Lillington Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the 2024 Rock the River Awards, which celebrate and recognize some of Lillington’s finest community leaders and businesses.
This year’s awardees were:

Man of the Year: Matt Brown, Fulton Farm

Woman of the Year: Melanie Stewart, The Underground Railroad
Business of the Year: Butterfly Counseling
Bill and Mildred Johnson Beautification Award: First Bank & Trust Co. of Virginia
The awards ceremony took place at Carolina Barn in Angier, where guests enjoyed delicious food and drinks as they gathered to celebrate the contributions of locals to the betterment of the community.


Once Upon a Bite launched in early 2026 and has continued to grow through local markets, festivals, private events and community partnerships throughout the Fayetteville area.
Photo provided by Skin Specialists of FayettevilleA Veteran-owned Fayetteville medical spa that launched during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a multi-disciplinary aesthetics and wellness practice — winning the 2024 Readers’ Choice Award for Be
Josh Buracchio and his wife Gina had a vision two years ago: to bring the best of their beloved Pittsburgh’s culinary scene to Fayetteville.