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: https://www.epageflip.net/i/262402
FEBRUARY 19-25, 2014 UCW 11 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM One of Fayetteville's strengths is its diverse community. It is largely because of this diversity that the city thrives. Coming to Fayetteville in March is another opportunity for learning and celebration. Plus Size Inc., will host an expo to change the societal stigma against plus-sized women. Plus Size Inc., is a unique company with a philosophy based on the core belief that everyone should be respected and happy with themselves. "Plus Size Inc. began with a vision. The founder, once plus-sized herself, knew first hand of the discriminatory actions taken against larger people and also knew of the health struggles people face when they are overweight. She started this nonprofit as a way to educate people on living healthy and shed light on fat discrimination. What better way to draw attention than a large and fabulous expo? We can learn while having a good time," said Shanta Bellamy, the assistant to the Plus Size Inc., president. This is the first Plus-Size Expo in Fayetteville. This event provides the plus-sized community a place to find support and build self-confidence — all without judgment. The expo also focuses on child bullying and the importance of ending it, because as Bellamy said, "Children in every community need a voice. While working on this and researching outlets that are friends of the plus-size community, I have come to find that people are beginning to look at us in a more positive light, with more understanding. Not just as a sub-species in the human race or someone to ridicule. I know that we have a long way to go but it was refreshing to see so many people dedicated to the inclusion and humanizing of the plus-sized. Not to mention, I get to help bring the very first culinary library to Fayetteville! This will be a building for people to come and learn about nutrition, take cooking classes, swap recipes and even exercise in an environment where everyone looks just like you. I get to be a part of that, it is very exciting." The goal of the expo is to be fun and informative. There will be numerous vendors representing different companies. Plus Size Inc. is still accepting vendor and performer applications, as it is a new event. Paul Mitchell, Ellis Photography and 2 Cups Green Tea are just a few examples of vendors already participating. "People should not only expect a good time but they should expect to be enlightened about the plus-size population. We want people to know that it is possible to be healthy in a plus-size body and we want plus-size people to have a positive body image. In addition to crushing the negative stereotype about larger people, we want the world to see the beauty in all types of women. People should expect fun, laughter, dancing! There will be music so there must be dancing. I think that's a rule somewhere." Bellamy said. The Plus Size Expo will be held at the Crown Coliseum Expo Center located at 1960 Coliseum Dr. The event will begin at 9 a.m. on March 29 and end at 5 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase online on ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-745-300. Tickets purchased in advance cost $11.50 and $13.50 the day of the event. Senior and Military tickets are $9.50. Living Life Large by ERINN CRIDER ERINN CRIDER, Staff Writer. COM- MENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly. com. The goal of the expo is to be fun and informative. There will be numerous vendors representing different companies at the event. R First Month's Rent FREE! Mention promo code NA001 to redeem this offer. *restrictions may apply MILITARY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE! 1939 Skibo Road Fayetteville, NC 28314 910-864-1151 2655 George Owen Road Fayetteville, NC 28306 910-423-0888 526 McArthur Road Fayetteville, NC 28311 910-488-6250 3800 Bragg Boulevard Fayetteville, NC 28303 910-339-7048 1057 Rim Road Fayetteville, NC 28314 910-860-0040 3520 Bragg Boulevard Fayetteville, NC 28303 910-867-1314 320 North Reilly Road Fayetteville, NC 28303 910-339-7031 1960 Coliseum Dr. Fayetteville, NC 3 Easy Ways to Order! Online: TicketMaster.com By Phone: 800-745-3000 Crown Box Office All major credit card accepted Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. Feb. 27 7:00 PM Feb. 28 7:00 PM Mar. 1 11:00 AM 3:00 PM 7:00 PM Mar. 2 1:00 PM 5:00 PM Choose Your Seats: $21.50, $36.50, $51.50, VIP Saving offer excludes Front Row and VIP seats. No double discounts. Additional fees may apply.