Entertainment

Discover Fayetteville's Really Really Free Market

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Tuesday, 22 April 2025

Written by Sheila D Barker

Fayetteville's Really Really Free Market is a unique community gathering where everything is freely given and freely received. The event is centered around the concept of gift economics, meaning that nothing is for sale—everything is free! Participants are encouraged to bring items they no longer need and take items that others have brought. This creates a cycle of sharing and generosity that strengthens community bonds.
At the RRFM, attendees can find a variety of items, including clothes, household goods, plants, and even food. It's a space where people can share their skills, talents, and friendship, all while promoting sustainability and reducing waste.
Fayetteville Freedom for All, the organization behind the RRFM, is dedicated to advocating for human rights and equity. Their mission is to educate, inspire, and recruit the next generation of activists and allies to fight for a future where everyone has access to essential resources like healthcare, housing, a living wage, clean water and air, equal justice, bodily autonomy, fully-funded public education, and marriage equality.
Through events like the RRFM, Fayetteville Freedom for All aims to create systemic and structural change by centering impacted community members and partnering with local and state organizations, non-profits, mutual aid groups, workers’ unions, and like-minded politicians in Cumberland County and
North Carolina.
How to Participate in the Event
Participating in Fayetteville's Really Really Free Market is simple. The event will be held on Saturday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cross Creek Linear Park, located at 324 Ray Ave, across from Festival Park.
To join in, bring items you think someone else might need or enjoy. These can range from clothes and household items to plants and food. If you are bringing items that need repairs, please leave a note indicating so. Remember, the goal is to share usable items and create a positive experience for everyone.
Tips for a Successful Market Day
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at the RRFM, here are a few tips:
1. Be respectful of other people's space when they set items down. This helps maintain an organized and welcoming environment.
2. Clearly mark any items that are not meant to be taken yet, such as those needing repairs.
3. Plan ahead for any items that are not taken by the end of the event. You can arrange to retrieve them, donate them, or dispose of them responsibly. Local thrift shops are a great option for donations.
4. Avoid bringing items that are essentially trash. The aim is to share usable goods and avoid creating unnecessary waste.
By participating in Fayetteville's Really Really Free Market, you are joining a movement that promotes community cohesion, sustainability, and social equity. This event is more than just a market; it's a demonstration of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose of mutual aid and support.
Fayetteville Freedom for All encourages everyone to get involved—not only in this event but in their broader mission of advocating for human rights and systemic change. Together, we can build a future where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive. To learn more about getting involved, visit https://www.facebook.com/FayettevilleFreedomForAll.

