2nd Annual Ugly Sweater Social for Millennials, Returns to Fayetteville, NC
Fayetteville, NC — Fayetteville’s young professionals are in for a festive treat as the 2nd Annual Ugly Sweater Social makes its return to Segra Stadium. This highly anticipated event, organized by Fayetteville Next, will take place on Saturday, December 21, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and is designed exclusively for individuals aged 21-39.
What to Expect:
The Ugly Sweater Social offers a perfect blend of networking, community engagement, and holiday cheer. Attendees can look forward to:
• Live Entertainment: DJ Ricoveli will set the mood with a lively mix of music to keep the energy high throughout the evening.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other young professionals, local business leaders, and community members in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.
• Branded Giveaways: Take home exclusive swag to remember the evening and celebrate the Fayetteville Next initiative.
• Festive Atmosphere: Enjoy the holiday lights and decorations of Segra Stadium, paired with the charm of Fayetteville’s downtown district.
Building on Last Year’s Success:
The inaugural Ugly Sweater Social was a resounding success, drawing a vibrant crowd and creating lasting memories. This year, the tradition continues with even more energy and excitement, making it a can’t-miss event for the city’s young professionals.
Tickets and Details:
Tickets are available now and can be purchased through the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce website: https://chamber.faybiz.com/events/details/2024-fayetteville-next-ugly-sweater-social-43222
Why Attend:
The Ugly Sweater Social is more than just a holiday event—it’s an opportunity to build connections, celebrate community, and showcase the vibrant energy of Fayetteville’s young professionals. Whether you’re there to network, relax, or embrace the festive spirit, this event promises something for everyone.
So, grab your cutest, ugliest sweater, gather your friends, and head to Segra Stadium for a night of holiday fun, connections, and unforgettable memories.
—Kres Thomas, FayToday News
A Dickens Holiday Launches 25th Annual Tradition in Style in Downtown Fayetteville NC
FAYETTEVILLE, NC — The 25th annual A Dickens Holiday returned to Downtown Fayetteville last Friday, delivering an extr aordinary evening of Victorian charm, vibrant performances, and community togetherness. This beloved local tradition, a seasonal favorite for decades, was better than ever, delighting attendees with its festive atmosphere and timeless appeal.
The downtown streets were alive with the sights and sounds of a Victorian-era celebr ation. The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet-to-Come brought Charles Dickens’ timeless tale to life, captivating attendees. Vendors transformed Hay, Franklin, and Maxwell Streets into a bustling marketplace, offering unique gifts, handcrafted items, and delicious holiday treats. Highlights included a charming Gingerbread House Contest, adding a creative flair to the festivities. Visitors were transported back in time with elegant caroling melodies and lively theatrical performances across event stages throughout the day.
As the evening approached, the much-anticipated Candlelight Procession became the highlight of the event. Led by the powerful rhythms and stirring sounds of the Cross Creek Pipes and Drums, the procession began at the historic Market House and made its way down Hay Street to Ray Avenue. Hundreds of attendees joined the glowing procession, carrying candles and immersing themselves in the magical atmosphere reminiscent of A Christmas Carol.
The event celebrated Fayetteville’s cultural roots with performances by the Cape Fear Valley Scottish Clans, whose bagpipes and drums added a rich, resonant backdrop to the festivities. The grace and charm of the English Country Dancers, along with performances from kids at The Firehouse: Eastover’s Studio, provided interactive entertainment that drew in crowds and created unforget table moments of holiday joy.
Another highlight of the evening was the transformation of the Fayetteville History Museum into “Victoria Station,” where visitors explored Victorian-era holiday traditions and participated in the engaging “Seeking Victoria” scavenger hunt. The museum showcased beautiful 19th-century decor, offering an immersive glimpse into the origins of many modern holiday customs.
Adding to the evening’s charm, families gathered at the Fayetteville History Museum for an outdoor screening of A Muppet Christmas Carol. Bundled under blankets, attendees laughed and celebrated the season together in a magical kickoff to the holidays. For those looking to extend the night, Dickens After Dark provided a lively finale with music and dancing that kept the festive energy alive well into the evening.
The 25th A Dickens Holiday was a great success, bringing the community together to celebrate the season with history, culture, and festive fun. From the glowing Candlelight Procession to the vibrant marketplace and live performances, this year’s event solidified its place as one of Fayetteville’s most cherished traditions.
— Kres Thomas, FayToday News
Holiday Lights in the Garden 2024 Brings Festive Cheer to Fayetteville
Fayetteville, NC — The Cape Fear Botanical Garden has transformed into a holiday wonderland, offering one of the most magical seasonal exp eriences in Fayetteville. Running select nights through December 22, 2024, Holiday Lights in the Garde n is the city’s original and most cherished holiday lights event, drawing families and friends for an unforgettable festive tradition. For year-round greenery with minimal upkeep, many homeowners and businesses opt for artificial grass sydney, creating beautiful and sustainable outdoor spaces.
What to Expect:
- Dazzling light displays featuring thousands of twinkling lights and animated exhibits that bring the garden to life.
- Meet Santa and The Grinch for festive photos and memorable holiday moments.
