Entertainment

Fayetteville, Lafayette Society celebrate Revolutionary War hero

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Tuesday, 20 August 2024

Written by Crissy Neville

If the summer’s all-things-France focus has you longing for another French connection, you’re in luck.
Au revoir, 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
Bonjour, Lafayette Birthday Celebration!
But since it is the Lafayette Society of Fayetteville’s 17th annual observance of the famous Frenchman’s September 6, 1757 birthday, another salutation makes more sense:
Ravi de vous revoir — Welcome Back!
To commemorate the 267th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s birthday, various events will take place throughout the city from Sept. 6 to 7. Lectures, exhibits, a book talk, a trolley tour of the Lafayette Trail and a birthday party complete with cupcakes are all part of the festivities, which are free and open to the public.
Fayetteville is named for the Marquis de Lafayette, who was born Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier in Chavaniac, France. A major general in the Continental Army during the American Revolution and a leading figure of the French Revolution and the July Revolution of 1830, Lafayette was nicknamed “The Hero of the Two Worlds.”
While there are over 80 places in eight states named for Lafayette, our namesake city was the first and is the only one the Marquis visited on his 1824-25 Grand Tour of the United States.
According to Lafayette Society president Gwenesta B. Melton, MD, this year’s birthday celebration is the perfect precursor to Lafayette’s Grand Tour bicentennial anniversary and the events the Society has in the hopper for that commemoration.
“The 2024 birthday celebration highlights our excitement and anticipation for the Society's anniversary events planned for March 4-5, 2025. The Marquis de Lafayette was an incredible human being with very amazing humanistic ideals and goals that still resonate today, even 200 years after his last visit to America. We want people here to be proud of our namesake and the
city of Fayetteville,” she said.
The biggest difference for 2024? The Saturday birthday events will be held indoors at the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall. After the last three years of rain, which canceled and dampened many events, Fayetteville should be happy about the change.

Friday, Sept. 6
First up on the birthday schedule is a literary event at Fayetteville Technical Community College. Mark Trapp, author of A Destiny of Undying Greatness: Kiffin Rockwell and the Boys Who Remembered Lafayette, will present a lecture entitled “Kiffin Rockwell and the Lafayette Escadrille.” Trapp’s talk focuses on the World War I French Air Force unit of volunteer American flyers, the Lafayette Escadrille, an early World War I squadron that embodied the Marquis’ spirit and was named in his honor.
Hear Trapp’s lecture Friday, Sept. 6, at 1 p.m. in the multi-purpose room of FTCC’s Tony Rand Student Center, 2220 Hull Rd. The lecture, part of FTCC’s Community History Lecture Series, will be presented in partnership with the Lafayette Society.
For individuals who cannot physically attend this history lecture, the event can be viewed via live-stream at https://www.faytechcc.edu/history-department-community-history-lecture-series-live-stream/.
Next, Methodist University Professor Dr. Patrick O’Neil will discuss “Lafayette and the Dream of a United People Two Hundred Years Ago.” Exploring how Americans in 1824 hoped that a visiting Revolutionary hero would help the country out of one of its worst political crises, O’Neil’s lecture will help listeners consider possible solutions to today's problems.
The free lecture starts at 7 p.m. on Sept. 6, with an opening reception with refreshments at 6:30 p.m. in the Davis Memorial Library at Methodist University, 5400 Ramsey St.
The lecture is part of The Lafayette Society’s Lafayette Legacy Series, spearheaded by Methodist University Assistant Director of Library Services, Archives Librarian and Associate Professor of Information Science, Arleen Fields. The Lafayette Society president in 2023-24, Fields also curates MU’s Archives and Special Collections. The collection features the Lafayette Room, which houses the Lafayette Collection of over 70 artifacts like letters, monographs, books, commemorative items, maps and other items dating from Lafayette’s lifetime and beyond. A display of artifacts will be featured on Friday night.