Follow the Spectrum: An event for autism

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Tuesday, 15 April 2025

Written by Lena Simmons

Follow the Spectrum- Find Yourself is presenting a Super-Hero-themed Art Festival on April 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Crown Complex. There will be an art contest, freebies, craft tables, food vendors, games, activities and autism resources. For more information, visit the website at https://www.followthespectrum.com.
The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, Watch Out, Fay Today and the Crown Complex are all sponsors of the event.
Follow the Spectrum provides support, services and educational programs to foster inclusion and understanding for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Each person has a superpower; let us unlock it. The motto is “Follow the Spectrum, Find Yourself.”
Follow the Spectrum‘s events from 2024 raised $5,000 for the School of Hope, served 250 families within the neurodivergent community by hosting a backpack drive, and Trunk or Treat activities.
According to the Autism Society of North Carolina, 1 in 36 may be diagnosed with autism nationally. 5,437,988 adults in the United States experience autism. In North Carolina, the prevalence is even higher; approximately 1 in 40 experiences autism.
Kyle Johnson, CEO and founder of Follow the Spectrum, shares his inspiration.
“I am a native of Fayetteville. I was diagnosed with high-functioning autism with ADHD at 3 years old. I was also non-verbal at 3 years old. Ginger, my mom, took an extended leave of absence from JCPenney to be supportive of my therapy. The psychologist informed my mother that my highest level of academic achievement would be a certificate from high school and not a high school diploma,” Johnson said. “Mom discovered my superpower, music. My willpower and determination enabled me to pass on to every grade level in both primary and secondary education. I graduated from Pine Forest with a 3.4 GPA.”
Johnson’s mother also learned a lot on the journey she shared with her son.
“I also helped my mom find her real purpose in life. Mom was instrumental and involved with various therapies. She began her path as an educator. She served as a teacher’s assistant at Howard Hall Elementary. Dr Sheldon Harvey recognized her potential and recommended getting the degree to become a full-time teacher,” Johnson said. “She attended UNC Wilmington and graduated with a degree in Biology. She also passed Praxis. She currently serves as a 7th-grade science teacher in Cumberland County schools.”
As for Johnson and his academic achievements? He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Management with a minor in Music from Methodist University.
Johnson has used his life’s story to bring awareness to autism within Cumberland County.
“Sherry Grimes shared with me about the lack of autism awareness in Fayetteville. I later viewed a podcast entitled Put Me On Game. Some high school students wanted to sponsor or host annual events concerning autism in Fayetteville. I also wanted to do a fundraising project for the School of Hope. The School of Hope was planning to expand the campus for students experiencing the spectrum of autism,” he said.
Johnson began to look into opportunities to spread awareness to the community.
“Elijah Cox, Antonio Rajon Forte, Kres Thomas, FAY TODAY NEWS and I founded Follow the Spectrum,” he said.
“Autism is my superpower, what is yours?” states Alexa Lauren Burger.
Be a Superhero at the Superhero Autism and Art Festival. Attendees can expect family fun and autism awareness with an art show, food vendors, games, craft tables, freebies, and activities. Admission is free. For more information, contact Follow the Spectrum by email at info@followthespectrumnc.com.

The Social Bloom: A speed-friending experience

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Tuesday, 15 April 2025

Written by Amber Little

Adulthood is something we all prepare for our whole lives. It’s marked with greater responsibility, financially and emotionally, the stress of jobs, careers, mortgages, marriages, and, for some, children. The days of the week blend, and the weekend seems like a blur of fitting in self-care while simultaneously trying to work through the house to-do list. The social circles become smaller and the experience of making friends becomes foreign. Making friends as an adult comes with its own set of challenges and anxiety. Hoping to change that and help women in Fayetteville meet new friends is a new event, The Social Bloom: A Speed-Friending Experience. Join other women for an evening of meaningful conversations, connection, and intentionality on Saturday, April 26, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Blissful Alchemist, located at 414 Ray Ave.. A cute twist on popular speed-dating, speed-friending follows the same concept. Blissful Alchemist will provide a comfy and inviting atmosphere for participants, there will be music and light refreshments. Each table will have conversation starters and periodically throughout the evening there will be guided conversations.
Local therapist, licensed clinical social worker, and founder of Selfly Enterprise, PLLC, Adriana Londono is the brain and passion behind the event.
What is Speed-Friending?
Speed friending is like speed dating — but with friendship in mind. Participants rotate through short, meaningful conversations with new people, allowing them to meet several potential friends in a short period of time. It’s designed to take the pressure off and make meeting new people feel fun, easy, and intentional.
What is The Social Bloom?
The Social Bloom is a speed-friending event designed specifically for women who are looking to make new friends and build community. It’s a blend of intentional conversations, light-hearted moments, and a touch of therapeutic coaching to help ease those social jitters. It’s not a therapy event — it’s a fun, supportive experience designed to help women bloom socially and start friendships that feel aligned and real.
Who is The Social Bloom for?
The event is for women — especially those in their 20s, 30s, and 40s — who are looking to make new friends, whether they’ve recently moved to the area, are going through a life transition, or just want to build a deeper sense of connection and community.
What sparked the idea for The Social Bloom
“The Social Bloom was born out of a pattern I kept noticing in both my clients and my own personal experiences — a deep craving for connection and a feeling of loneliness that lingered even when surrounded by people. After diving deeper into the topic, I came across research from Harvard highlighting how loneliness has become an epidemic, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. Disconnection isn't just an emotional struggle; it's also a public health issue. I knew I had to do something — so I created a space where women could meet face-to-face, build authentic friendships, and feel seen.”
What can ladies attending expect?
"Expect good vibes, warm energy, and structured but relaxed activities to help spark conversation. We'll have printed conversation starters, cozy seating, music, light refreshments, and guided moments where I’ll support attendees with communication techniques and reflection prompts to deepen their connections. By the end of the event, we’ll open up the space for casual networking and free-flow conversations so folks can continue connecting at their own pace."
What is your ultimate goal for The Social Bloom?
"The response has already been amazing, and I truly believe the city needs more events like this. My goal is to host The Social Bloom quarterly and collaborate with local businesses for pop-up speed friending events. Not only would this bring more awareness to their businesses, but it would also provide fresh ways for new friends to keep connecting — over coffee, art, books, brunch, and more. The Social Bloom is just the beginning!"
For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3RdvZNd

