Entertainment

LaFayette Ford’s Fall Festival gives back to community

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Tuesday, 15 October 2024

Written by Lisa Stevens

Join LaFayette Ford for an unforgettable day at their 4th Annual Fall Festival happening on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5202 Raeford Rd., Fayetteville. This free outdoor event promises fun for the whole family, rain or shine.
At LaFayette Ford, they believe in giving back to the community. Their Fall Festival is a celebration and an opportunity for local families to come together and enjoy a day filled with activities while supporting important causes. This year, they partnered with the Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center for a blood drive and a canned food drive benefiting the Armed Services YMCA at Ft. Liberty, so roll up your sleeves and support a great cause. As a special incentive, the first 250 guests who donate a canned food item will receive a complimentary lunch from one of the onsite food trucks—Allison’s Fast Food or Vicious Pig.
Allison’s Fast Food Truck has been operating since 2013, offering authentic Mexican foods. The owner, Maria, named the business after her daughter, Allison, and says it’s a family business using fresh herbs and spices on some of your favorite Mexican foods. Hope Mills native, Bobby Brinson, is the owner of Vicious Pig. After entering many barbeque competitions and winning many trophies, it’s safe to say that he has some of the best pork ribs in the area. He opened the truck in 2022 and people rave about his award-winning ribs, with his famous side dishes - collard greens and coleslaw.
In addition to these meaningful initiatives, they’ve invited numerous community organizations and vendors to showcase their offerings. Kids can look forward to games, prizes, and complimentary face painting. Plus, don’t miss out on their exciting “Truck or Treat” event where children are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes to celebrate the upcoming holiday, Halloween.
“Our Fall Festival is an event our team looks forward to every year,” says Rusty Hinton, General Manager of LaFayette Ford. “While there is a time and place for promotional sales events, we appreciate the opportunity to host an event centered on giving back to our community.”
Addison Fisher-Cummings is the Associate Marketing Director and shares that the idea for the fall festival was created in the wake of the pandemic.
“Recognizing a need for connection and celebration, we set out to create an event that would not only bring joy but also serve as a platform for the many organizations we partner with throughout the year. We firmly believe that our success as a business is interwoven with the community and its members, so giving back has always been at the forefront of our mission. Our Fall Festival has blossomed into an eagerly anticipated annual event,” Fisher-Cummings said. “One of my favorite highlights has been our ‘Truck or Treat’ competition, where departments go head-to-head to see who can decorate their trucks in the most creative ways. The excitement builds as we invite a local radio DJ to judge the entries. Our Sales Department proudly holds the title of two-time champion with their imaginative Alice in Wonderland and Barbie themes. It’s a fun event!”
The history of Lafayette Ford is a testament to the enduring values that have shaped its identity since its inception. In 1949, Bess Smith opened Lafayette Motor Sales in downtown Fayetteville, establishing an All-American dealership grounded in honesty, integrity, respect, and community involvement. These core principles continue to resonate deeply within Lafayette Ford today.
In 1955, George Purvis Sr. recognized the potential for growth as Fayetteville expanded and acquired Lafayette Motor Sales. His vision was instrumental in transforming the dealership into what it is now—an integral part of the community that adapts to changing times while staying true to its foundational values.
By 1982, Lafayette Ford found its permanent home on Raeford Road. Initially consisting of a modest new and used sales building along with a car wash, it soon evolved into a comprehensive service center as demand grew. The addition of a service and parts department solidified Lafayette Ford's reputation as the one-stop-shop for all automotive needs.
In 1995, Don Price took ownership of Lafayette Ford after years of dedicated service, beginning as a salesman in the mid-1960s. With his background in the Air Force and extensive experience at the dealership, Price brought a deep understanding of customer care to his leadership role. Alongside his son Tim and son-in-law Mark Fisher, they have continued over 70 years of success by fostering an environment where customers are treated like family.
As they celebrate their rich legacy during events like the Fall Festival, it's clear that Lafayette Ford remains committed to providing exceptional automotive services and nurturing strong relationships within the community—a commitment that will undoubtedly carry us into an even brighter future.
Mark your calendars and gather your loved ones for this kid-friendly, wonderful occasion that not only celebrates fall but also strengthens our Fayetteville community! For more information, visit their website at www.lafayetteford.com

(Photo: The Sales Department at Lafayette Ford show off their winning Barbie Truck for the Lafayette Ford Festival's Truck or Treat Competition in 2023)

