Entertainment

Subliminal Songs film anthology presents "The Ghost"

“It all started with a pill. This pill has a mysterious effect: you can take it, go to sleep as you listen to music or some other audio that conjures up a memory, then, as you sleep, you will relive that memory in your dream.”
This is the premise of a film anthology entitled Subliminal Songs and was imagined by Judson Clark, a local filmmaker with an active imagination, a DSLR camera purchased with COVID stimulus funds, and a fascination with film anthologies like Black Mirror.
In 2023, “Forsaken,” the first episode of Subliminal Songs, premiered at the Cameo Art House Theatre in downtown Fayetteville. After the success of that film, he sent the idea of “the pill” to other writers and creatives he knew and asked, “Can you find a story here?” Some of the responses have led to more stories being crafted and produced. On Aug. 10 at 6 p.m., there will be an exclusive screening of the fourth and latest episode, 17“The Ghost” at the Arts Council of Fayetteville-Cumberland County on Hay Street.
In “The Ghost,” we meet Adeliaide Conroy, a young stand-up comedian who is dealing with lots of difficulties, such as past trauma and temptation related to substance abuse. “The pill” is the common through line of all the episodes of Subliminal Stories, but explaining fully how it impacts Adelaide would give away too much, so no spoilers! Adelaide, played by Fayetteville native Carsyn Harkey, is haunted by voices and visions from her past.
There are a lot of things that make “The Ghost” a unique film. One is Clark’s dedication to using all local talent, both onscreen and in production roles. In all four episodes of Subliminal Songs, the cast and crew have been from the Fayetteville area. In fact, in the first film, “Forsaken,” everyone involved in its production was working on their first film project.
Another unique feature of these films is where the filming takes place: “The Ghost” was filmed in a few locations around Fayetteville and in downtown Clinton. Clark has a personal connection with Clinton, having started his acting career at Sampson Community Theatre in downtown. There is also an art piece on Main Street that has always fascinated the writer and director, who found the perfect opportunity to incorporate “Milling Around” into the landscape of this project. He said it was a big ask to have the actors and crew drive that far for a day of filming, but everyone was accommodating. The other three episodes that have already been completed were also filmed locally. Clark states that he not only wants to showcase local talent, but he also wants to highlight the beautiful and interesting vistas in the Fayetteville area that often go overlooked and under appreciated.
Clark’s vision of the entire project is encapsulated in what he refers to as “maximalist production.” Yes, the films are short projects and they’re filmed by local artists, some of whom are brand new to filmmaking; and they’re filmed using simple equipment; and they’re filmed in Fayetteville, which is not considered to be a big market for filmmaking. But the project is still a big deal.
All the artists are compensated for their time and work; they may not be members of SAG-AFTRA (film actors’ union), and they may not get rich making one or more of these films, but they will be paid fairly. Care is taken in how the filming takes place to ensure that the simple film equipment captures high-quality picture and sound, and the acting is compelling.
The films are shown on a big screen (well, not "The Ghost," but there’s a reason for that; more on that shortly). They are available to stream on Amazon, or will be soon, and have an IMDB page. These factors help lend to the credibility of the work; these are not just hobby projects, they are real, professional, high-quality short films.
The exclusive, one-night screening of "The Ghost" on Aug. 10 is a free event, but seating is limited. It is held in the basement of the Arts Council at 301 Hay Street. The location for this screening is significant, first because the Arts Council provided a grant that helped pay production costs for the film. The Arts Council basement is a location for a pivotal moment in the film. Watching a film in a setting and then actually seeing that setting onscreen is a unique experience. Finally, Clark thought that this movie in particular would best be viewed in an intimate setting, through a projector, as opposed to seeing it on a big screen.
There will be a question-and-answer session following the screening of the film. People will be able to ask questions of Clark, as well as some of the cast and crew.
Subliminal Stories is a project with no specified timeline or finish line.
Clark says, “It will keep running as long as the stories keep coming.”
He is excited to continue to grow the network of creative people involved in the anthology and invites anyone who is interested in being involved to reach out via social media channels or attend the screening on Aug. 10. Clark additionally extends his love and gratitude to everyone who has played a part in "The Ghost" or any of the other films in the anthology.

