FAYETTEVILLE TO CELEBRATE LAFAYETTE'S BIRTHDAY ON SEPTEMBER 10
In 1825, the Revolutionary War hero marquis de Lafayette visited Fayetteville, North Carolina during his "Grand Tour" of the United States. Of all the cities named for him, Fayetteville was the only one he actually visited. It was in 1783 that Fayetteville became the very first city named for this French nobleman, who came to America's aid during its fight for freedom from England. On Saturday, September 10, Fayetteville will celebrate Lafayette's birthday with a variety of events and family-oriented activities.
The Lafayette Society of Fayetteville began an annual celebration in 2007, the 250th anniversary of Lafayette's birth. Because of that event and because of Fayetteville's unique connection to Lafayette, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives proclaimed "Fayetteville is the place where North Carolina celebrates Lafayette's birthday." Although the actual birthday is September 6, the weekend after Labor Day has been designated for the public observance.
9 a.m. Guided tour of the Lafayette Trail.
Photos courtesy of: Alphonso Peppers
The Lafayette Trail is one of the Cultural Heritage Driving Trails, a new program of the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. It starts at the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry Headquarters and Museum on Burgess Street in historic downtown Fayetteville. Bruce Daws, city historian and Commander of the F.I.L.I., will lead you on a fascinating trip through time as you retrace the footsteps of General Lafayette during his visit to Fayetteville in 1825. For a sneak preview, go to the website for the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.visitfayettevillenc.com.
Your journey begins with coffee and a screening of the award-winning documentary "Vive Lafayette." There will be some walking but you will be chauffeured from one site to the next in a comfortable air-conditioned bus. After the tour, you will have the rare opportunity to enjoy an elegant luncheon in the 1831 Market House. Tickets are only $30 per person and may be purchased at City Center Gallery & Books at 112 Hay Street or by calling 910-678-8899. Space is limited to only 30 people and early registration is recommended. For a sneak preview of the elegant luncheon, go to www.mcduffstearoom.com and click on "events calendar."7am-3pm Lafayette French Toast Breakfast Fundraiser for the Child Advocacy Center
Start off your day of fun with a delicious French toast breakfast in honor of the famous Frenchman's birthday! It comes with bacon or sausage and coffee for only $7 and you may substitute pancakes for French toast. For every plate sold, Horne's Café will donate $2 to the Child Advocacy Center, a nonprofit agency dedicated to stopping child abuse in Cumberland County. Horne's Café is located at 124 Hay Street and tickets may be purchased in advance there or in the front lobby of the CAC at 336 Ray Avenue. Tickets will also be available at Horne's on the day of the event.
9:00am Lafayette Parade of Pooches for the Child Advocacy Center
Photos courtesy of: Alphonso Peppers
Bring your canine pal downtown for an informal gathering and parade in honor of the marquis de Lafayette. Dogs of French descent, from poodles to bijons, will be the stars of the show but anyone can join in the fun! All breeds are welcome if they wear a costume with a French or Revolutionary War theme (think berets and bikinis!) or if the owner is French, or took French in high school, or just likes French food and wine! Dogs (or owners) in costume will have the chance to compete for prizes in several categories. Experts in dog -grooming will be on hand to offer valuable tips on how to keep your dog looking his or her best. Come meet some of the Child Advocacy Center's "welcome dogs," part of a new program at the CAC that uses therapy dogs for some of their young clients. Gather at 9:00AM with your dog (on a leash please) at the corner of Anderson and Hay Streets.
The good folks from the Dogwood Festival are helping organize this event with the Child Advocacy Center. You can call them to register ahead of time at 910-323-1934. Registration for dog and owner is just $5 and proceeds benefit the CAC. All registrants will receive a goody bag that is sure to please your pet! You may also pick up a registration form at the CAC at 336 Ray Avenue or at Horne's Café at 124 Hay Street. For those whose dog just can't plan that far ahead, on-site registration will be available.10am to 3pm Lafayette Open Fencing Tournament
Photos courtesy of: Alphonso Peppers
Come see some of North Carolina's best fencers competing for top prize in the 3rd Annual Lafayette Open Tournament. Last year's tournament drew 26 fencers and was the East Coast's largest such event. The coaching staff at All-American Fencing Academy includes former World Cup and NCAA fencers. The public is invited to watch all the action and learn more about this exciting sport.