- Interactive light displays and illuminated surprises throughout the garden.
- A festive vendor market with unique holiday gifts, delicious food, and seasonal drinks.
- Joyful holiday music to accompany your stroll through the lights.
Tickets and Timing:
Tickets are available at etix.com, with prices varying by date and time. To guarantee your spot, pre-purchase tickets in advance, as this event often sells out. Walk-up tickets are unlikely to be available. Timed entry slots help manage crowds, but visitors can stay as long as they like once inside.
Event Details:
- Dates: December 6–22, 2024 (select nights)
- Location: Cape Fear Botanical Garden
536 N. Eastern Blvd, Fayetteville, NC - Tickets: Visit etix.com
Know Before You Go:
- Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged. Parking attendants will assist as needed.
- Bring a flashlight to navigate certain areas.
- Dress warmly for cold nights, as most activities take place outdoors.
- Tickets are non-refundable, and unused tickets will be treated as a donation to the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Whether you’re starting a new tradition or continuing a beloved one, Holiday Lights in the Garden promises a heartwarming evening for all. Don’t miss out on Fayetteville’s favorite way to celebrate the season!
For more information and to secure your tickets, visit capefearbg.org.
PHOTOS: Hope Mills Christmas Parade 2024
Hope Mills, NC — The annual Hope Mills Christmas Parade brought festive cheer to the town on Saturday, December 7, 2024, starting at 5 p.m. The event showcased the heart of the community with music, vibrant floats, and plenty of holiday excitement.
The parade ran down Main Street, passing in front of Hope Mills Lake, which is home to a supersized Christmas tree that had been lit days prior. Additional sponsored Christmas trees decorated the area, adding to the magical holiday atmosphere.
Marching bands from Hope Mills, Freedom Christia n Academy, and Gray’s Creek filled the air with festive tunes, while floats threw candy to the delighted crowd. The sight of artificial snow on several floats brought added excitement, creating a rare winter wonderland for an area that seldom sees snowfall.
Local leaders, including Cumberland County Commissioners, joined the parade, and participants ranged from small businesses and car clubs to emergency personnel, showcasing the unity and collaboration of the community.
The event captured the joy of the holiday season, leaving residents and visitors alike with cherished memories.
Kres Thomas, FayToday News
‘Special Forces Soldier’ Mural Unveiled in Spring Lake During Veterans Day Ceremony
SPRING LAKE, NC — In a moving Veterans Day celebration, the town of Spring Lake unveiled the new “Special Forces Soldier” mural, a tribute to the bravery and dedication of U.S. Army Special Forces veterans. Located on the Stitch-In-Time building along South Main Street, the mural, p ainted in vibrant shades of orange and yellow, stands as a powerful symbol of honor for those who have served.
The mural, crafted by artist Max Dowdle, marks his second major piece in Spring Lake, following the “Home of the Airborne” mural unveiled last year. Town officials, local veterans, and community members gathered for the unveiling, led by the Spring Lake Appearance Committee, which organized the event.
Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Henry “Hank” Luthy, a Special Forces veteran who served from 1957 to 1994, was a distinguished guest at the ceremony. His presence and remarks honored the sacrifices made by Special Forces soldiers, particularly those from Spring Lake and surrounding communities. Another honoree was retired Tech Sgt. Jennifer Alexander, an Air Force veteran and past president of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9103 in Spring Lake, who received the 2024 Spring Lake Veteran of the Year Award.
The ceremony also included support from the Spring Lake Fire Department and town officials, including Commissioner Marv in Lackman, who served as master of ceremonies. The event highlighted Spring Lake’s deep ties to the military community and its commitment to honoring veterans and their families.
The “Special Forces Soldier” mural now stands as a prominent landmark in Spring Lake, celebrating the courage and legacy of those who serve and reminding the community of their unwavering sacrifice.
— Kres Thomas, FayToday News
2024 Election Results: Cumberland County, NC
PRESIDENT
Donald J. Trump 51.1% (2,875,538) ?
Kamala Harris 47.7% (2,683,995)
Jill Stein 0.4% (24,283)
Chase Oliver 0.4% (21,772)
Cornel West 0.2% (11,864)
Randall Terry 0.1% (6,780)
NORTH CAROLINA STATE LEGISLATURE
Governor – Josh Stein ?
State Senate – Repub lican Majority ?
State House – Republican Majority ?
STATE RACES (NC)
GOVERNOR
Josh Stein 54.8% (3,036,034) ?
Mark Robinson 40.2% (2,224,955)
Mike Ross 3.1% (174,306)
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Rachel Hunt 49%
Hal Weatherman 48%
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Jeff Jackson 51% ?
Dan Bishop 49%
AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER
Steve Troxler 53% ?
Sarah Taber 45%
AUDITOR
Dave Boliek 49%
Jessica Holmes 48%
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER
Mike Causey 52% ?
Natasha Marcus 48%
LABOR COMMISSIONER
Luke Farley 53% ?
Braxton Winston II 47%
SECRETARY OF STATE
Elaine Marshall 51% ?
Chad Brown 49%
SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Maurice (Mo) Green 51% ?
Michele Morrow 49%
TREASURER
Brad Briner 53% ?