New to the Neighborhood

15PARKTON GRILL
Bordeaux Shopping Center-1820 Owen Dr.
MON.-SAT. 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On July 16, Parkton Grill proudly celebrated the grand opening of its newest location, taking over the spot where Fried Turkey once served its delicious fare. This marks the third Parkton Grill, joining the original in Parkton and another in Hope Mills. Get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering menu featuring fresh breakfast options, juicy burgers, crispy fries, and so much more—all made to order and bursting with flavor.

THE CORNER CUT
107 N Main St., Raeford
MON.-SAT. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
910-248-6953
https://thecornercut.com/
The Corner Cut opened its doors in May, quickly becoming the small-town deli with BIG flavor! They offer freshly sliced, made-with-love sandwiches, salads, and wraps right here in Raeford. Whether you're in the mood for gourmet creations or classic favorites, they have something to satisfy every craving.

BUCK DINER
308 Laurinburg Rd., Raeford
TUES.-FRI. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
910-248-6491
https://www.buckandgrill.com/
Buck Diner proudly celebrated its grand opening on July 9! This charming vintage-style eatery pays tribute to the beloved Hoke County Bucks. As a veteran-owned establishment, Buck Diner is dedicated to supporting the local community while serving up delicious, home-cooked meals. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying lunch or dinner, we specialize in slow-cooked dishes that come with friendly, prompt service.

LITTLE HEATHEN’S BREWERY
3266 Ray Road, Spring Lake
TUES.-THURS. 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
FRI. 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
SAT. Noon to 10 p.m.
910-568-0105
https://tinyurl.com/3j75b8j5
Little Heathen’s Brewery is a veteran-owned, family-friendly brewery, just 10 minutes north of Fayetteville and Fort Bragg. They are dedicated to crafting delicious beers while creating a unique and inviting atmosphere where the community can come together, relax, and enjoy good times.

MS. RUTHIE'S DOING IT BAKERY BOUTIQUE & TEA SHOP
5474 Trade St., Hope Mills
THURS.-SAT. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
472-202-3977
https://www.msruthiesdoingit.com/
Ms. Ruthie's celebrated its grand opening on July 3rd! Owned by Mary Johnson, this charming bakery is a heartfelt tribute to her mother, whose cherished recipes have been passed down through the generations. At Ms. Ruthie's, you can indulge in a delightful array of treats, including gourmet cupcakes, creamy cheesecake, luscious banana pudding, rich pound cake, decadent brownies, and so much more.

CHASON’S BUFFET
1758 Owen Drive
MON.-SUN. 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
910-860-4899
https://tinyurl.com/3zsuascr
Chason’s Buffet made its grand return on July 2, right on Owen Drive, in the space that used to be K&W Cafeteria. This exciting reopening combines the warmth of a Southern buffet with the charm of classic cafeteria-style service. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Chason’s offers a delightful array of homestyle favorites that fans have come to know and love.

THE VILLE WINGS & BAR
1911 Murchison Rd.
TUES.-THURS. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
FRI. & SAT. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
910-229-3195
https://www.thevillewings.com/
The Ville Wings & Bar officially opened its doors on June 24. Brought to you by the creators of Uptown's Chicken & Waffles, this spot is designed to be a lively gathering place for the community. Here, you can indulge in mouthwatering, freshly prepared wings and crispy fries, all made with top-notch ingredients. Plus, you can expect nothing less than warm, friendly service.

