‘Rumba’ adds spice to Lumberton

By Alexis Prine
Staff Writer

The city of Lumberton sponsored their annual Rumba on the Lumber March 4. The city enjoyed a number of festivities, including the Family Fun Mile and the 5K mile run.

Photo by Alexis Prine The Family Fun Mile was another of the several events that took place.  Parents and their children were allowed to participate in the race.

UNCP’s Coach Jeff Bolles was the lead in both races.  Bolles has been involved with the Rumba for four years and says he really enjoys helping out.  He is also a member of RoadRunners and this is one of their sponsored events.

“It was alot of work but fun,” said Bolles.

Before the races began Congressman Mike McIntyre provided words of support and encouragement while Bugs Bunny hyped  up the crowd.  Every child that participated in the Fun Mile received a medal.

Shania Leake, 8, ran the race and said she enjoys running.  She enjoyed her day at the Rumba and received a medal for participating in the Fun Mile.

At the start of the next race Junior Miss Lumbee Alexis Locklear sang the national anthem.  The 5K race had athletes from different schools and organizations running and taking part.

There was a Budweiser Chili Beach and Blues cook off which brought contestants from across the Carolinas to Lumberton to participate. 

Several booths were set up, many to sell novelties, others to provide information on the event’s sponsors. The chili contest had 30 teams and included ingredients ranging from pineapple, alcohol, cayenne pepper and even dolphin.  These contestants had not only their booths decorated, but also decorated themselves to help give their chili a winning edge.

In the midst of the cook off and the races, children could keep themselves busy by going to the “Kids Zone” which included games, a rock climbing wall and an inflated bouncer.  There was face painting and a lot of food to choose from if you did not like chili.  During the day’s activities, Coldshot performed in the Plaza.

Photo by Alexis Prine The band Coldshot performed at the Plaza during the weekend’s festivities.

After a long day of running, eating and fun, the excitement moved to the Black Water Grille in Lumberton. 

Refreshments were served and DJ Bobby Bodiford kept the crowd entertained.