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/1500333
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM 14 UCW MAY 31 - JUNE 6, 2023 5th Annual Wing Fling benefits visually impaired, blind by ISAIAH JONES e 5th Annual Out of Sight Wing Fling is taking place on June 3, hosted by the Vision Resource Center. It's a chicken wing cook-off to raise awareness for the blind and visually impaired in the city. Guests and judges will be blind- folded for the initial judging— only being able to taste, feel and smell, who has the best wings. is year 11 competitors will be battling it out for a cash prize, with their own custom spices and sauces. e wings being used for the cook-off are donated by Mountaire every year. Dirtbag Ales is hosting the event for the second year in a row, pairing the variety of delicious wings with local brews, live music, and food trucks to enjoy. ere will also be different sta- tions and activities for guests to participate in to educate the public on the living experience of the visu- ally impaired. All the proceeds raised from the Wing Fling will be go toward assist- ed technology for the blind and vi- sually impaired here in Cumberland County. Early bird tickets for the public are $15, which gets you 11 wings, one from every competitor participating. For the real chicken wing lovers, the event is offering VIP tickets for $75. is includes unlim- ited wings from any competitor, a VIP tent with snacks and drinks, custom brew and glass from Dirt- bag Ales, and a fast pass to go through lines with ease. e Vision Re- source Center is a nonprofit organiza- tion for adults and children based here in Fayetteville that enhances the quality of life for the blind and visually impaired in every way they can. e nonprofit offers several programs, social activities, support groups, and classes. Up & Coming Weekly had a chance to sit down and talk with Terri omas, the passionate Execu- tive Director of the Vision Resource Center. omas became executive direc- tor in 2010 and has been organizing the Wing Fling since the beginning. "When it comes to the Vision Re- source Center, we try to meet them where they are, to be able to help people with whatever they need to do," she said. "Just depends on the day of the week. ere are a lot of things under the umbrella of VRC." When asked how she hopes the Wing Fling will grow, she says "Our goal is to have different businesses compet- ing, having vendors that connect to our mission, and having other non- profits to be able to come out and compete. It would be a great way to network and also the chance to do something different." Don't miss out on the chance to learn how we can all help enhance the lives of the visually impaired, while enjoying great wings and fel- lowship at the same time! e event is from noon to 4 p.m. at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom located in Hope Mills. To purchase tickets for the event or volunteer with the Vision Resource Center, visit www.Visionresourcecentercc. org or call 910-483-2719. EVENTS Fayetteville After Five returns with music, food and fun by AUBRETTE REID Join the Fayetteville After Five au- dience on June 9 at Festival Park for a free Friday night concert featuring music, food and fun. e venue is located at 335 Ray Avenue. Two bands will be performing: Honeysickle and On the Border, e Ultimate Eagles Tribute band. In addition, there will also be several food trucks for ordering food. e gates open at 5 p.m., with Honeysickle performing at 6 p.m. On the Border starts at 8 p.m., with the music ending around 10:30 p.m. Admission is free. Fayetteville After Five happens on the second Friday of June, July and August. e concert is outside, and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to the family- friendly event. Canopies, coolers, outside food, beverages are prohibited (food and beverages can be purchased from the various food trucks). Service dogs are welcome. e concert is scheduled to begin with Honeysickle, based out of Wilmington. e band performs rock 'n' roll rooted in deep southern funk and blues. Honeysickle describes their sound as "gritty, funky and raw." eir sound will have you jamming right along with them. On the Border is billed as e Ul- timate Eagles Tribute band and will close the show. On the Border will cover all the Eagles' big hits from "Life in the Fast Lane," "Desperado," "Heartache Tonight," "Lyin' Eyes," and many more. In 2015 they were invited to ap- pear on AXS TV's hit show, "e World's Greatest Tribute Bands." If you're a fan of the Eagles or en- joy classic rock and timeless music, mark your calendar for June 9 at Festival Park. While you enjoy the music, you can go on a culinary adventure with various food trucks that will be pres- ent at the event. Treat yourself while exploring food from Drizzle D's Donuts, which offers artisan do- nuts; Lee's Kitchen with its savory Jamaican and southern soul food; Asadito, is bringing Argentinean cuisine; and Steel Smokin is known for its tasty BBQ. For more information about Fayetteville After Five visit www. thedogwoodfestival.com/fayette- ville-after-five. AUBRETTE REID, Staff Writer. COMMENTS? editor@upandcom- ingweekly.com. 910-484-6200. ISAIAH JONES, U&CW Graphic Designer. COMMENTS? editor@ upandcomingweekly.com. Guests and judges at the Wing Fling cook-off will be blindfolded as they taste wings from 11 competitors. (Photo of previous event courtesy Vision Resource Center).