NORTH SOUTH BREWING COMPANY
304 Williams St.
TUES.-SAT. Noon to 10 p.m.
SUN. Noon to 8 p.m.
472-202-1512
https://www.northsouthbrew.com/
Discover the ultimate craft beer experience at North South Brewing, the largest brewery in the region. Dive into their extensive selection of exceptional beers while soaking up the lively atmosphere, complete with live music and thrilling events. Treat your taste buds to delectable dishes from Bella Nonna food truck, renowned for their irresistible cuisine. Whether you're in the mood for a refreshing brew, some fantastic live entertainment, or just a fun night out, they have something for everyone.

FEENA'S PLAZA
724 N. Reilly Rd
910-818-4668
https://feenaskitchen.com/
Not new to the neighborhood but now in a new location, Feena's, once located at 1047 Murchison Rd, inside Bronco Square, has now moved to their new location on Reilly Rd. This new location officially opened in May and includes both Feena's Frulato and Feena's Steamer's Kitchen. The Frulato will offer cool, tropical treats that are Caribbean-inspired, while the Steamer's Kitchen will offer a mix of seafood and Southern comfort dishes.

Keep your eyes out for…..

AZUL TEQUILAS MEXICAN BAR & GRILL
2309 Gillespie St.
Azul Tequilas Mexican Bar & Grill is set to take over the former Great Grandsons location. If the Goldsboro spot is any indication, food lovers can expect a mouthwatering menu featuring steak and shrimp burritos, authentic street-style tacos, bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeños, and so much more! While there isn’t an official opening date just yet, the “Coming Soon” banners are up, and the community is buzzing with anticipation. Stay tuned for more updates!

WINGSTOP
4251 Ramsey St., Suite 101
Wingstop is set to open its doors in North Fayetteville very soon—right next to Marco’s Pizza! It’s the perfect spot for a quick lunch or those late-night cravings. Get ready to indulge in a variety of mouthwatering wing flavors, including mango habanero, spicy Korean, garlic parmesan, Cajun, Hawaiian, and many more. Stay tuned for the official grand opening date.

7-ELEVEN
6415 Bragg Blvd
This 7-Eleven is being built across from the Eutaw Shopping Plaza. This gas station and convenience store seems to be one of the many coming to Fayetteville like Wawa and Sheetz. No official opening date yet.

TWIN PEAKS SPORTS BAR
1891 Skibo Rd
The parent company of Smokey Bones is gearing up to transform the space into a Twin Peaks Bar, set to open later this year. Exciting changes are on the horizon!

BOUND & VINE
143 Person St.
https://www.boundandvine.com/
This "soon-to-open" book shop announced on their Facebook page they are looking to open on Aug. 16. They will be an independent bookstore where you will also be able to enjoy a glass of wine.