Saturday, Sept. 7
Join the fun Saturday by hopping on a trolley tour of the Lafayette Trail with Fayetteville’s favorite historian, Major Bruce Daws of the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry. Daws is the retired former director of the Fayetteville History Museum and historic property manager.
From 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Daws will guide Lafayette's birthday well-wishers to many places the French hero visited during his last visit to the town 200 years ago. Enjoy coffee and croissants while you learn Fayetteville's history.
The event is $20; tickets can be purchased online at https://www.lafayettesociety.org/lafayette-society-online-payment/ or City Center Gallery & Books, 112 Hay St.
The culmination of the two days of activities, the annual birthday party, is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church, 102 Ann St. The free event features Colonial and French-themed activities for the young and young at heart, with free cupcakes at 1:30 while they last.
Cutouts of Lafayette and Marie Antoinette add selfie photo fun. Melton gave Up & Coming Weekly a sneak peek into what party-goers can expect:
“We will have exhibitors, including Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, Rebecca Russell with Beespoke Vintage, the Bicentennial committee that is preparing for the March grand visit, the Lafayette Society, Camp Flintlock, the Boy Scouts and an activity area for children. With cupcakes in hand, we plan to sing Happy Birthday to the Marquis himself at the Lafayette Plaza as we cross the bridge and commemorate his birthday. We wish him the very best birthday, and we will be even more thrilled to ‘see’ him in March.”
The Lafayette Society, which promotes awareness of the many contributions to America’s freedom by the Marquis de Lafayette, is open for membership.
Per its website, The Lafayette Society was founded by Mrs. Martha Duell (1924-2015) in 1981 to honor the Marquis through the statue erected in Cross Creek Park, funding scholarships for high school and college students, helping establish the Lafayette Room in the Methodist University library and sponsoring lectures by Lafayette scholars.
The Society also commissions bronze and granite historical markers for the Lafayette Trail and brings awareness of his significant contributions to mankind and freedom by conducting similar events, programs and educational activities.
Learn more at https://www.lafayettesociety.org/.

(Top Photo: Party goers experience the Marie Antoinette and Marquis de Lafayette cutouts at the 2023 Lafayette Birthday celebration. Middle Photo: Attendees to the Lafayette birthday celebration in 2023 look at a display of some of the Lafayette souvenirs from 200 years ago, at Davis Memorial Library at Methodist University. Bottom Photo: Participants take the Lafayette Trail Tour. Photos courtesy of Hank Parfitt)

FSO's Symphony on Tap 2024-25 Season announced

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Tuesday, 20 August 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Dive into the vibrant world of classical music mixed with a modern twist as the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra brings its Symphony on Tap series to local hotspots for the 2024-25 season.
The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra continues to break the confines of traditional concert halls with its Symphony on Tap season. This innovative series provides a fresh perspective on classical music by bringing it to unconventional spaces. Picture the harmonic strings of a quartet juxtaposed against the casual backdrop of a bustling bar or a cozy cider house.
The Symphony on Tap events are not just concerts; they are social experiences that allow attendees to enjoy the music in a relaxed setting. It's a way to discover or re-discover classical music while enjoying the familiar comforts of your favorite local hangouts. This melding of worlds is the heartbeat of the series, making classical music accessible and enjoyable for a broader audience.
The 2024-25 Season of Symphony on Tap promises various performances that cater to a wide range of musical tastes. The season kicks off Saturday, Aug. 31 at James Creek Cider House, located at 172 US-1-BR, Cameron, with the string quartet setting the tone for what's to come.
Next up is the Haymount Truck Stop on Sunday, Sept. 8, where the string quartet will delight the audience with renditions of works from Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, and more. The Haymount Truck Stop is located at 100 Broadfoot Ave. and the music starts at 6:30 p.m.
Looking into 2025, the FSO has planned a special Mardi Gras celebration featuring their Jazz Quartet at Heckler's Brewing Company on March 4 at 7 p.m., and a nod to pop culture with a Star Wars Day event to take place at District House of Taps on May 4 at noon.
Each performance and venue is carefully curated to provide an entertaining and enriching experience. From the rustic elegance of the James Creek Cider House to the lively spirit of Heckler's, each location contributes to the unique experience of the series. The choice of venues is intentional and aimed at breaking down the barriers that often surround classical music performances. The environments chosen for these events are as important as the music itself. They set the stage for a more inclusive and engaging cultural experience. It's about enjoying a glass of cider or a beer, meeting new people, and immersing oneself in the art of sound—all in the comfort of a space that feels like home.
Attending a Symphony on Tap event is as easy as showing up. There are no tickets to buy or reservations to make, making spontaneous plans to enjoy the FSO completely feasible. Whether you're a classical music aficionado or someone looking for a unique night out, these events are tailored to be welcoming to all.
To make the most of the Symphony on Tap experience, arrive early to secure a good spot, order your favorite drink, and prepare to be transported by the music. It's an opportunity to socialize with fellow music lovers or simply sit back and let the melodies be the backdrop to a relaxing evening.
For those eager to stay in the loop with the FSO's Symphony on Tap series, following them on Facebook is the way to go here: https://www.facebook.com/FaySymphony. Their page provides the latest updates on event dates, times, and any new additions to the schedule.
As the Symphony on Tap series grows, so does its community, and being a part of that growth is a rewarding experience for any music lover.

