The Tourism Promotion Committee of the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled another Trail Festival Weekend in Mother Nature’s Playground, starting Friday, Feb. 14 through Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025.
This will be the third year for the wintertime weekend festival celebrating all things outdoor in Bladen County. The committee is actively planning guided hikes, bike rides and paddle events at several of the area’s parks.
This year’s offerings will include an evening gathering on Friday, Feb. 14 at the Cape Fear Farmers Market, which serves as “Basecamp,” for fellowship and storytelling. The following evening, a campfire and meal will be offered at Camp Clearwater, so that participants can share their stories and tales of their adventures.
New this year will be a Basecamp Outdoor Expo at the Cape Fear Farmers Market on Saturday, Feb. 15. Vendors and manufacturers of outdoor supplies and gear are encouraged to attend. Attendees can expect to learn more about hiking, mountain biking, geo-caching, bird watching, and other activities available in the area.
The Committee is seeking sponsors for the event, entertainment sponsors and vendors for the Outdoor Expo. Sponsorship and vendor information is available on the Chamber’s website.
The Committee hopes to attract residents and visitors to the festivities. Local lodging and accommodation partners are offering special discounted rates for the weekend.
For more information, go to https://elizabethtownwhitelake.com/trail_festival_weekend/.
Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel
Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo
