Black is slated to appear at the Crown Theater on Thursday, Oct. 16, as part of Fayetteville’s long-standing Community Concert Series.
This season marks the series’ 90th year. Community Concerts is Fayetteville’s oldest arts organization, having begun in 1935. The group is a non-profit that is comprised entirely of volunteers. They aim to bring high-quality entertainment to the community.
The Back on the Blacktop Tour promises to meet that high-quality standard. Black will grace the stage with two friends, who are also skilled and storied performers.
“Clint is bringing some amazing friends with him, “explained Gary Rogers, director of marketing, Crown Complex.
Those friends include Prestley Barker and John Foster. Barker, a North Carolina native, aims to restore authenticity to the country music genre. He has played on American Idol and as a guest of Ricky Skaggs at the Grand Ole Opry. Foster will also be on stage with Clint Black. Foster, at 19 years old, is also an American Idol Alum; he was a runner-up during the 23rd season. Foster hails from Louisiana and will be representing his home state in the 2026 Rose Parade.
The Crown feels that the Community Concert Series is a rewarding endeavor, and they truly celebrate its purpose in bringing the community together.
“It’s one of the best things we get to do here,” explained Anna Deaton, marketing manager, Crown Complex. “We are in the industry of bringing people together and making really amazing memories.”
The Clint Black Back on the Blacktop Tour is a night set to make memories.
“This is going to be a perfect night for people to make great memories with their friends and families, and meet some strangers that can turn into friends,” Deaton said.
Deaton has been a long-time country music fan and explained that she is most excited about this event, appealing to all ages.
“Growing up being a fan of country music and then getting to put on events that are here with musicians that you’ve grown up with, but I think, too, it’s just the community aspect when you look at the ticket sales and seeing people from all generations buying tickets,” she said.
Tickets for the event are available both online and at the Crown Complex box office located at 1960 Coliseum Drive. Deaton also wanted to share that tickets can be purchased on post for Fort Bragg Community Members.
“They don’t have to leave the installation to get tickets,” she said. “ That’s very important to us to make sure that the military community knows what’s happening and that our tickets are as accessible to them as possible.”
The Leisure and Travel Services on Fort Bragg is located at 2171 Rock Merritt Ave.
Doors for this event will open at 6:30 p.m., and the show is expected to start around 7:30 p.m., allowing attendees time to purchase merchandise and refreshments. A range of food will be on offer, and there will be special drink offers for those of legal drinking age.

(Photo courtesy of the Crown)

Fight like a girl: Mobile mammography outreach

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Tuesday, 07 October 2025
Written by Lena Simmons

“Mammograms are really a sort of gift. You can either catch something early or count your lucky stars because nothing has been discovered. Either way. You are ahead of the game”
—Charlotte Ross

39Join the Sherri Arnold Graham Foundation, Fight Like a Girl Mobile Mammography Outreach on Oct. 21 at 500 McPherson Church Road. The mobile outreach will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event highlights are free mobile mammogram screenings, VIP status for uninsured participants, community partners, resources, and support services. Spanish services (servicios en Espanol) are available to the public. Community partners involved in the outreach are the NAACP Fayetteville, Manna Church, Covenant Love Church, Good Hope Baptist Church, Dancing Without Sin, and Purple Trail Foundation. Pre-registration is encouraged for the event. For more information, contact 910-323-5774.
The Sherri Arnold Graham Foundation was founded in 2005 by Dr. Sherri Arnold Graham in Fayetteville after a successful completion of chemotherapy for breast cancer. It originally focused on breast cancer awareness through mobile mammography and community outreach, according to their Facebook page. They are creating new initiatives to broaden the impact in Cumberland County.
One in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and it is the second leading cause of death in women, next to lung cancer. Yet, many women ask themselves, “Do I really need a mammogram?”
A mammogram is an imaging test used to screen women for breast cancer. In fact, it is your best chance of detecting breast cancer early when treatment is most effective.
The American Cancer Society recommends women begin breast cancer screening with mammograms around age 40 and commit to getting yearly mammograms by the age of forty-five. Women aged 55 and older may switch to screening every two years or continue annual screening. Routine screening every year is the best way to prevent breast cancer. A mammogram may not be the best idea of fun, but it could mean a difference between life and death. Cancer or an abnormality cannot always be felt. The mammogram can detect the growth of the size of a grain of sand. Early detection of breast cancer has a ninety-nine percent rate of being curable. The mammogram can save your life and breasts. It is not the most comfortable procedure and takes 20 minutes. It can give peace of mind for oneself and loved ones. The Sherri Arnold Graham Foundation provides the VIP status for uninsured clients and Spanish-speaking services.
Fight like a girl and get your mammogram on Oct. 21, from the Sherri Arnold Graham Foundation. Pre-registration is encouraged for the event. For more information, contact 910-323-9774.

