Entertainment

Fayetteville car show honors late SWAT commander, supports Special Olympics of North Carolina

The Fayetteville Police Department is partnering with the Southland Car Club for the first annual Capt. Shawn Collins Memorial Car Show, set to take place May 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Festival Park, 335 Ray Ave. The event serves a dual purpose: honoring the late Capt. Shawn Collins, a respected leader in the Fayetteville Police Department, and raising funds for the Special Olympics of North Carolina. Open to the public, the event invites car enthusiasts, families, and supporters to enjoy classic vehicles for a worthy cause.
Sgt. Alexander Herrera, a nearly 20 year veteran of the Fayetteville Police Department and a member of the Southland Car Club, is at the heart of organizing the show. Herrera’s connection to both law enforcement and the car community has allowed him to bridge the two worlds for a powerful mission.
10“Capt. Collins was our SWAT commander,” Herrera said. “He passed away unexpectedly late last year. He was in great shape, a stand-up guy, the kind of leader who everyone respected. This event is our way of honoring his legacy, supporting his family, and doing something good for the community.”
Herrera stated that Collins’ wife, Stephanie, is also a police officer in Fayetteville.
“They have children together, and his loss hit all of us really hard,” Herrera said. “We wanted to do something meaningful in his name.”
The idea for the car show came during a conversation between officers and city leadership, including former Chief Kemberle Braden. Many within the department share a love for classic cars, including Lt. Brandon Chandler, who oversees the Fayetteville Police Special Olympics Committee. The car show was a natural addition to the department’s lineup of annual fundraisers for the Special Olympics, which already includes a golf tournament, a torch run, and other events.
“The city police department has worked with the Special Olympics of North Carolina for years,” Herrera explained. “It’s a cause that’s close to our hearts. When we discussed hosting a car show, the department saw it as a way to not only continue that support but to also reshape the community’s perception of car clubs.”
According to Herrera, car clubs often face negative stereotypes in the area due to reckless behavior by a few. This event offers an opportunity to showcase what a positive, community-focused car club can do.
“We’re showing that car culture can be about family, giving back, and supporting each other,” he said.
The Southland Car Club, based in Smithfield, typically raises money for scholarships for students in Johnston County. As the club’s only Fayetteville-based member, Herrera is spearheading this new collaboration, combining his personal passions for law enforcement, vintage cars, and public service.
“I just bought an antique car last year and wanted to use it for a good cause,” he said. “Ever since, I’ve seen how much joy these cars bring to people. I take my kids out with me, let them work on it, and we talk to folks in the community. Even if they’re not car people, they light up when they see it. It makes people smile.”
The event is open to the public. Vehicle owners can register their cars for a $20 fee, with all proceeds going directly to the Special Olympics of North Carolina. Numerous local businesses have stepped in to sponsor the show, contributing door prizes and covering event costs to maximize donations.
“The response has been amazing,” said Herrera. “We’ve had everything from sponsorships to trophy donations. One lady on the force had a family member who donated old trophies, and we’re rebranding them for the show. It’s really come together thanks to the generosity of the community.”
Looking ahead, organizers hope to make the Capt. Shawn Collins Memorial Car Show an annual tradition. “This isn’t just a one-time thing,” Herrera said. “We want to build on this every year—raise more money, reach more people, and keep honoring Shawn in a way that makes a difference.”
As Herrera puts it, the message is simple: “We just want people to come out, enjoy the show, and know that their support is going to a great cause, and in memory of someone who meant the world to us.”
The car show promises a day of community, chrome, and compassion—a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to his city, and a step forward for those still serving it today.
For more information or to register, visit www.southlandcarclub.com. All of the proceeds go to the Special Olympics of North Carolina.

Cumberland County Extension celebrates plants

The Cumberland County Extension Master Gardeners are having their annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Crown Arena.
From vibrant flowers and hardy shrubs to delicious vegetables and aromatic herbs, attendees will find a diverse selection of plants that are locally grown and perfectly suited to thrive in gardens.
Each plant has been carefully cultivated by the NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteers, ensuring high-quality plants that will flourish. In addition to live plants, harvested seed packs will also be available.
At the plant sale, guests will have the unique opportunity to meet and interact with the Extension Master Gardeners. These volunteers are passionate about gardening and are eager to share their extensive knowledge. Questions about plant care, pest management, or garden design can all be answered by the Master Gardeners, who will be on hand to provide research-based information and tips.
In addition to the Master Gardeners, experts from the Fayetteville Rose Society, Fayetteville Camellia Club, Sandhills Orchid Society, and the Sandhills Daylily Club will be present. They will share their specialized expertise, helping gardeners make informed decisions about the best plants for their garden and how to care for them effectively.
17The Cumberland County Plant Sale isn't just about buying plants—it's also a fantastic learning opportunity. The event will feature a variety of educational displays designed to enhance gardening knowledge. Learn how to attract essential pollinators, the benefits of composting, and the basics of growing vegetables.
Information on container gardening will also be available. These little garden spaces are perfect for those with limited space or who want to add greenery to patios and balconies. The displays are a great way to gain valuable insights and practical tips to apply to gardening endeavors.
By attending the Cumberland County Plant Sale, guests are not just enriching their garden—they’re also supporting a range of local horticulture programs. All proceeds from the event will go towards funding Horticulture Scholarships, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, Extension Master Gardener Demonstration Garden, Extension Master Gardener education programs, Warrior Transition Tranquility Garden, and the Second Harvest Food Bank Garden.
Participation helps these programs continue their important work, fostering a love of gardening and sustainable practices within the community. It's a wonderful way to give back while enjoying the benefits of a well-curated selection of plants and expert advice.
The Cumberland County Plant Sale is a must-attend event for anyone interested in gardening. With a variety of plants, knowledgeable experts, and educational displays, it promises to be a day filled with inspiration and practical knowledge.