YMCA to host fun filled Healthy Kids Day

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Tuesday, 15 April 2025

Written by Lisa Stevens

Springtime in the Sandhills brings longer days and warmer weather, making it an exciting opportunity for families to come together at a much-loved local event: Healthy Kids Day®. Hosted by the YMCA of the Sandhills, this free, community-wide celebration is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fayetteville YMCA at 2717 Fort Bragg Road, and the Saleeby Family YMCA at 107 Carletta Cargle Dr., in Cameron.
As part of a national initiative from the YMCA and proudly sponsored by Peanuts, Healthy Kids Day is dedicated to celebrating kids being kids—encouraging them to stay active, engaged, and connected as summer approaches.
With an array of activities, including bounce houses, a rock-climbing wall, outdoor fitness classes, and swimming opportunities, there’s something for every family member to enjoy.
Jeff Darling, CEO of the YMCA of the Sandhills, emphasizes its importance.
“We want to make sure families head into the summer with healthy habits. Healthy Kids Day is more than just a fun event—it’s a chance for families to discover everything the Y has to offer and learn how to make wellness part of their everyday lives.”
Both YMCA branches will transform into vibrant hubs with games and wellness-focused activities designed for all ages. Whether jumping into group activities or cooling off in the pool while conquering challenges like climbing walls or engaging in fitness classes together—this event offers countless ways for kids and their families to get moving.
Beyond just fun-filled moments, Healthy Kids Day reinforces the Y’s larger mission: building stronger communities through health education. It also provides working parents with valuable insights about summer camps available at their local Y.
Chealsea Sias, Youth Development Director for the YMCA of the Sandhills, invites everyone.
“We welcome our Y members and the entire community to come out for Healthy Kids Day not only for enjoyment but to learn more about our year-round programs tailored for youth and families. Our Get Summer program for teens is a great example of how we launched efforts last year to continue growth by adding programs to focus specifically on teens from 12 to 18 years old,” she said. “This program offers a free summer membership that grants access to all Y amenities, exclusive teen activities, trips, competitions, and invaluable connections with community partners and mentors.”
This annual event serves as an excellent kickoff point where attendees can explore teen programs while addressing crucial aspects such as mental health alongside physical well-being. From summer camps and swim lessons to preschool care options—the Y stands ready as a safe haven where youth can learn, grow, and thrive.
Healthy Kids’ Day wouldn't be possible without the generous support of community-minded sponsors such as Duke Energy, AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina, Bragg Mutual Federal Credit Union, Central Electric, Kidzcare Pediatrics, and Point Church. Their contributions play a vital role in making these programs accessible.
Local businesses interested in joining the cause can still get involved by contacting Melinda Hadley at Melinda.hadley@ymcaofthesandhills.org.
For more information about the Y, visit www.ymcaofthesandhills.org.

(Graphic courtesy of the YMCA Facebook page)