Fayetteville’s signature event almost is here.
Arguably, the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival is this community’s marquee showcase that draws more than 100,000 to Festival Park and downtown city streets.
“We’re so excited about our 42nd annual Fayetteville Dogwood festival,” Jackie Tuckey said in a city video about the festival. “Although the dogwoods have already bloomed, there's no end to the fun to be had.”
The three-day festival kicks off Friday and continues Saturday and Sunday. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, with the 82nd Airborne Division All-American Rock Band taking the festival stage at 6 p.m., and Tuckey says first-night festivalgoers will be in for a treat.
“They're very excited about it, and we are, too,” she said in the video. “It’s going to be a magical night, and we hope that everybody can come out and watch them. They’re a fabulous band. I've heard them play before and it's going to be a real treat for everybody.”
When the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival unfolds in our downtown, there’s something for everybody — young, older and all ages in between. Everything from food vendors to craft vendors and amusement rides, too, including the Ferris wheel that will light up the city skyline.
Festival hours Saturday are from noon to 9 p.m., with Christian rock performances by “Two Dimensional” and “Set for the Fall” on stage from noon to 2 p.m.; R&B DJ Fuzzy Wuzzy from 2 to 4 p.m.; Latin DJ Jose Luis Robles from 4 to 7 p.m.; and Nicholas Vernon bringing his country music voice to the stage from 7 to 9 p.m. Vernon is a Carolina Country Music Association 2023 Artist of the Year nominee.
The festival’s Sunday finale is from noon to 6 p.m., including a classic car and truck show from noon to 4 p.m. on the 400 block of Hay Street, and DJ Ronny Parrish with Unlimited Sounds performing at the Festival Park stage all day long.
“We do want to emphasize that there is no charge to come to the festival,” Tuckey said in the video. “The only money you need to spend is if you choose to buy food or from a craft vendor or ride the rides at the park. Everything else is free. There is no charge to attend the festival and while you're down here having a great time.”
‘Spirit of our city’
The weather forecast for the festival is favorable.
The festival preparations are falling into place.
The festival is this community’s signature event and our calling card to celebrate spring.
“I am so excited to know that for the 42nd year, the Dogwood Festival will be happening this weekend,” said Tara Long, immediate past chairwoman for the festival board of directors. “The festival offers something for everyone — big or small. Grabbing some fried Oreos and a lemonade from one of the many food vendors and walking around checking out all the other neat vendors really feels like spring is in full swing. The weather is supposed to be perfect this weekend, so come on down.”
The festival isn’t lost on Devin Heath, who is president and chief executive officer for DistiNCtly Fayetteville, formerly known as the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“We are so excited that the annual Dogwood Festival is almost here,” Heath said. “We cannot think of a better way to usher in spring than through the family-friendly events of food, music, festival activities and arts and crafts like the Dogwood Festival. Our community is celebrated for so many things, and the Dogwood Festival is certainly among the top of the list.
“We know that residents enjoy the opportunity to experience one of the top festivals in the state from our very own backyard. What we may forget is that we have millions of visitors per year that come to our community because we have experiences they don't in their towns.
“The Dogwood Festival is one of those enriching experiences,” Heath said, “that brings visitors here and contributes to our economy."
Nor is the festival’s significance lost on Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin
“As we prepare for the 42nd annual Dogwood Festival in Fayetteville, I am proud to see how this event continues to bring our community together, celebrating our rich culture and heritage,” the mayor said. “This festival represents the resilience and spirit of our city, and I look forward to seeing it thrive once again this year.”
‘Another 42 years’
The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival is something to see and something special to be a part of each spring at our Festival Park and along Hay Street.
The festival has known its challenges in recent years, but you must give credit to board members Andrew Porter, Randy Scott, Jesse Baker, Felita Gilliam, Darrell Purcell, Long and particularly Tuckey, the longest serving board member, for staying the course and seeing to it the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival’s heritage continues to be a part of this community.
And you may wish to give a listen to what Porter has to say about the festival and its future after paying off recent due debts of $42,000 from the 2023 festival. He is the 40-year-old lawyer who is making a difference on the board.
“We have wonderful support throughout the community,” Porter said. “The things we did this year will ensure the Dogwood Festival will continue for another 42 years.”
Epilogue
Look for fathers hoisting youngsters on their shoulders and walking along the Festival Plaza Park promenade. You’ll see mothers pushing baby strollers and folks enjoying everything from the burgers and barbecue to the hot dogs, the nachos slathered in cheese, candy apples and cotton candy.
It’s the 42nd edition of the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival, and the place to be.
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Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.
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