FAYETTEVILLE TO CELEBRATE LAFAYETTE’S BIRTHDAY ON SEPTEMBER 11 AND 12

In 1825, the Revolutionary War hero 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 September 11 and 12, 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 250^th 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.

 

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11

     9 a.m. Guided tour of the Lafayette Trail.

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 in 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. A catered luncheon will be served at the historic 1924 courthouse, which stands on the site of the Duncan McRae home where Lafayette stayed during his visit. Tickets are only $20 per person and may be purchased at City Center Gallery & Books at 112 Hay Street or by calling 910-678-8899. Space is limited and early registration is recommended.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12

7am-11am Lafayette Pancake Breakfast

Start off your day of fun with delicious pancakes at Horne’s Café at 124 Hay Street. Horne’s pancakes are so light and fluffy that they almost float off the plate! They are accompanied by a hearty serving of crisp bacon or sausage. You may substitute French toast for the pancakes in honor of the famous Frenchman’s birthday! This gastronomic experience is only $7 and Horne’s will donate $2 of every plate sold to the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society, Fayetteville’s only no-kill shelter.

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9am   Lafayette Rotary Club 10K, 5K, and 1-mile Fun Run or Walk

Put on your running shoes and join the Lafayette Rotary Club in celebrating Lafayette’s birthday! Runners will cover a 10K or 5K course over gently rolling hills along shaded streets through some of Fayetteville’s prettiest neighborhoods. These races are sanctioned using the Champion Chip System.        There is also a 1-mile fun run or walk for those who just want to enjoy the great outdoors. All participants will enjoy a valuable goodie bag, sharp tee shirts, and the friendliness and helpfulness of the host Rotarians!

Registration starts at 8AM at Fayetteville Technical Community College at the corner of Hull Road and FTCC Access Road. Entry fees are only $20 for early registration before September 4. Proceeds will be used to buy dictionaries for Cumberland County Third Graders. Go to www.active.com to register or call 910-426-5507 for more information.

9am to 3pm Lafayette Open Fencing Tournament

Come see some of North Carolina’s best fencers competing for top prize in the 1^st Annual Lafayette Open Tournament. 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 last year’s Olympics 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 11 at 7PM. 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 Lafayette Parade of Pooches

   Bring your canine pal downtown for an informal gathering and parade in honor of the marquis de Lafayette. Dogs of French descent, from bijons to poodles, 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 just likes French food and wine! Gather at 9:30AM with your dog (on a leash please) at the corner of Anderson and Hay Streets. You may also call 485-2814 so we can put you on the list! A donation to Fayetteville Animal Protection Society is greatly appreciated.

10am to 3pm 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.

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10am to 5pm Festival of Yesteryear

The popular Festival of Yesteryear returns to the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex just in time for Lafayette’s birthday. This year’s festival will highlight the state’s colonial and Revolutionary War history and will be 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, such as Highland Scots, hessians, Patriot militia, and British dragoons. The re-enactors will also present several small-arms firing demonstrations throughout the day. See civilian re-enactors demonstrate colonial trades that include blacksmithing, pewtersmithing and inkle-looming.

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, call Jim Brisson at (910) 437-2603, or visit the museum’s Web site at http://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/.

 

4:30pm Reenactment of Lafayette’s Eulogy

For the real history buffs, there will be a reenactment of Lafayette’s eulogy at first Presbyterian Church at 4:30pm. The eulogy was given there in 1836 soon after news of the great Revolutionary War hero’s death reached Fayetteville. The reenactment will take place in the very same sanctuary, directly across from Cross Creek Park and overlooking the Lafayette statue.

The reenactment will include a live performance of “Vive la Liberte, Vive Lafayette” by Methodist University chorale under the direction of Michael Martin. “Vive la Liberte” is an original score for choir with piano and flute written by California composer Jenni Brandon.  Brandon was commissioned by the “Committee of Arrangements” for Lafayette’s 250th birthday celebration in Fayetteville in 2007. The chorale will be accompanied by Scott Marosek on piano and Tonya Edwards on flute.

 

     5 to 8 p.m. Lafayette Birthday Barbecue and Concert

Gather around Lafayette’s statue in beautiful Cross Creek Park downtown and enjoy eastern North Carolina-style barbecue and live music by Joyner, Young, and Marie, Fayetteville’s “good time rock-and-roll band.” Hosted by the Lafayette Society, the Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum, and Morgan Stanley-Smith Barney. Tickets are only $10 per person and may be purchased at City Center Gallery & Books, 112 Hay Street or by calling 910-678-8899. Each $10 donation will be used to help purchase bronze and granite 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. 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.

 

Read more about Lafayette from local historian Roy Parker Jr.

Make a Donation to the Lafayette 250 Committee by contacting us today!