Cooking for a Cause: Dogwood’s Wing Cook-Off

The Heart Behind the Heat: Carl Pringle’s Mission
Carl Pringle, known fondly as ‘Uncle Carl’ in the Fayetteville community, is the driving force behind the ‘Cooking for a Cause: Wing Cook-Off’. Carl is the creator of the famed Flip Flop BBQ Sauce, a unique sauce inspired by Washington D.C.’s Mumbo Sauce. His improvisation led to a flavor so versatile that he joked you could put it on a flip-flop and still enjoy it.
Beyond his culinary skills, Carl is deeply committed to his community. Ten percent of all Flip Flop Sauce sales go to fund ‘Uncle Carl’s Safe Space,’ his community outreach organization. He is also known for organizing events like the R&B (Ribs and Butts) Fest and actively participating in community feedings. Carl’s mission is to use food as a means to bring people together and support those in need, particularly Fayetteville’s unhoused population.
10aEvent Details: What, When, and Where
The ‘Cooking for a Cause: Wing Cook-Off’ is a new and exciting event at the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival 2025. Scheduled for Saturday, April 26, this event will take place in Festival Park in downtown Fayetteville. Sponsored by Sam’s Club and hosted by Carl Pringle, the cook-off aims to bring the community together over a shared love of delicious wings, all while supporting a worthy cause.
Local chefs and grill masters will compete to create the best wings, with proceeds supporting Pringle’s outreach initiatives and benefiting other local charities. It’s a day dedicated to great food, fun competition, and community support.
The ‘Cooking for a Cause: Wing Cook-Off’ will feature some of the best local chefs and grill masters, each bringing their unique flavors and techniques to the competition. These culinary experts will showcase their skills, vying for the title of the best wings in Fayetteville.
Participants can expect a range of wing styles, from classic buffalo to innovative new flavors, all prepared with the passion and expertise that make Fayetteville’s food scene so special. It’s a chance to see these chefs in action and taste their incredible creations.
At its core, the ‘Cooking for a Cause: Wing Cook-Off’ is about more than just great food – it’s about making a difference. Part of the proceeds will support two incredible non-profits: Marius Maximus Foundation for Mental Health and We Are One Big Family both dedicated to uplifting the Fayetteville community.
We Are One Big Family is a charitable organization dedicated to guiding young people, providing meals to the homeless, and ensuring that anyone in need receives a warm meal. The Marius Maximus Foundation aims to inform and guide the community, fostering a deeper awareness of mental health.
By attending and participating in the cook-off, you are directly contributing to these efforts, helping to ensure that everyone in the community has access to nutritious meals and a sense of belonging.

Hope Mills Fit4Life Zumbas for St. Jude

The North Carolina 13th Annual St. Jude Zumbathon will take place on May 3, at Fit4Life Health Club-Hope Mills. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests can take part in fitness variations, Spin, Kickboxing, Total Body/Strength, Dance, and Zumba.
16The St. Jude Zumbathon will be split up into two events. The second event will take place on June 7 at the John D. Fuller Recreation Center at 6627 Old Bunce Rd.
Tickets for the individual days cost $15. For those who want to participate in both events on May 3 and June 7, advance tickets are $30. Tickets at the door will be $35, and VIP tickets are available for $40.
To purchase tickets for the event, visit https://bit.ly/4cCtyOh
The proceeds for the event will support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. For more information, contact Fit4Life Hope Mills Health Club-Hope Mills at 910-779-0943.
The events will be lead by Natalie Haskell from Work It With Natalie. In addition to her online training business, Haskell travels around the East Coast to hold Zumbathons to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. A military spouse and mother of three, Haskell says becoming a group fitness instructor has been a life transformation for her.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a world-renowned pediatric cancer treatment and research center in Memphis, Tennessee. The mission of St. Jude Children’s Hospital is to focus on childhood diseases and other life-threatening diseases, comprehensive care — free of charge to patients — ground-breaking research, a global impact and affiliate clinics. The unique operating model provides a normal childhood experience for children undergoing treatment, offering housing facilities for families and a focus on outpatient care.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital treats patients from all 50 U.S. states and internationally, with around 8,600 patients seen annually. The hospital has helped overall childhood cancer rates from 20 percent in 1962 to over 80 percent today and has achieved a 94 percent survival rate for all.
Fit4Life, located at 2820 Hope Mills Rd., is a state of the art gym facility that is open to members 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Gym memberships come with free group fitness classes, and the gym has a kids' zone for parents to drop off their kids while they work out.
The facility holds daily Zumba and Spin classes, and also offers yoga, dance fit, Pilates and kickboxing throughout the week.