Final Fayetteville Comic Con held Oct. 19, 20 at Crown

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Tuesday, 15 October 2024

Written by Staff Report

The final Fayetteville Comic Con will be held Oct. 19 and 20 at the Crown Expo Center. This Fayetteville Comic Con (www.fayettevillecomiccon.com) was started by Michael and Pam Chaudhuri in 2015 to bring a fan-focused pop culture “Con” to the Fayetteville community. After that initial success, the Chaudhuris produced an annual show for the next four years, ultimately transitioning ownership over the pandemic. Once back, FCC was a twice-annual pop culture convention held at the Crown Expo Center (http://www.crowncomplexnc.com/) in Fayetteville.
A Comic Con is a gathering of fans to celebrate the Comic Book culture and is often expanded to include Anime, Horror, Wrestling, Movies, or other related fandoms. Comic cons are often inclusive of cosplay, where attendees costume as their favorite characters.
A typical “Con” will include vendors selling themed merchandise, artists and craft people selling their creations, celebrity guests, panels, screenings, contests, concerts, tournaments, and exhibits. FCC is considered a mid-to-large convention, is one of the four largest in the state and one of the most popular in the southeast.
They pride themselves on delivering the “Seven C’s” of a quality convention: The Celebration of Comic Books, Collectibles, CosPlay, Creators and Celebrity Experiences, while always supporting local Charities.
Fayetteville Comic Con has been a fan-run show for years. Keith Gibbs answers a few questions about Comic Con.
What is the history of Fayetteville Comic Con?
"Fayetteville Comic Con was started in 2015 as a one-day show by Michael and Pam Chaudhuri, to fill a community desired need for a convention of this type. The initial success of that show led to the expansion to a full weekend show in October 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. I joined the team as a volunteer in 2016. As fans started asking for us to offer two shows a year, we planned and invested in that expansion for 2020, only to be halted by the COVID pandemic. I took over ownership of the show during this period. Even though we were unable to do any in-person shows in 2020, we were able to do a live virtual show in June of that year.
Once restrictions on social gatherings were lifted in 2021, we were the first show of our type in the southeast to return to a live show format, and we have offered two shows a year since. This final October show will be our eighth since the pandemic and our 13th live show overall."
Why choose Fayetteville as a venue for a Comic Con?
"At the time the show founders lived in Lumberton and the proximity of Fayetteville made it an obvious choice. The Crown Expo Center is one of the best venues in the southeast to hold an event and the desire was evident within the community. Local comic shops like Dragon’s Lair supported the introduction of a show and from there, we never looked back.
Fayetteville is a unique and special place, and the proximity of Fort Liberty meant that there was an opportunity to offer our service members an experience that they would need to travel to a larger city like Raleigh or Charlotte to experience. Comic books, film, video games, anime, wrestling and horror were all topics that soldiers and Fayetteville residents expressed interest in. Since the market probably would not support any show focused solely on any one of those topics, we threw them all together. We like to say that if it's geek we got it!"
What makes Fayetteville Comic Con unique?
"That is an excellent question. When Fayetteville Comic Con was founded, there were very few offerings of its size in the immediate area.
There were small comic book shows and toy fairs, but no large event that mimicked the definition people think of when they hear Comic Con. Before the pandemic, shows like Fayetteville Comic Con were spread out throughout the year and held in places like Raleigh/Durham, Charlotte, or Florence, all accessible to Fayetteville residents but not convenient.
Most comic book-focused shows are backed by comic bookstores with retail locations, and they focus primarily on comics. At the time large shows like Wizard World or Super Con that came to Raleigh were the offerings of companies that host conventions in multiple cities, allowing them to bring in big-name guests. Cosplay America and Animazement in Raleigh were the only other places focusing on anime and cosplay. In the development of our shows, we pride ourselves on being a fan-run show for fans. We promote the involvement of local fans as well as a focus on local talent. We give back to our community and celebrate the diversity in the geek culture that is found in Fayetteville.
We need our neighbors in the Cumberland County area to come out to our shows. They really are fun for the whole family, dynamic and exciting and offer something unique as an alternative to competing events like the Dogwood festival."
Contact Keith D. Gibbs, President, and CEO of Fayetteville Comic Con for further information. 919-607-9199. Fayettevillecomiccon.kdg@gmail.com.