The United States Team won a record 6 medals in the Olympics in 2008 and fencing is enjoying a surge in popularity. However, fencing has its origins in Europe over 300 years ago. THE THREE MUSKETEERS by Alexander Dumas was based on the Black Musketeers in service to the King of France. Lafayette's grandfather commanded the Black Musketeers for a time and Lafayette himself became a member of that elite unit when he was only 14.
The Lafayette Open is sanctioned by the North Carolina division of the United States Fencing Association. There will also be an unsanctioned open foil competition for ages 7 through 12 on Friday September 9 at 6:30PM. Both tournaments will take place at the academy's fencing studio at 207 B Donaldson Street in downtown Fayetteville. Spectators admitted free. Call 910-644-0137 for more information.10am to 5pm Lafayette Birthday Sidewalk Sale
After the dog parade, enjoy shopping in a unique atmosphere that only historic Downtown can offer. Downtown Alliance merchants will set up displays outside their shops with many items discounted as their way of saying "thanks!"to Fayetteville's namesake hero.
Click here for a sneak preview of the Sidewalk Sale specials!
10am to 5pm Festival of Yesteryear
Photos courtesy of: Alphonso Peppers
The popular Festival of Yesteryear returns to the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex just in time for Lafayette's birthday. This festival highlights the state's Colonial and Revolutionary War history and is an amazing historical experience for all ages. It's a full day of family fun and it's all FREE---consider it a "cultural stimulus package" for these tough economic times!
Watch military re-enactors interpret the life of 18th-century soldiers, including an artillery crew with cannon, British Dragoons and the North Carolina Highland Regiment. See civilian re-enactors demonstrate blacksmithing and other colonial trades and crafts.
Child-friendly activities will include an interactive toy and game section and a doll-making project. In Apprentice Alley, kids can make a tricorner hat, work rebus puzzles, and much more. Professional storytellers will regale both young and old with exciting tales of colonial North Carolina.
For more information or directions, visit the museum's Web site www.museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov or call Jim Brisson at (910) 437-2603
6pm to 10pm French Wine and Cheese Tasting
Experience the gastronomic pleasures of France without leaving Fayetteville! The Fresh Café at 212 Hay Street in historic Downtown will host a wine tasting from 6 to 10pm, featuring regional wines and cheeses of France. Your ticket for an evening of pleasure is only $15! The Fresh Café specializes in organic and vegetarian dishes and their motto is "Good Food Naturally."
12 noon to 5 p.m. Lafayette Birthday “Party in the
Park”
Photo courtesy of: Alphonso Peppers
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Come to Cross Creek Park downtown from 12noon to 5PM for Lafayette's big party, hosted by the Lafayette Society, the Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum, and Morgan Stanley-Smith Barney. There will be cake and ice cream while it lasts, plus great barbecue, great music, and great family fun! There will be a special kids area for games, coloring, face-painting, bounce houses, pony rides, and Truman, the mascot from Kidsville News. Enjoy a plate of eastern-style North Carolina barbecue with sides. Relax and listen to live blue grass music by Linda and Shelby and friends and enjoy a stage show by the ever-entertaing Joyner, Young, and Marie, Fayetteville's "good time rock-and-roll band." There will be plenty of seating under the tents, but feel free to bring blankets and strollers and lawn chairs! No coolers please.
Just added: Jenkins Place will be there with pony rides and shaved iced!
Admission to "Party in the Park" is FREE. Barbecue may be purchased for only $7 a plate. Barbecue tickets may be purchased in advance at City Center Gallery & Books at 112 Hay Street or by calling 910-678-8899 or on site at the time of the event. Proceeds from each ticket sold will be used to help purchase historical markers for Fayetteville's first Revolutionary War Park. Cross Creek Park is near the Market House and is located between Green Street and Anne Street across from the Systel Building, where parking is free. In the event of rain, the barbecue and concert will be held in the fellowship hall of First Presbyterian Church on Anne Street behind the park.
