Lumberton market brings carnival atmosphere

LUMBERTON — The Lumberton Farmers and Vendor Market continued to grow Saturday, adding a carnival atmosphere, mobile entertainment and local vendors as organizers used the event as a practice run for the upcoming Kids Fest. The market brought together food, shopping, family activities and several mobile businesses, giving residents a chance to spend the day outside while supporting local and regional vendors. Organizers said the event also helped prepare for Kids Fest, which is scheduled for June 12-13. A major draw was Moore’s Greater Shows, a mobile carnival operated by James Moore, a fifth-generation carnival owner. Moore said he has been around the carnival business all his life, including working concession stands at state fairs, but wanted to bring a smaller carnival experience to communities like Lumberton. Moore said the visit also had a personal connection. The last time he was in Lumberton, he was 10 years old, and he was excited to bring carnival rides back to the city. The show featured several rides and games aimed at giving families a day to make memories. War Wagon Cigar Lounge also joined the market, bringing Stella, the company’s older mobile cigar lounge, which is expected to be retired soon for a remodel. The veteran-owned business is operated by owners Connor and Katie Fuller, with Lin Ellis working Saturday’s event. War Wagon has been in business a little more than six years and operates as a boutique cigar lounge with a traveling humidor. “A lot of people didn’t know if a cigar boutique would work,” Ellis said. The business also offers customers a chance to buy an extra cigar to be sent to veterans overseas. Another featured attraction was Club 9 Co., operated by Bonnie “Chach” Piller and Dylan Jenkins, who brought a “Mobile Top Golf” experience to Lumberton. The setup uses a sensor in front of the tracks to read golfers’ swings and send the results to a computer. Players can choose from multiple options, including courses, live games and even cornhole. Piller said the idea came while she was postpartum and looking for a way to be active without leaving her baby behind. “I wanted to be active after having a baby, but didn’t have anyone to be home looking after the baby,” Piller said. She said the larger goal is to create more shared experiences for families and friends. “We need more reasons to come together,” Piller said. The market’s continued growth reflects rising interest in community-centered events in Lumberton, with Kids Fest expected to build on that momentum next month.