Dress up the family to Trick or Treat the 1897 Poe House

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Tuesday, 15 October 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Gather your little ghouls and goblins for an exciting and spooktacular day filled with fun activities at the historic 1897 Poe House. Enjoy thrilling games, eerie stories, and delightful treats that will make this Halloween celebration unforgettable for everyone involved.
This fun-filled day at the historic 1897 Poe House will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This community event is completely free and promises to be a memorable experience for kids and families alike.
“We are expecting over 600 kids to attend this year,” says Victoria Peck, 1897 Poe House Coordinator.
The event will feature a variety of activities and attractions designed to entertain children of all ages. These activities include a range of old-fashioned games that are sure to delight young trick-or-treaters. Kids can enjoy classics like ring toss, bean bag toss, and knock down the pin in the backyard of the Poe House.
Joy the Clown will give a magical performance. She'll offer balloon sculpting and face painting throughout the festivities. The enchanting show kicks off at 1 p.m., followed by the Costume showcase at 2 p.m. This isn't a competition, but rather an opportunity for children to line up on stage and share a few words about their outfits!
Trick or treating at the Poe House is an experience in itself. Upon entering through the main front entrance, children will have the chance to explore the historic home. After completing the tour, they can exit through the back door to pick up their pre-packaged goodie bags filled with candy.
In addition to games and trick or treating, the event will feature other great special attractions. Kids can take a hayride pulled by a tractor through scenic Arsenal Park, adding a touch of adventure to their day.
A DJ will keep the energy high by playing Halloween music throughout the event, and a costume show-and-tell will give children the chance to showcase their creative outfits on stage.
No reservations are needed to attend this free event, making it easy for families to join in the fun. Attendees are encouraged to enter through the main front entrance of the Poe House and explore the historic home before participating in the outdoor activities.
While the event itself is free, visitors can purchase food from onsite food trucks if they wish. Be sure to dress up in your favorite costume and prepare for a day full of Halloween excitement!

(Photo: Guests visit the 1897 Poe House for their Trick or Treating event. Photo courtesy of 1897 Poe House)

Halloween party themes to celebrate spooky season in style

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Tuesday, 08 October 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Bored with the usual Halloween party themes? Let’s dive into some innovative ideas to spice things up this year.

Vampire Dinner Party
Transform your Halloween celebration into an elegantly eerie night with a vampire-themed dinner party that will leave your guests enchanted and spooked.
Start by creating an atmosphere that is both spooky and sophisticated. A red and black color scheme is perfect for setting the tone. Begin with a luxurious tablecloth in either black or red, then add candle holders and candles to cast an eerie glow.
Layer your plates starting with a black or red charger, followed by a dinner plate and a dessert plate. Don’t forget to include elegant glassware for your beverages. For added drama, consider using novelty items like blood bags for drinks or tombstone chalkboards for your menu.
When it comes to the menu, think of dishes that are both delicious and in theme with your vampire dinner party. You might consider serving rare meats, dark-colored soups, and blood-red sauces. For dessert, a dark chocolate cake with a hint of raspberry could be the perfect finishing touch.
Presentation is key, so make sure your dishes are as visually striking as they are tasty. Use red and black garnishes to keep everything cohesive.
Drinks are an essential part of any dinner party, and this is your chance to have a little fun. Consider serving wine from Vampire Vineyards, which even comes with its own vampire cape around Halloween. This wine is available locally in most stores in Fayetteville or can be ordered from their website here: www.vampire.com 19 Crimes also has Halloween-themed bottles in October for their line of reds.
For a more interactive experience, serve cocktails with a surprise ingredient in a syringe that guests can add themselves.
Keep your guests entertained with activities and games that fit the vampire theme. You could have a vampire-themed trivia game or a costume contest with a prize for the best vampire outfit.
For a more immersive experience, consider hiring a storyteller to recount spooky vampire tales. If you have the space, setting up a photo booth with vampire props could also be a hit.
Set the tone for your vampire dinner party with elegant, themed invitations. Use gothic fonts and dark colors to hint at the spooky fun to come. You could even include a small vial of ‘blood’ (red food coloring and water) with each invitation for an added touch.