Chamber hosts State of the Community annual luncheon

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Tuesday, 20 August 2024

Written by Lisa Stevens

The Greater Fayetteville Chamber will hold its annual State of the Community on Aug. 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Crown Complex Expo Center, 1960 Coliseum Dr. This premier gathering offers a unique opportunity to engage with community leaders, network with peers and gain valuable knowledge to drive your initiatives forward.
Last year's luncheon saw a record-breaking crowd of 600 attendees, and this year's event promises to be even more impactful. The impressive lineup of keynote speakers includes Mayor Mitch Colvin, City of Fayetteville; Mike Nagowski, CEO of Cape Fear Valley Health; Dr. Marvin Connelly, Superintendent of Cumberland County Schools; Megan Gerber, President of Longleaf Pines Realtors; Robert Van Geons, President and CEO of Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation, and Christopher Chung, CEO of The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.
With the Greater Fayetteville Chamber's annual State of the Community event just around the corner, it's clear that our community is poised for continued growth and prosperity.
Fayetteville, the largest city in Cumberland County, is a thriving hub with a vibrant downtown, rich arts and culture, and strong ties to our service members. Recent investments, like the $40 million baseball stadium, are sparking additional growth and expansion opportunities.
The latest reports show that Cumberland County ranks eighth in North Carolina with 16.46% business growth, $6,584 gross domestic product growth, 5.40 new building permits per 1,000 homes, and a 1.61 gross domestic
product growth index.
President and CEO Nat Robertson of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber encourages residents to attend and contribute to conversations that will shape the future of communities.
Secure your spot today, as last year's event sold out. This will be the perfect setting to network and connect with the movers and shakers of our region. For more information or to register, visit the event page at www.faybiz.com or call 910-483-8133.

FTCC hosts Fall Community History Lecture: American Fighter Pilots in WWI - A Lafayette connection

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Tuesday, 13 August 2024

Written by Jaclyn Shambaugh

Fayetteville Technical Community College will present a public lecture at 1 p.m. on Sept. 6 about American fighter pilots who volunteered to fly for the French Air Force in the early days of World War I.
The pilots were part of a squadron dubbed the Lafayette Escadrille after the Marquis de Lafayette, the French hero of the American Revolution (and the namesake of Fayetteville, NC, and many other US communities).
The lecture will be in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Tony Rand Student Center on FTCC’s Fayetteville campus. It is open to the public. Admission is free.
Mark Trapp will present the lecture. Trapp is author of “A Destiny of Undying Greatness: Kiffin Rockwell and the Boys Who Remembered Lafayette.”
Trapp, a lawyer in Chicago, graduated from the University of Illinois and from the law school at Washington and Lee University. While at Washington and Lee, he learned of Kiffin Rockwell, an alum who in 1916 became the first American to shoot down an enemy aircraft during World War I. Trapp wrote his book after researching Rockwell and the other American pilots who volunteered to fight for France before the United States entered
World War I.
According to Trapp’s book, Rockwell admired Lafayette’s actions during the Revolution and felt duty-bound to act to defend France in return. He was joined by other idealistic Americans, including Carthage resident James R. McConnell, a land and industrial agent for the Seaboard Air Line Railway.
After the war broke out, McConnell reportedly said, “These sandhills will be here forever, but the war won’t, so I’m going.” He left for France in January 1915, five months after Kiffin Rockwell traveled to France and enlisted in the French Foreign Legion.
Rockwell fought in the trenches until he was wounded in May 1915 by machinegun fire. After his recovery, he transferred into the newly formed French Air Service and became a founding pilot of the Lafayette Escadrille. McConnell, initially an ambulance driver, later joined the squadron and the two men became close friends. The mural of James R. McConnell and his plane is located in Carthage on the side of a building near the Moore County courthouse.
Rockwell participated in over 140 dogfights before being shot down and killed on Sept. 23, 1916. McConnell also served with distinction, dying in combat on March 19, 1917. He was the last American flier in the Lafayette Escadrille to die in combat prior to the United States’ entry into the war.
The lecture, part of FTCC’s Community History Lecture Series, will be held on the 267th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s birthday. It will be presented in partnership with the Lafayette Society in Fayetteville.
For individuals who cannot physically attend this history lecture, the event can be viewed via live-stream at https://www.faytechcc.edu/history-department-community-history-lecture-series-live-stream/.
Dr. Daniel Stewart serves as a humanities instructor at Fayetteville Technical Community College – stewartd@faytechcc.edu and can respond to inquiries about this history lecture.

(Photo: The Lafayette Escadrille pictured during a dogfight. Photo courtesy of Hank Parfitt)