Lexington Plantation hosts annual Fall Market

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Tuesday, 07 October 2025
Written by Sheila D. Barker

24The Lexington Plantation neighborhood is set to welcome the community to its annual Fall Market on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This family-friendly event promises a festive afternoon filled with shopping, food, and activities for all ages—rain or shine.
More than 70 local vendors from Lexington Plantation, North Ridge, and surrounding areas will showcase their talents and small businesses. Shoppers can browse a wide variety of handmade goods, including jewelry, home décor, woodwork, and 3D-printed items, as well as baked goods, homemade jams, honey, and custom apparel. Several food trucks will also be on-site, and pet lovers can look forward to adoption opportunities through local rescues.
Children will have plenty to enjoy in the Kid Zone, which will feature a holiday-themed scavenger hunt. By collecting stamps from vendor booths, kids can earn a prize bag full of goodies. A dedicated DIY craft station will allow children to make their own Thanksgiving candle, while games and activities will keep the fun going. Families can also gather for free Bingo sessions, open to all ages.
One of the market’s featured vendors is Paratrooper’s Chocolate Bar, a bakery founded by local entrepreneur Jazlyn Ortiz. Her menu reflects a blend of cultures, offering American, Mexican, and Dubai-inspired desserts. Among her most popular creations is the Dubai Chocolate Brownie, a rich and fudgy treat layered with kataifi crunch, milk chocolate sauce, and pistachio butter drizzle. Ortiz says her goal is not only to satisfy a sweet tooth but also to leave guests with a lasting memory of supporting a small, homegrown business.
What sets the Lexington Plantation Fall Market apart from other events, Ortiz notes, is its strong sense of community. The hosts are renowned for their high organization and commitment to supporting local makers, with excellent communication, vendor spotlights, and targeted promotional efforts. Vendor fees are donation-based, with proceeds benefiting Second Chance Ranch Rescue, ensuring the market also gives back to the community.
Beyond shopping and sweets, the Fall Market offers something more valuable: the opportunity for neighbors to gather, families to bond, and small businesses to shine.
As Ortiz put it, “These markets definitely allow families to come out and spend quality time together. It’s the only neighborhood I’ve lived in that hosts something this big.”
The Lexington Plantation Fall Market is located at 1407 Carnsmore Drive. With shopping, food, kids’ activities, and a welcoming atmosphere, this fall market is set to be one of the season’s most anticipated events.

Fall Festival at LaFayette Ford gives back to families, community

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Tuesday, 07 October 2025
Written by Emily Sussman

32Leaves haven’t started to fall yet, and since it is North Carolina, one can’t be quite sure if a shift to crisper air is the actual fall or a second false fall. What is certain, though, is that Lafayette Ford is hosting its fifth annual Fall Festival on Oct. 11. While there will be no shortage of fun Halloween-focused local events, Fall Fest offers a variety of activities for everyone at no cost.
The event began in 2021 when LaFayette Ford hosted its first Truck Day, and it has continued to grow and evolve over the last five years. What started as a means of giving back to the community and the business’s partners has evolved into a fall-focused, Halloween-themed annual extravaganza that also allows visitors to give back and support the community.
“It’s a joy to see all the kids having a great time. We also enjoy giving back. Those are two of the key reasons we do this every year,” said Paula Lindler, marketing director, LaFayette Ford.
This year, the event holds special meaning following the recent passing of the business’s owner, Don Price, who was an active member of the community and a strong advocate for Fayetteville.
“It is because of Don Price and his legacy that we have events like the Fall Festival, “explained Lindler.
“Don led the company with a mindset of how important it is to care for your community. Whether it was through his service in the Fayetteville Kiwanis Club, civic clubs, his church, the Military Affairs Council, or so many other organizations, he generously gave his time and financial support to worthy causes.”
Price sought to improve the quality of life for the community as a whole and was particularly fond of the Fall Festival event. According to Lindler, his absence will be felt this year.
“He loved Fayetteville and Fort Bragg and wanted to help make it a great place to live,” Lindler said. “He attended Fall Festivals at the dealership and loved seeing the community enjoy the event. We think he would be proud that we are continuing his legacy through our annual event.”
32aThe event is suitable for members of all ages in the community, and there are specific kid-friendly attractions planned for the day.
Children are encouraged to come in costume, and a Fayetteville Fire Department truck will be on site for them to explore. The event will have office face painting and a Trick-or-Treat as well. There will be local vendors to shop with, and prizes will be given away.
Visitors can also donate blood to the Cape Fear Valley Center from noon to 2 p.m., and they will be entered to win tickets to the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens. Additionally, LaFayette Ford will be hosting a food drive for the Armed Services YMCA at Fort Bragg. The first 250 visitors to donate nonperishable food items to the food drive will receive lunch from one of the two onsite food trucks, courtesy of LaFayette Ford. Both Flavapalooza and Allison’s Fast Food will be serving up lunch. Flavapalooza’s specialties include hot subs and offer a self-proclaimed unique twist on everyday foods. Allison’s Latino Fast Food Truck will be serving Salvadoran fare. The event will also provide free drinks to visitors.
The event will be held at the LaFayette Ford Dealership, located at 5202 Reaford Road, and will begin at 11 a.m. Festivities will be wrapping up at 2 p.m. The event is free, and all ages are welcome to attend and enjoy the festivities. Vendor spaces are free and still available for this event. Vendors or organizations interested in participating can send an email to contactus@lafayettefl.com for additional details.