Back to school giveaways help Cumberland County families

It's that time of year again—kids are heading back to school! We've compiled a roundup of all the supply giveaways and preschool celebrations taking place in our community. Check it out and get ready for an exciting new school year!
12Friday, Aug. 1
• Back to School Bash
Club Halo, 1501 Skibo Rd.
10 a.m.
Backpacks and school supplies will be given to children in need in the parking lot of Club Halo while supplies last. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/ykbux5xs.
Saturday, Aug. 2
• Annual Back-to-School Giveaway
Anderson Creek Community Church, 2085 Ray Rd., Spring Lake
9 a.m.
Book bags, school supplies, food, drinks, and hygiene items will be handed out. This is open to students in K-12th grades. The child must be present to receive items. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2s3r79fb.
• Community BACK 2 SCHOOL Outreach
Christ Worship Center Church, 4453 Black Bridge Rd., Parkton
11 a.m.
Free book bags filled with school supplies will be handed out. Free haircuts will be given to school-age boys. For more info: Call 910-423-7777 or visit cwcconline.org.
• Back to School Catfish for Kids Bash
Deep Creek Outfitters, 1122 Person St.
9 a.m.
Join the Bottom Feeders Fishing Club at Deep Creek Outfitters for a fun-filled day of fishing, laughter, and community as they celebrate the end of summer and gear up for the school year! Enjoy a fantastic atmosphere with prizes, music, delicious food, and plenty of catfish. Don’t forget to bring your fishing rods—it's going to be a great time! For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mvdb4fan.
• Back 2 School Community Day
Rock Spring AME Zion Church, 4028 Legion Rd., Hope Mills
10 a.m.
The community day will be a chance for kids to get school supplies, food, and free haircuts. There will also be a bouncy house, petting zoo, and local vendors. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mts4tyk8.
Tuesday, Aug. 5
• Back-to-School Teacher Appreciation Night
WoodmenLife Chapter 60, 414 E. Mountain Dr.
6:30 p.m.
Join WoodmenLife Chapter 60 wants to show their thanks and appreciation to all the amazing teachers out there. Enjoy free subs and snacks and receive a goody bag filled with supplies for your classroom while supplies last. Please bring your school ID to the event.
To RSVP, call 910-485-1577.
Thursday, Aug. 7
• Back 2 School Bash
Prodigal Ministries, 7345 Clinton Rd., Stedman
7 p.m.
Come out and get a bookbag filled with school supplies. Enjoy some food, a bounce house, games, and music. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdzh3p4d.
Friday, Aug. 8
• Back-to-School Bash & Alumni Soccer Game
Fayetteville Academy, 3200 Cliffdale Rd.
4 p.m.
Join Fayetteville Academy on Aug. 8 for their exciting 2025–2026 Back-to-School Bash and Alumni Soccer Game! They’re thrilled to celebrate the Lacrosse State Championship Team with a special tribute. Enjoy delicious food from local food trucks, bounce around in the inflatable bounce house, groove to some great music, and so much more! Don’t miss out on the fun! For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4pk6xthc
Saturday, Aug. 9
• Kids Back to School Bowling
Dragon Lanes, 1013 Bastogne Dr., Fort Bragg
1 p.m.
Exciting news for kids ages 5 to 16! The first 250 kids to arrive will enjoy a complimentary game of bowling and a free meal! For everyone else in that age group, just $5 gets you a hot dog, a 16oz soda, one game of bowling, and shoe rental. Plus, they’ll be giving away backpacks filled with school supplies to kids ages 5 to 16—while supplies last, so be sure to get there early! And don’t worry, parents and siblings can join in on the fun too! You can bowl a game and rent shoes for just $1 each. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/ycycw4ba.
• Back to School Bash
1Hope, 1922 Henley Rd., Sanford
6 p.m.
Bring the family out for free school supplies, snacks, games, and door prizes. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/rjrsnn2a.
• FLOW Automotive Back-To-School Bash with the Fayetteville Marksmen
Flow Buick-GMC of Fayetteville, 5264 Red Tip Rd.
11 a.m.
Starting at 11 a.m., families from Cumberland County Schools can present their completed bookmarks to receive complimentary tickets to an exciting hockey game! A big thank you to FLOW Automotive for providing students with the chance to take home new school supplies after enjoying some tasty snacks and fun activities at the dealership! And don’t forget—keep pushing through as you work towards finishing your summer reading goals! You've got this! For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4493sfs2.
