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.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1454211
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 2022 UCW 15 EVENTS e 40th annual Fayetteville Dog- wood Festival hosted a media event at the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens on the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 16. Run by a nonprofit by the same name, the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival group says that they "aim to enter- tain the members of our community, promote and sustain new and existing business. Enhance a positive com- munity image, and attract out-of-town visitors, while sharing the cultural and recreational opportunities avail- able in the Fayetteville Area." While the organization supports and plans multiple events throughout the year, none is larger or more expansive than the Dogwood Festival. And, after two years of pandemic- driven cancellations and reschedul- ing, according to Dogwood Festival Executive Director Sarahgrace Snipes, attended can expect a "full-fledged dogwood festival." "We are back," Snipes proclaimed on Wednesday evening. And back they are, with a record- setting five national acts slated to perform across the three-day festival beginning on April 22 and ending April 24. On Friday, April 22, national acts Marcy Playground and Hoobastank will take the stage. On Saturday, April 23, Dillon Carmichael, Kameron Marlowe and Tyler Farr will perform an evening of country music. Sunday, April 24, will finish off the event with headliners e Purple Madness – A Tribute to Prince. roughout all three nights, local talent will perform alongside these headliners. At the media night, festival organizers assured attendees that all of the tried and true Dogwood Festival favorites would be back in full force and "better than ever." Attractions will include: Airborn Aeri- als performances, Boom & Bloom fire- works on Friday night, King BMX bike shows, the Cork and Fork event will return, there will be a silent auction, Lafayette Ford will present the Car, Motorcycle and Truck Show, there will be a performance area on Hay Street in front of the Market House, a street fair in the downtown area, the Midway with a mix of rides and attractions for all ages and finally the KidZone will be back as well. In addition to these attractions, the Dogwood Festival has added new events for visitors this year. e Down- town Stage powered by Piedmont Natural Gas will offer country music on Saturday and Sunday, beginning at noon on Gillespie Street. Ring Wars of Carolina will be hosting a wrestling tournament on Saturday and Sunday at the intersection of Ray Avenue and Hay Street. Local attraction Sweet Val- ley Ranch will also be out with a mix of entertainment on offer as a new addition to this year's attractions. Sweet Valley Ranch Owner Fred Surgeon spoke at the media event and shared an impressive list of options Sweet Valley Ranch will bring with them to the Dogwood Festival. ey will set up on Green Street, where visitors can enjoy a petting zoo with a broad mix of animals, carnival games and even take a ride down the street on a dinosaur. Surgeon was particularly excited about the variety of animals with which festival-goers can meet and visit at the petting zoo. "It's about engaging with nature and with our animals," Surgeon said. In addition to these activities, the Surgeon explained that they would have their food truck on site. Ac- cording to Surgeon, the Sweet Valley Ranch Giveback Food Truck partners with local nonprofits, and in Novem- ber and December last year, the food truck program raised $25,000. Snipes also announced continued support with annual events that, while not directly affiliated with the Dogwood Festival, are sanctioned by the organization. ese include the annual Crimestoppers BBQ and the All American Tattoo Convention. Dogwood Festival lineup announced by EMILY SUSSMAN e Home Builders Asso- ciation of Fayetteville (HBAF) comprises builders, developers, suppliers, bankers, mortgage brokers and marketing profes- sionals. Founded in 1963, the associa- tion has provided members with a variety of resources on the housing industry and opportu- nities to grow and improve their businesses. Of 62 local asso- ciations in North Carolina, the HBAF is in the top ten largest associations. e HBAF's third annual Chili Challenge is a friendly competi- tion where members can enter their chili recipes. e winners will have the opportunity to claim the title of first or second place. ere is also an Award for Taster's Choice. In addition to the chili cook-off and chili tasting, there will be live music, Clyde's Cabin Band, and beer provided by the venue Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom. e event is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased at fay- hbanc.memberzone.com/even- tregistration/register/964 or on the day of the event at the door. Tickets are $20 and allow attendees to taste all the com- peting chilis and include two drinks. Competing teams pay $100 to participate in the Chili Challenge. "e money raised is used to further the mission of the HBAF ... to serve, advocate and promote the local building and development industries while fostering unity between mem- bers, government and the com- munity," said Natalie W. Fryer, executive officer, HBAF. Previous competitor and win- ner Tracy Mozingo hopes to win a voter's choice award this year. "Truth be told, my husband Jeff volunteered me to enter the contest because he likes my chili and thought I would enjoy the camaraderie and marketing opportunity. I then enlisted the help of fellow chili-maker and friend Kim Evers," Mozingo said. "We have won the judges' choice each year, but we'd love to take voter's choice as well!" "When we won, I felt shock and disbelief and utter excite- ment, Mozingo said. "I think I may have screamed and jumped with excitement." Evers explains that the compe- tition was steep. "We were so excited because there were so many other great chilis out there," said Evers. "We have entered every year since it started, which was in 2020. And we won the judges' vote each year," explained Moz- ingo. "Kim and I each make our own chili, and we marry the two at the event." e event is full of fun and ca- maraderie, according to Evers. "It is so much fun hanging out with all the local builders and their teams," Evers said. "It is a fun crowd." Chili challenge tip? Evers said, "Ground white pepper and lots of love." Mozingo's advice? "Get ready for spicy fun. Bring your appetite." e Chili Challenge will take place on Feb. 25 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at 5435 Corporation Drive. Unity through chili by ELAINA J. MARTIN Attendees taste chili at the second annual Chili Challenge. (Photo by Home Builders Association of Fayetteville.) EMILY SUSSMAN, Editor. COMMENTS? editor@upand- comingweekly.com. 910-484- 6200. ELAINA J. MARTIN, Staff Writer. COMMENTS? editor@ upandcomingweekly.com. 910- 484-6200.