Tarot Card Reading Party
Dive into the mystical and magical world of tarot this Halloween by hosting the ultimate tarot card reading party. Transform your space into a spellbinding setting, perfect for eerie yet enthralling readings that will captivate your guests.
Creating the perfect mystical atmosphere is essential for a successful tarot card reading party. Start by using a black-and-white color scheme with pops of orange to set the Halloween mood. Instead of a traditional centerpiece, set up a grouping of themed items like crystal balls, spell books, and black cats at the end of the table. This setup will not interfere with your guests’ sightlines and conversation.
Add flying wall bats to create a spooky background with movement, and place a cage with a raven perched inside for an extra creepy touch. Don’t forget to park your witch broom and hat in a corner to add authenticity. Lighting is crucial; opt for dim lighting with plenty of candles to cast eerie shadows and highlight your mystical decor.
To host a successful tarot card reading party, you’ll need a few essential supplies. First and foremost, have a set of tarot cards ready for readings. Scatter additional tarot cards down the center of the table to enhance the theme. Include an Ouija board for guests who dare to explore the unknown, and consider mini Ouija board tins filled with mints as fun party favors.
You can also hire a fortune teller for the night to provide professional readings. Don’t forget to have a book of spells on hand, even if it’s just a prop, to add to the mystical vibe. Crystal balls are a must-have, as they are quintessential to any witch-themed gathering.
Keep your guests entertained with a variety of engaging activities. Begin with tarot card readings, either self-readings or by a hired professional. A séance can be a thrilling addition, allowing your guests to connect with the spirit world. For those interested in divination, offer a crystal ball reading session.
Encourage guests to play with the Ouija board if they dare, and set up a corner for fortune telling. To add a competitive edge, you could organize a costume contest for the best witch outfit. These activities will ensure that the magical ambiance remains alive throughout the night.
No party is complete without delicious snacks and beverages. Serve homemade chili from a cauldron to keep with the witch theme. A themed charcuterie board with spooky elements like ‘witch fingers’ and ‘eye of newt’ can be a crowd-pleaser.
Dress up bottles of wine with printed Halloween bottle labels to add a festive touch. For a sweet treat, consider serving witch-themed cupcakes or cookies. Don’t forget to have a variety of bewitching beverages like a ‘witch’s brew’ punch or ‘bloody’ cocktails to keep your guests refreshed and in the spirit of the night. Serve them in cauldron-shaped mugs for extra fun.
To ensure a memorable tarot card reading experience, create a comfortable and inviting space for your guests. Use soft, ambient lighting to set the mood and play some mystical background music to enhance the atmosphere. Make sure to have enough tarot card decks so guests can explore at their own pace.
Encourage guests to ask open-ended questions during their readings to get the most insightful answers. Provide a brief guide or booklet on basic tarot card meanings for those new to the practice. Lastly, keep the energy light and fun; after all, the goal is to enjoy the mystical experience together.

Victorian Halloween Tea Party
Elevate your Halloween festivities with a Victorian tea party that blends the eerie and elegant, perfect for a night of supernatural delights!
Invite your guests to fully immerse themselves in the Victorian era by donning period-appropriate attire. Think long, flowing dresses for the ladies, complete with corsets, lace, and high collars. Gentlemen can sport frock coats, waistcoats, and top hats. To add a spooky twist, incorporate gothic elements such as dark, rich fabrics and accessories like brooches and gloves.
Provide a guide to Victorian fashion ahead of time so your guests can prepare their outfits. Highlight key pieces such as witch shoes for women and cravats for men. The more detailed the costumes, the more authentic and atmospheric your Halloween tea party will feel.
Set the scene with a tablescape that oozes Victorian elegance and gothic charm. Use black candelabras and milkglass candlesticks to create a haunting glow. Consider incorporating ‘You’ve been poisoned’ tea cups for an added touch of dark humor.
Choose table linens in rich, dark fabrics and adorn them with Victorian-inspired centerpieces, such as antique books, crystal balls, and dried flowers. This blend of sophistication and spookiness will captivate your guests and elevate the entire tea party experience.
Send your guests home with memorable party favors that tie into the Victorian theme. Witchcraft tea balls are a delightful and practical gift, perfect for any tea enthusiast. Palm-sized tea-leaf-reading books can provide hours of entertainment and insight.
Consider wrapping these favors in elegant, vintage-style packaging to enhance the overall aesthetic and leave a lasting impression. These thoughtful touches will ensure your guests remember your Victorian Halloween tea party fondly.
Keep your guests entertained with a variety of Victorian-inspired activities. Introduce them to the art of tea leaf reading or set up a station for fortune-telling cards. For a truly immersive experience, include an Ouija board and guide your guests through a séance or spirit communication session.
Crafting sessions can also be a hit, with how-to’s for making crystal gazing balls and painting pumpkins with Victorian motifs. Don’t forget to share the Victorian glove flirtation guide, adding a touch of historical charm and intrigue to the evening.
Delight your guests with a menu that combines authentic Victorian-era recipes with modern, eerie creations. Focus on seasonal flavors and Halloween colors, such as pumpkin, cranberry, and apple. Serve tea sandwiches shaped like Ouija board planchettes and coffins for a thematic touch.
Offer a variety of teas that reflect autumn flavors, like cinnamon, apple, pumpkin, and chai. Many tea companies offer special blends for the season, which can add an extra layer of festivity to your gathering. This carefully curated menu will ensure your tea party is as delicious as it is delightful.

(Photos by Sheila D. Barker)