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Spring’s arrival means Downtown is set to burst with music, flavor and family fun as the 43-year-strong Fayetteville Dogwood Festival returns Friday through Sunday, April 25-27, and I can’t think of a better way for us to share our “Can Do” spirit.
When gates open Friday at 5 p.m., carnival rides spin beside the Street Fair while Fayetteville rock favorite Echostone headlines the Festival Park stage, joined by The Simpletones and Fear State. Saturday brings an even bigger surge of sights and sounds: more than 20 food trucks, a bustling vendor market, free BMX stunt exhibitions, a kids’ zone, and the new “Cooking for a Cause” Wing Cook-Off before rising country stars Josh Ross and Drew Baldridge close the night with chart-topping energy.
On Sunday, classic and custom cars roll onto Person Street for a show-and-shine showcase while Throwback Collaboration Band caps the final concert slate. Throughout the weekend you’ll also find pro-wrestling exhibitions, crafts, fresh-cut lemonade, and, of course, that unmistakable Midway laughter that tells you spring has officially blossomed. Best of all, admission is free every day at the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival. For a full schedule and updates, visit thedogwoodfestival.com or visit them on social media.
I know many of you have been concerned with the recent spike in violence in our city. Like you, I’ve felt the weight of the recent events, and my heart is with every family who is grieving.
Fayetteville is a resilient, caring community. These incidents do not define us nor our City, and they do not diminish the remarkable things happening in our neighborhoods every day. Together, with vigilant policing, strong community programs, and neighbors looking out for one another—we will turn this moment of concern into renewed unity and resolve. We are extremely close to hiring a director for the new Office of Community Safety which will focus on violence-interruption, mental-health diversion, and youth mentorship programs—because enforcement alone is never enough.
Whether you stop in our community for a few hours or spend three full days downtown, your safety remains our top priority. Your presence at the Dogwood Festival fuels our local businesses, vendors helping our City grow. I also want to thank volunteers who make Fayetteville’s signature festival possible. I encourage you to Bring lawn chairs, sunscreen and plenty of hometown pride; then stay late as the stage lights glow.
When you see me in the crowd, please say hello.
Best,
Douglas J. Hewett
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