Dogwood Festival celebrates local musical acts

The Dogwood Festival has long been a beloved event, drawing crowds with its vibrant atmosphere and diverse entertainment lineup. This year’s festival promises to be no different, offering a rich tapestry of musical acts that cater to a wide array of tastes.

8bFriday, April 25:
• 5 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. - The Simpletones
• 6:45 – 8 p.m. - Fear State
• 8:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. - Echostone
On Friday, festival goers can look forward to a great line-up. The Simpletones, a rock band out of Sanford, NC, are set to kick off the festival’s musical acts with their energetic performances. Known for their ‘90s alt-rock influence blended with music from various decades and genres, this band brings a fresh yet nostalgic sound to the stage.
Fear State is another local gem performing at the festival. Comprised of five musicians from different generations, the band creates a unique blend of music pulling inspiration from hair bands, nu metal, and early 2000s rock. Their sound is both nostalgic and fresh, offering something familiar yet exciting.
Their energetic performances are known for leaving audiences wanting more, making Fear State a band you won’t want to miss.
Headlining Friday night is Echostone, a rock band from the Carolinas that brings a modern edge to the early 2000s radio rock sound. Formed in 2021, Echostone has quickly made a name for themselves, sharing the stage with renowned artists like Scott Stapp of Creed, Gavin DeGraw, Trapt, and more. Their music is written from the heart and has a sound that resonates deeply with fans.

8ISaturday, April 26
• 3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. - Nicholas Vernon
• 5:45 p.m. - 7 p.m. - The Guy Unger Band
• 7:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. - Josh Ross
• 9:15 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. - Drew Baldridge
The second night of the Dogwood Festival promises an unforgettable experience with an eclectic mix of musical talents. From the soulful country melodies of Nicholas Vernon to the dynamic rock sounds of The Guy Unger Band and the headlining performances of Josh Ross and Drew Baldridge, this lineup offers something for every music lover.
Nicholas Vernon is a country music artist hailing from Vander, NC. Vernon’s music is a refreshing blend of soulful melodies, deeply inspired by timeless, traditional country sounds.
His performance promises to be a heartfelt experience, drawing from both country and Gospel influences. Fans can expect a set that resonates with the authenticity and warmth that defines country music at its core.
Following Nicholas Vernon, The Guy Unger Band will take the stage with their dynamic all-American rock sound. This band is known for its energetic performances that engage and electrify audiences. Their diverse repertoire includes rock, blues, jazz, and even classical pieces, ensuring a versatile and captivating show. The band members bring a rich, collaborative energy that promises to be a highlight of the night.
Headlining the second night is Josh Ross and Drew Baldridge. Josh Ross is one of Canada’s most promising singer-songwriter performers. Known for his dark, mellow blend of modern country rock, Ross pairs his warm vocal rasp with heart-on-his-sleeve writing and addictive hooks.
Drawing influence from rock legends like Guns N’ Roses and Metallica, as well as country-rock outlaw Steve Earle, Ross’s performance is expected to be a powerful, genre-blending experience. His knack for emotional songcraft has already earned him a series of Platinum-certified Canadian country radio hits, and he is set to captivate the Dogwood Festival audience.
Closing out the night is Drew Baldridge, a country pop artist from Patoka, IL. His music features heartfelt lyrics and relatable storytelling, often reflecting his small-town upbringing.
Inspired by country legends like Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, and Keith Urban, Baldridge’s songs resonate with personal experiences and relatable struggles, aiming to connect deeply with his audience.9a

9bSunday, April 27
• 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. - The Phoebes
• 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Throwback Collaboration Band
The grand finale of the Festival promises to be an extraordinary event filled with incredible music and vibrant energy. Attendees can look forward to a seamless blend of rock, blues, and R&B dance music that spans decades, providing something for everyone to enjoy.
Prepare to be mesmerized by The Phoebes, a rock and blues band hailing from the Raleigh-Durham area. Their energetic performances blend rock and blues with soulful vocals, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
The Phoebes’ repertoire includes masterful covers of legendary artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Beatles, bringing a nostalgic yet fresh take on classic hits.
Get ready to groove with Throwback Collaboration, a band based in Fayetteville known for their infectious R&B dance music spanning the 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond. Their performances are a celebration of feel-good, funky, old-school music that is guaranteed to get everyone on their feet.
Throwback Collaboration focuses on creating a nostalgic dance party atmosphere. This band is set to provide a high-energy, feel-good experience for all attendees.
Whether you’re a fan of rock, alt-rock, or nostalgic early 2000s sounds, the festival offers something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this vibrant event and create lasting memories with friends and family.

(Photos: Top: Echostone. Middle: Nicholas Vernon. Bottom Left: Drew Baldridge. Bottom Right: Josh Ross)

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