(Photos: The LaFayette Ford Fall Festival is a family friendly event that includes a trunk-or-treat, food trucks and a mobile blood drive. Photos by LaFayette Ford)

Fayetteville celebrates season with Fall Dogwood Fest

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Tuesday, 07 October 2025
Written by Amber Little
18Everyone is familiar with the award-winning Dogwood Festival that takes over the city every spring: a downtown staple that draws crowds in the thousands, locally and from beyond, pouring into the economy and highlighting local talent, artists, and small businesses. 
On Oct. 18 and 19, the Dogwood Festival is bringing the same vibes, but on a smaller, more intimate scale, with the Fall Festival. Two days of family-friendly entertainment, vendors, food trucks, a mechanical bull, a Renaissance magic show, knocker balls, and live entertainment will feature some of the best in local talent and some big industry names. 
The Fall Festival will take place in Festival Park and the park promenade. Those wanting a more elevated experience can purchase VIP tickets. Tickets include catered food, 2 beer tickets, access to exclusive VIP vendors, the best seats in the house, and discounts on artists’ Meet & Greets. Dirtbag Ales will be slinging the cold beer in the VIP tent.
The main stage lineup is packed with local favorites and TikTok sensations. Headlining the stage on Sunday is Clejan, a classically trained Trap Violinist, who merges the intricate and precise sound of the violin with some of the biggest Hip-Hop, Rap, and R&B songs of the past and today. To purchase VIP access, visit https://www.eventeny.com/events/2025-dogwood-fall-festival-21639/. Attendees who want to lock in the best seats in the house for the main stage entertainment, but not VIP access, can purchase separate tickets online as well. Check below for the schedule of events and details. Don’t miss out on this FREE community event. 
Saturday, Oct. 18
• Car Show sponsored by Hollow Knights Car Club, 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Festival Park Promenade
Come check out the cars and see who takes home the prize. Judging is from noon to 2 p.m. 
• Time Travelers 
Showtimes: Saturday (10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.), Sunday (11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.), Kids Zone Festival Park
Magic is in the air. Check out this unique traveling magic show that transports viewers back in time with the legendary Captain Jim, master of trickery & tall tales, and the dazzling Lt. Lady Louisa, with a dance of swords.
• Mechanical Bull , Festival Park
Think you have what it takes to ride the bull? Test your skills on our pink mechanical bull. Tickets can be purchased at the Information Tent located at the entrance of Festival Park. Kids 12 and under are $6, and $8 for anyone 13 and older.
Main Stage Entertainment Lineup
• 3 p.m.: The Phoebes Band
• 5:30 p.m.: The Verve Pipe
• 7:30 p.m.: Marcy Playground
Sunday, Oct. 19
Better Health Bus, 11 a.m. to  3 p.m.
Get resources and become better informed about your health with a trip to the Better Health Bus sponsored by Ciscrp. 
• Creative Corner, Festival Park, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Join Andre Sansbury Jr., “Suave the Poet,” for live poetry and spoken word. 
• Ring Wars Pro Wrestling, Festival Promande, Ring Times: 11:45 a.m., 2 p.m.
Main Stage Entertainment Lineup
• 2 p.m.: DJ Fuzzy Wuzzy
• 5:15 p.m.: CJ Monet
• 6:30 p.m.: Clejan
Attendees are reminded that the park now adheres to a clear bag policy: No bookbags, fanny packs, large bags, or coolers will be allowed in the event area. 
This year’s festival wouldn’t be possible without its amazing sponsors: Healy Wholesale Co., Inc., Drink-A-Bull, North Carolina Army National Guard, LeafGuard, Cape Fear Distillery, Renewal by Anderson, Pineview Buildings, Dogwood Nursery and Shed. 
Dogwood Festival Executive Director, Kaylynn Suarez, has been working hard to make the spring and fall festivals “a can’t-miss” event in Fayetteville and is excited to announce some news, stating, “The Fall Festival is all about fun, family, and community, and we want to make sure everyone enjoys it safely. The only change you’ll notice this year is that our partners have updated their safety requirements for event organizers using Festival Park. 
“If you joined the community for the 4th of July or the International Folk Festival, you may have already experienced these updates: a bag check and clear bag policy for all events held in the park. We ask that you come prepared and allow a little extra time for bag checks at entry. These measures are in place to keep our festival footprint secure, and we deeply appreciate the hard work of our partners and the cooperation of our amazing festival family. It’s gone smoothly at other events, and we know with your support it will at Fall Festival too. Together, we’re building not only a safe event, but a welcoming space where memories can be made and traditions can grow,” she said. 
“Our 2026 calendar is here, and we couldn’t be more excited to share that we’re expanding from 5 events to 14 throughout the year! This growth is only possible because of the incredible support we’ve received from our community, and we’re so grateful to continue building traditions together. Make sure you’re following the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival on Instagram and Facebook so you don’t miss a single moment of what’s to come. The best is yet to bloom!”
(Photo courtesy of the Dogwood Festival’s Facebook Page)

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