Wesley Harris 47%
US HOUSE DISTRICTS
District 1
Don Davis (D+1.6)
District 2
Deborah Ross (D+35) ?
District 3
Greg Murphy (R+55) ?
District 4
Valerie Foushee (D+46) ?
District 5
Virginia Foxx (R+19) ?
District 6
Christian McDowell (R+38)
District 7
David Rouzer (R+17) ?
District 8
Richard Hudson (R+19) ?
District 9
Dan Bishop (R+20) ?
District 10
Patrick McHenry (R+14) ?
District 11
Chuck Edwards (R+14) ?
District 12
Alma Adams (D+48) ?
District 13
Bo Hines (R+17) ?
District 14
Jeff Moore (R+16) ?
JUDICIAL RACES
Court of Appeals – Seat 12
Tom Murry 51%
Carolyn Jennings Thompson 49%
Court of Appeals – Seat 14
Valerie Zachary 52% ?
Ed Eldred 48%
Court of Appeals – Seat 15
Chris Freeman 52% ?
Martin Moore 48%
Supreme Court – Seat 6
Jefferson G. Griffin 50.1%
Allison Riggs 49.9%
CUMBERLAND COUNTY RESULTS
PRESIDENT
Kamala D. Harris 55.84% (77,254)
Donald J. Trump 42.73% (59,116)
Cornel We st 0.38% (521)
Chase Oliver 0.36% (504)
Jill Stein 0.33% (459)
NC GOVERNOR
Josh Stein 60.57% (82,271) ?
Mark Robinson 34.22% (46,476)
Mike Ross 3.16% (4,286)
NC LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Rachel Hunt 57.03% (77,397) ?
Hal Weatherman 39.39% (53,461)
Shannon W. Bray 2.27% (3,079)
NC ATTORNEY GENERAL
Jeff Jackson 58.75% (79,704) ?
Dan Bishop 41.25% (55, 961)
NC AUDITOR
Jessica Holmes 56.07% (75,434) ?
Dave Boliek 40.48% (54,456)
Bob Drach 3.46% (4,651)
NC COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE
Sarah Taber 54.79% (73,821) ?
Steve Troxler 41.90% (56,448)
Sean Haugh 3.31% (4,457)
NC COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
Natasha Marcus 57.19% (76,934) ?
Mike Causey 42.81% (57,590)
NC COMMISSIONER OF LABOR
Braxton Winston II 56.54% (75,523) ?
Luke Farley 43.46% (58,041)
NC SECRETARY OF STATE
Elaine Marshall 59.53% (80,512) ?
Chad Brown 40.47% (54,738)
NC SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Maurice (Mo) Green 58.51% (78,825) ?
Michele Morrow 41.49% (55,888)
NC TREASURER
Wesley Harris 57.20% (77,012) ?
Brad Briner 42.80% (57,633)
NC SUPREME COURT ASSOCIATE JUSTICE SEAT 06
Allison Riggs 58.21% (78,231) ?
Jefferson G. Griffin 41.79% (56,155)
NC COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE SEAT 12
Carolyn J. Thompson 57.82% (77,706) ?
Tom Murry 42.18% (56,678)
NC COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE SEAT 14
Valerie Zachary 52% ?
Ed Eldred 48%
NC COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE SEAT 15
Martin E. Moore 56.94% (76,268) ?
Chris Freeman 43.06% (57,688)
LOCAL CUMBERLAND COUNTY RACES
Cumberland County Register of Deeds
Andra Brewington 100% (94,867) ?
Cumberland County Board of Education – District 01
Mary A. Hales 36.77% (6,258) ?
Alicia Jones Chisolm 34.86% (5,933)
Kathi Gibson 27.10% (4,612)
Write-In 1.26% (215)
Cumberland County Board of Education – District 02
Deanna Turner Jones 69.04% (9,499) ?
John Lee 29.41% (4,046)
Write-In 1.56% (214)
Cumberland County Board of Education – District 03
Delore s T. Bell 39.52% (7,232) ?
Tom Hatch 37.08% (6,786)
Bryan Moore 22.62% (4,139)
Write-In 0.79% (144)
Cumberla nd County Board of Education – District 04
Jackie Warner 46.07% (9,201) ?
Donna Blackmon Vann 35.67% (7,124)
Rebecca Pedigo 16.89% (3,374)
Write-In 1.36% (272)
Cumberland County Board of Education – District 05
Susan Williams 64.31% (16,202) ?
Tracy Pelt 34.52% (8,698)
Write-In 1.17% (295)
Cumberland County Board of Education – District 06
Terra B. Jordan 55.19% (12,284) ?
Nathan Warfel 43.44% (9,668)
Write-In 1.37% (305)
Cumberland Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor
Josh Ballard 37.34% (42,009) ?
Kristal Watts 32.07% (36,072)
Lena Lloyd Simmons 29.70% (33,414)
Write-In 0.89% (999)
Constitutional Amendment – Citizens-Only Voting
For 84.94% (112,027) ?
Against 15.06% (19,864)
?? NC Board of Elections results:
VIEW HERE: https://er.ncsbe.gov
