|
As the holiday season continues, I hope you’ll take a moment this weekend spend time with people you care about and enjoy the many ways Fayetteville comes together this time of year.
First, thank you to everyone who joined us Tuesday at the Arts Council for Doug in the District. The conversation was thoughtful, candid, and constructive, exactly the kind of community dialogue that helps us better understand priorities and keep our work grounded in what residents experience every day. I’m grateful to each person who took time out of their evening to ask questions, share ideas, and offer feedback. This strengthens our decision-making and helps us keep Fayetteville a place you can be proud of.
If you’re looking for an easy way to step into the season, bundle up and join us downtown for the Fayetteville Rotary Christmas Parade this Saturday at 10 a.m., rolling from Person Street to Hay Street. There’s nothing like seeing our community line the streets with families, neighbors, and friends, sharing smiles and waving to participants who put their hearts into making the morning special.
Once the parade wraps up, Fayetteville has two can’t-miss light experiences that really capture the season. Christmas in the Park is a free, family-friendly drive-thru display at Arnette Park (2165 Wilmington Hwy), open 6–9 p.m. on Dec. 14–18, and 21–22. It is perfect for loading up the car, turning on holiday music, and enjoying the twinkling route together and for a “wow” factor downtown, Fayetteville Holiday Lights at Segra Stadium runs now through Dec. 31, featuring more than 2 million lights and displays, a large light-up tree, and plenty of festive add-ons—an easy outing for families, or a date night. It’s the kind of outing that reminds you how simple moments with warm drinks, winter air, and twinkling lights can turn into memories you’ll talk about long after the season ends.
This is a community built on service, resilience, and pride in who we are and that spirit shows up best when we gather for traditions, lights, music, and shared memories. I think it’s a great time to consider becoming a Fayetteville Brand Ambassador, which is not an official title, just a simple commitment. When someone is quick to focus on the negative, be the person who can also share what’s true and good about this community. Invite them downtown. Tell them about the small businesses you love. Share a story of a neighbor helping a neighbor. That’s how we tell Fayetteville’s story, together, and it means more to your neighbors coming from you than me.
Best,
Dr. Douglas J. Hewett
| 
