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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WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM SEPTEMBER 1-7, 2021 UCW 13 COVER Cumberland County Fair delivers fun for everyone Sept. 3-12 by JANICE BURTON As summer winds down and the kids head back to school, many families start think- ing about the fall … cooler weather, football games and, of course, the Cumberland County Fair! e Cumberland County Fair has been a constant in the lives of many families in Cumberland County for several generations. Held at the Crown Coliseum Complex, this year's theme is "Agriculture, Food and Rides! Oh My!" While many people visit the fair for the rides and the yummy fair food, it's important to note that the Cumberland County Fair is rooted in the agricultural heritage of Cumberland County. at being said, one of the big draws to the fair annually, is the agricultural com- petitions that see kids of all ages vying for Blue Ribbons and accolades. According to organizers of the fair, there will be livestock shows and exhibits every day. If it's been a while since you were in FFA (Future Farm- ers of America for those of you not in the know) or FHA (Future Home Makers of America), it's not too late to pull your old blue corduroy jacket out of the closet or pull out your favorite recipe for pickles of jams and join in the fun. Of course, the fair is more than that. ere are fun events like the interactive petting farm. Some of these animals are cute and cuddly and some are slippery and slimy. If you like to live dangerously, you can also check out the toddler driving school, which, if done correctly, could morph into a demo- lition derby! If that isn't something that gets you excited, let's be honest : Who doesn't want to see the mayhem created by toddlers driving while hyped up on cotton candy? If toddlers crashing around isn't your idea of fun — there is still more. Cumberland County citizens of all ages submit various works of art for the annual arts and crafts show. Beautiful baskets, paintings and pot- tery are just some of the works of arts you will see on display - and yes, the artist can win a ribbon! If you have a talent you would like to share, it is not too late to enter it into the show. e Cumberland County Fair is also known for great music, and this year prom- ises to entertain. Music is on tap through- out the fair's run, and includes a variety of musical genres. •Reflections II band is a Fayetteville- based band that plays a variety of music that leaves their fans asking for more. Playing mostly cover tunes, one of the band's fans noted, "Great guys … awesome talent, great set list. Top shelf entertainment." You might want to do what one fan suggested — get on your dancing shoes and boogy on down at the fair. •e rowback Collaboration Band plays the best of rhythm and blues, dance and old school music. •If you are a little bit country, the Steel County Express has something for you. e band plays modern country and some rock and roll. •Rivermist, also a Fayetteville-based band, started its musical journey in 2014. Rivermist is a variety, party band that plays a little something for everyone. ey have a great local following and a number of kudos such as several Up & Coming Weekly Best of Fayetteville awards. Another kind of talent will be on display at the Fair, and it includes some of the most beautiful people in the county. e Cumberland County Fair Pageant is Sept. 4. ere are 10 pageant categories for contes- tants from birth to ages 20 and up. Of course, we saved the best for last : Rides, lots and lots of rides! Bumper cars, ferris wheels, scramblers, etc. Anything that spins, turns, goes upside down and back up again will on be center stage at the fair. so, grab your sweetie and lock into the fer- ris wheel and check out the view from the top — or get on a rollercoaster, and let your stomach drop. With all of the amazing things to do, you won't want to miss it! So, review the sched- ule with daily specials listed below. Admission is $8 per person (adults and children ages 3 and up). Single ride tickets are $1.25; unlimited ride wristbands are $25. Residents can purchase tickets in advance at CapeFearTix.com, Fort Bragg Leisure Travel Services and in person at the Crown Complex Box Office. e fair schedule and special ticket prices are listed below: Sept. 3: Gates open at 5 p.m. Free admis- sion for healthcare professionals. Children ages 3 - 12 get in for $5. Admission is $8 for all other individuals ages 13 and older. Sept. 4: Gates open at 1 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and children 3 years of age and older. Sept. 5: Gates open at 1 p.m. Day of Giv- ing. Free admission with six non-perishable food items. One free ticket for every six items donated. Admission is $8 for adults and children 3 years of age and older. Sept. 6: Gates open at 1 p.m. Pay One Price Night $15 admission and rides are unlimited. Sept. 7- 9: Gates open at 5 p.m. Pay One Price Night $15 admission and rides are unlimited. Sept. 10: Gates open at 5 p.m. Free admis- sion for school personnel with valid ID. Ad- mission is $8 for all other individuals ages 13 and older. Sept. 11: Gates open at 1 p.m. Free admis- sion for military and first responders with valid ID. Admission is $8 for all other indi- viduals ages 13 and older. Sept. 12: Gates open at 1 p.m. Admission is $8 for all individuals ages 13 and older For all indoor events at the fair, masks must be worn. For more information about the Cumberland County Fair, including enter- tainment and exhibits, go to cumberland- countyfair.org. JANICE BURTON, Contributing Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomigweek- ly.com 910-484-6200.