• Rhema Ministries Back to School Bash
Rhema Ministries COGIC, 539 Horseshoe Rd.
11 a.m.
At this Back-to-School Bash, kids will receive book bags and school supplies. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/384c37m2.
• Ready, Set, Smile Back to School Jam & Health Fair
Evans Metropolitan AME Zion Church
301 N. Cool Spring Street
10 a.m.
Bring the family out for free Colgate dental screenings, health resources, school supplies, food and tasty treats, music, games, and more. Meet the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club and Bunker, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers' mascot. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/29x2bd3k.
• Sábado 9 de agosto
Back to School Bash
Ministerio Monte De Los Olivos, 1028 Pamalee Dr.
9 a.m.
¡Ven y preparate con nosotros para este regreso a clases!
Estaremos entregando mochilas con útiles escolares, tendremos free garage, entre otras actividades. Cada mochila tendrá: 3 libretas, 2 Folders, Lápices de Colores, Lápices, Crayolas, & Gomas para borrar. ¡No querrás perdértelo! Para obtener más información, visite https://www.facebook.com/events/1790558215003448.
Wednesday, Aug. 13
• Back to School BBQ
Hillcrest Baptist Church, 2699 US 401 Business, Raeford
5 p.m.
Celebrate the start of a new year with a BBQ with pulled pork, hot dogs, coleslaw, baked beans, chips, and dessert. Also enjoy outdoor games like basketball, pickleball, cornhole, and more. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/yyd669a2.
13Saturday, Aug. 16
• Back to School Festival
Berean Baptist Academy, 518 Glensford Dr.
10 a.m.
This year’s festival is set to align perfectly with the Bulldog Classic, their annual varsity-level volleyball and soccer tournament hosted by the BBA athletic department to kick off the sports season. As a special treat, school families will enjoy free admission to all the tournament games that day. Come out and support the teams while having a great time! For more information, visit
https://tinyurl.com/22dzy9ad.
• Back-to-School Supply & Food Drive
Eureka Baptist Church, 1591 Eureka Ave.
11 a.m.
Free boxes of food, including chicken and non-perishable items, will be given out, as well as school supplies for students in grades K-12 (backpacks not included). For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2ch9uj54.
• Hoke County Back to School Bash
East Hoke Middle School, 4702 Fayetteville Rd., Raeford
9 a.m.
Come out for a fantastic school supply giveaway, delicious food, and loads of fun! There will be local schools and community organizations on hand, so it’s a great chance to connect and get ready for the school year. Don’t miss out! For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mrvrsveh.
• 18th Gotcha' Back School Kickoff
Crown Expo Center, 1960 Coliseum Dr
11 a.m.
August 16th is a day dedicated to community, culture, and connection! Head out to the Crown Expo Center for an exciting lineup of events, including: Free backpacks and school supplies, a Candidate’s Fair and voter registration, an HBCU College Fair and step show, a Youth Symposium and empowerment sessions. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to engage, learn, and connect with others in our community! For more information, contact thegrouptheoryinc@gmail.com.
Saturday, Aug. 23
• Back To School Giveaway
Big Erv BBQ & 910 Sweets, 670 N. Reilly Rd.
1 p.m.
Join in for the 2nd Annual Book Bag and School Supply Giveaway, hosted by Big Erv BBQ & 910 Sweets! Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 23rd. Bring the whole family to enjoy a day filled with fun activities, including a bounce house, yard games, great music, and delicious food at “The Neighborhood Pit Stop.” For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/pfjbv2by.
Sunday, Aug. 24
• 3rd Annual Back to School Bazaar
Rainbow Clothing Store Parking Lot, 5701 Yadkin Rd.
3 p.m.
Get ready for a Double Dutch Competition, Talent Showcase, school supply and gym bag giveaway, fashion show, karaoke, outdoor activities, games, food and more. To register, email iamplush2010@gmail.com.
Saturday, Aug. 30
• Back to School Kickoff
College Lakes Recreation Center, 4945 Rosehill Rd.
1 p.m.
Head out for a great free family event that includes fun, games, activities, prizes, giveaways, and more. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/26594553.

