Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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14 UCW NOVEMBER 7-13, 2018 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM 'World's Largest Spaghetti Dinner' celebrates 60 years a STAFF REPORT Food. It sustains the hu- man body, and when shared in good company, it nour- ishes the soul. Empires have been built and destroyed, battle plans drawn and peace accords brokered at the dinner table. In the case of the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church's annual "World's Largest Spaghetti Din- ner," it's where long-lasting friendships are formed and a community is strength- ened. It's been that way for 60 years now. Nov. 14, once again, the Greek Orthodox congregation will serve up mouthwatering spaghetti dinners and Greek pastries at the Hellenic Center at 614 Oakridge Ave. e dinner is a carry-out only affair; tickets are available at the door. is much-anticipated event lasts just a day, and for the congregation, it is a herculean effort. For the com- munity, it is a delectable, easy way to enjoy a hearty meal and support a noble effort. Dozens of volunteers join ranks to put together thousands of meals in just 10 short hours. at equates to around 4,000 pounds of dry pasta, 900 gal- lons of meat sauce and 200 pounds of grated cheese. e amount of work that goes into making that much spaghetti is incredible, but when the cars start lining up at the Hellenic Center and the volun- teers are bustling to fill orders, it is all worth it. Not many events get that kind of community support. While the pasta alone is a great reason to support the Spaghetti Dinner, anyone with a sweet tooth can find relief at the Greek Pastry Sale that happens in conjunction with the dinner. It is, in its own right, worth a trip to the Hellenic Center. e congregation treats the community to deli- cious Greek pastries and desserts, complete with traditional recipes and presentation twice a year. e Spaghetti Dinner is one of those times. e other is the Greek Festi- val, which happens every September. Dripping with honey, coated in pow- dered sugar, with coffee or on the go, the pastries are a decadent treat for anyone craving a little something sweet from the islands of the Mediterranean. The entire daylong event is a big commit- ment, but what is even more impressive is the fact that the money raised at the event goes right back into the commu- nity. The "World's Largest Spaghetti Dinner" is a fundraiser for local nonprofits. The beneficiaries change from year to year, but the spirit behind Spaghetti Dinner does not. Each meal costs just $6. Tickets are available at the door. is all takes place at the Hellenic Center at 614 Oakridge Ave. from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit http://stsch.nc.goarch.org/spaghetti-dinner or call the church at 910-484-8925 for information. EVENTS ere was a time when things were simpler. Slower. Hay Street was not abuzz with cars but was filled with horse-drawn carriages plodding through downtown and meandering through neighborhoods, and people stopped to greet one another as they passed on the street. Cool Spring Downtown District's Carriage Tours of Olde Fayetteville celebrate that spirit and charm all while sharing Fayette- ville's colorful history. Nov. 10, follow- ing the Veterans Day Parade, tours will depart from Cool Spring Downtown District at 222 Hay St. from 1-6 p.m. e guided tours include historic sites from Fayetteville's rich 250-year history. Riders learn about the people and events that shaped the city and get insight into the places and personalities that have become local legacy and lore. You may think you know Fayetteville, but chances are, even if you've lived here your whole life, you will learn something new. Dr. Hank Parfitt started the carriage rides three years ago. "Part of it is that over the years I learned more and more about Fayetteville's history," he said. "I was surprised how far back our history goes. For 150 years, Fayetteville was a commercial and trading center for the state, and it had an important role in government. ere are just so many interesting people and events, and I am always looking for ways to promote my hometown." He is still passionate about the carriage rides and the way they highlight local history. It's important to Parfitt that the tours are not only fun, but historically accurate, too. at's why all the guides receive one- on-one training with the city historian. "e response has been phenomenal," said Parfitt. "I noticed a real increase in the numbers of people we seem who have moved to Fayetteville recently. And they do the tours because they want to learn more about their new town. It is a great way to get a connection to your new community. It's a fun way to learn something and make memo- ries – and take some fun selfies." Parfitt added that more than 40 percent of carriage riders are from out of town, and two-thirds of that group are from out of state. In addition to monthly rides in the warmer months, there are themed rides throughout the year as well. ere are rides at A Dickens Holiday, during December and on Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, among others. e rides during A Dickens Holi- day, which is on Nov. 23, run from 1-9 p.m. Expect to see the drivers, carriages and even horses dressed for the occasion. Parfitt noted that there are two kinds of carriage rides at A Dickens Holiday – two wagons that seat up to 12 people and the Queen Victoria carriages, which can seat up to six people. For reservations for A Dickens Holiday carriage rides, call 910-223-1089. Tickets sell out fast. Parfitt also said carriage rides will also run weekends throughout December and will include Santa Claus. For the November and December rides, advanced reservations are recommended. Call 910-678-8899 to reserve a ticket for the Nov. 10 or December rides. Tickets are $25 per person; $20 with military ID; and $15 for children under 12. Historic carriage rides offer new perspective on downtown by STEPHANIE CRIDER Cool Spring Downtown District's Carriage Tours of Olde Fayetteville offer horse-drawn car- riage rides monthly in warmer months and for special occasions. e "World's Largest Spaghetti Dinner" is a herculean effort for the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church congregation. But it's worth it, as all the money goes right back into the community's local nonprofits.