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/1464360
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM 18 UCW APRIL 13 - 19, 2022 ASHLEY SHIRLEY, Staff Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomin- gweekly.com 910-484-6200. e Bright Light Brewing Company, located in the heart of downtown, is host- ing two days of community fun, and the whole family is invited. e Dogwood Festival weekend at Bright Light kicks off at noon on Saturday, April 23, and continues Sunday, April 24, starting at 1 p.m. e site for many events throughout the year, the veteran-owned and operated nano-brewery takes pride in being able to celebrate Fayetteville and its citizens. e goal for Bright Light Brewing Company is a simple one, fellowship. "All we want is people to have a good time, enjoy the fellowship, enjoy the brews and have a desire to come back again," Mike Ray, master brewer and owner, said. e Dogwood Festival, a region- al event now in its 40th year, is a popular one. Featuring four days of local fun and flavor, the festi- val has returned after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. "We enjoy the Dogwood Fes- tival," Ray said. "We see a lot of regular customers and quite a few new people. We think these festivals are fun for all, and people seem to really enjoy downtown get-togethers." Showcasing food and talent na- tive to Fayetteville and surround- ing areas, the brewery is steadfast in its commitment to local busi- ness and sees the Dogwood Fes- tival as an opportunity to provide even more support. "We offer space for vendors who otherwise might not be able to grab an available space down- town. It also offers our customers a few more vendors to purchase from and having a good beer to go along with it," Ray said. e event will host various local vendors on Saturday and Sunday, along with good food and good fun for the entire family. In addition to shopping, there will be plenty to do, drink and eat over Bright Light's festival week- end. "I think we try to leave an impression of being 'special.' From the brews to our staff, and family-oriented events, we try to be a standout amongst quite a few great breweries in the area," Ray said. Kids in attendance can look forward to face-painting and a bounce house, while adults may choose to try their hand at some ax-throwing, courtesy of Axes & X's. e Grazing Buffalo will have brats, burgers and fries on offer Saturday from 3 to 9 p.m. From 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, guests can enjoy hot dogs, "Baja California style," from the Baja Dogs food truck. No stranger to the Bright Light scene, North Carolina musician Brooke McBride will be in-house entertainment on Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. "e main thing we hope people take away from us is they had a good experience and an enjoyable beer. Hopefully, the family-friend- ly atmosphere will have them re- turning and possibly be more part of our downtown," Ray said. e Dogwood Festival Weekend at Bright Light will be held in their brewery taproom at 444 W. Rus- sell St. For more information, visit their website at https://www.bright- lightbrewco.com/. EVENT Dogwood weekend events planned at Bright Light Brewing by ASHLEY SHIRLEY Bright Light Brewing Company hosts their own festival during the Dogwood Festival weekend in downtown. (Photo courtesy of Bright Light Brewing Company.) ON STAGE MAY 5 - 29 BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW! CFRT.ORG or 910.323.4233 Join us for this landmark musical about a remarkable woman named Celie. All she knows is heartbreak and dispare, until her friend Shug helps her realize her own self-worth. Celie uses her flair for fashion to build a better future. With a joyous score featuring jazz, gospel, blues, and African music, THE COLOR PURPLE is a story of resilience and a testament to the healing power of love. Based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel! FREE HEALTH CARE • for Eligible uninsured Adults call 910.485.0555