VIZION VILLE's food truck festival comes to Fayetteville

16VIZION VILLE presents a Food Truck Festival on Aug. 15 and 16, at 3151 Gillespie Street from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Indoor vendors and food trucks are encouraged to participate in this event. Special early bird vendor registrations are available to food trucks and indoor vendors. The festival features a park, games, water activities, karaoke lounge and pool tables. For more information, contact Kendra Freeman via phone at 910-286-3218 or email shaken1107@yahoo.com.  General admission is free to the public.
Freeman shares insights about the Food Truck festival: “The event is open to all surrounding areas. The public event is free of charge near the mainstream highway, guaranteeing considerable exposure. Moreover, our location is 10 minutes from downtown and 2 minutes from the airport. The event lay-out will feature both interior and exterior spaces complete with tables, chairs, games, and activities, as well as indoor vendors.”
“The concept behind the Food Truck Festival is to revitalize community engagement by offering an entertaining experience comprising food, games, and family-friendly ambiance. The inspiration has a basis to unite businesses, stimulate local traffic, provide visibility for indoor vendors and outdoor food trucks,” she said.
Summer eats and city beats vibe for family-friendly fun at the VIZION VILLE Food Truck Festival on Aug. 15 and 16. Indoor vendors and food trucks are encouraged to participate within this event. For those interested in being vendors, food trucks cost $75 to register, and indoor vendors are $40. General admission is free to the public. For more information, contact Kendra Freeman.

Misfits Market carves out space for diverse makers, creatives

When their weekly Farmer’s Market started attracting vendors that weren’t quite the right fit, Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom knew it was time to branch out. Many in the community were looking for a space to showcase wares and services of a more eccentric variety or simply wares and services that didn’t align with the farmer’s market’s target audience. The solution? A “Misfits Market.”
The market, according to Mandy, markets manager, and Shannon, operations manager, highlights a variety of genres. From horror and anime, to insect and taxidermy specimens, to alternative art, general “nerdy” oddities, and palm readers, there’s a little something for everyone.
“It’s a great space for them to come out and express themselves and show off their talent,” Mandy and Shannon said. They added that the market has been very well received and that vendors are “absolutely happy,” often booking a spot for the whole season in advance.
11Now in its third year, the Misfits Market runs from April to October and takes place the first Wednesday of every month. It often attracts roughly 350-500 visitors and 27-30 vendors, which by no means fills Dirtbag Ales’ open-air, 6-acre lot to full capacity. “There’s always space for more vendors!” Mandy and Shannon explained. “We’re always growing.”
With food trucks ready to serve up delectable treats and live music as a backdrop, visitors can easily make a day out of the event, lingering over the artistry and stepping away for a bite at their convenience.
Past vendors have enchanted visitors with a variety of wares: A thrift vendor repurposes and resells curated finds—vintage items, brand name apparel, and unique accessories—saving even the savviest thrifter time spent digging through their local thrift store. One vendor nestles pieces of moss, animal skulls, and dried flowers inside bell jars, creating one-of-a-kind curiosities that transport viewers. Some sell t-shirts with “snarky” quotes, and others offer handmade, themed, silk scrunchies—Stitch, Pokemon, Hello Kitty, patriotic themes, teacher themes, and more all made the list. Even a local non-profit beard and mustache club has attended as a vendor.
“We just keep finding these great local vendors who offer kind of alternative items.” Shannon and Mandy explained. “Our crowd is very diverse.”
Dirtbag Ales’ Instagram page offered the following encouragement, “Whether you're into the mystical, the musical, or just here for the food and brews — there's something for everyone. Don’t miss it!”
The brewery and taproom host many other events, including Octoberfest, a Christmas market and a vintage market. Interested vendors can reach representatives at vendors@dirtbagales.com.
The next Misfits Market will be held Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 5435 Corporation Dr, Hope Mills.

Latest Articles

  • Folk school operates a time machine
  • Dealing with Post Tarheel Sisyphus Disorder
  • Government Watch: Fayetteville primary results; Consolidation of 911 center
  • E.E. Smith High students killed in Fayetteville car crash
  • Police Foundation reignites historic Hope Mill’s festival
  • Run, Sip & Spook: Cape Fear Haunted Wine Run 5K returns
Up & Coming Weekly Calendar
  

Login/Subscribe