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/1497864
6 UCW APRIL 27 - 30, 2023 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Ring Wars Carolina returns by AUBRETTE REID The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival is bringing back the excitement of pro wrestling this year. Ring Wars Carolina is an independent profes- sional wrestling company based out of Hope Mills. They will host multiple wrestling matches at the Ray Avenue and Hay Street intersection. For festival patrons, this is an op- portunity to see professional wres- tling up close that you want to take advantage of. The matches will occur on Satur- day and Sunday and show times are noon, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 p.m. Ring Wars Carolina has been pro- viding quality entertainment since 1996, with a focus on the Carolinas since 2002. Their mission is to pro- vide quality entertainment that is fun for the entire family. They are sure to deliver at the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival. The best part of this event is that it is completely free. It provides an excellent option for families and any- one looking for great live entertain- ment. It is also a chance to experience the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival and meet new people who are also fans of pro wrestling. Experience the thrill of live wres- tling, cheer on their favorite wres- tlers, and meet new people in a fun and family-friendly environment. For more infromation on Ring Wars Carolina, visit w w w.ringwarscaro- lina.net/. Learn a new skill and have fun with Axes & Armor by AUBRETTE REID The addition of the mobile axe throwing trailer from the Axes & Armor Hatchet House adds to the fun and excitement of the Dogwood Festival. The Axes & Armor Hatchet House will be up Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. on Gillespie Street. The free attraction provides festival patrons a chance to try axe throwing in a safe and controlled environment. All patrons must sign a waiver before throwing an axe. You do not want to miss out on the opportunity to try your hand at axe throwing while testing your throw- ing skills and aim. Throwing an axe can be an excel- lent opportunity to bond with friends or family. It's also a chance to meet new people and learn a new skill you can show off to your friends later. So, stop by the mobile throwing trailer while visiting the Dogwood Festival, and have some fun while testing your skills. The Axes & Armor Hatchet House has two locations, one in Fayetteville at 4005 Raeford Road, and one in Spring Lake at 409 N. Bragg Blvd. For info visit w w w.axesandarmor.com/. A T T R A C T I O N S Entertainers ready for Performance Area by KATHLEEN RAMSEY Shadows of the Fire and Air Born Aerials will be in the Performance Area near the Market House on Hay Street. Debbie Belles, who helps coordinate all the logistics of the space for the performers, said that all the dancers are looking forward to the event. Shadows of the Fire will host four dancers, includ- ing Belles herself, during the festival. The group has been enter- taining at Dogwood Festival since the early 2000s, Belles said. "It's always a fun time." Air Born Aerials will perform Saturday only at 1, 2, 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Perfor- mance Area entertainment runs from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. T H U R S D A Y , A P R I L 2 7 The Dogwood Festival kicks off this year with its premier food and wine event, Cork &Fork. This celebration of food brings together local chefs and restaurants in one place for people to try out their tasty offerings. Wine pairings will also be available as part of the event. Cork &Fork will be held at Festival Park in downtown Fayetteville, April 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Single tick- ets purchased before April 27 are $40. A "date night" couples' ticket is $75. Day of tickets are $45. Guests can visit the different food and beverage vendors and sample hors d'oeuvres created especially for Cork & Fork. Included in the cost of the ticket are unlimited food tast- ings and 10 wine sample tickets. Each ticket is worth a 2 ounce sample pour of wine. Three tickets can be used for a full 6 ounce pour or a 16 ounce beer. Vendors include Bees & Boards Charcuterie, Guatemala Centro America, Burney's Sweets and more, and Gaston Brewing Company, as well as several others. "This is the third year that we've been doing Cork & Fork," said Troy Rasmussen, owner and president, Gaston Brewing Company. "Last year we did a spinach and feta stuffed ravioli in a pesto Alfredo sauce. It was a huge hit, so we are probably going to be doing something similar this year." Rasmussen said Gaston Brewing Company will also be providing beverages for the Dogwood Festival as a whole. Their blackberry ale, Velvet Art, will be available as well as their New England IPA State of Lunacy. Their Namaste Lavender Ale will also be served. "We think it's a great collaborative relationship to partner with these different festival organizers and organizations within our down- town space," Rasmussen said. "The more successful these festivals and events are, the more it brings people downtown, and that benefits all of us. For us, it's an opportunity to be a part of something and hopefully our little contribution helps to add to the success of the event." Tickets to Cork & Fork can be pur- chased day of, or in advance at w w w. thedogwoodfestival.com/cork-fork. Cork & Fork kicks off festival with food, drink, fun by ALYSON HANSEN