With temperatures on the rise and the opening of the local pools, it is clear that summer is upon us. There is no better way to celebrate the ending of schools than enjoying some time out-doors with friends and neighbors on 4th Friday. Come stroll the streets of downtown Fayetteville and connect with locals while you enjoy a night of fun and culture.

The Downtown Alliance has cooked up an event this month to help us revisit our youth. This month they will be hosting a scavenger hunt! You are encouraged to make your own team of 1 to 4 people and meet at the Downtown Alliance office at 6 p.m. Teams will be given a list of items to col-lect and /or tasks to complete at downtown businesses and historic locations. You will need to bring a digital camera/camera phone per team to participate. Completed lists need to be turned in by 9 p.m. Team names will be entered in a drawing for a gift basket of items donated by local businesses. You are encouraged to come up with a team name and even “uniform” to show your team spirit!

Last year’s photography competition was such a success that the Arts Council is calling for entries into their new juried photo competition entitled, Get the Picture II. The exhibit will be open to the public from 7-9 p.m. In ad-dition to having the opportunity to sell works through the exhibit, the council will be awarding $1,000 in prizes at 8 p.m. during the 4th Friday opening. Categories include Digital Manipulation, Color and Black & White. For spe-cific entry requirements and fees visit www.theartscouncil.com.

The Cumberland County Headquarters Library is celebrating its 25th anniversary with not only a re-ally large cake, but also the local band, Blues Enigma. Unlike traditional bands, Blues Enigma is a varied group of blues musicians. A local coordinator gathers the available musi-cians to perform at various events around the city. Since it is not a set group of musicians, each event where they perform is unique. “We usually have a packed house,” says Kellie Tomita, marketing and communications manager for the library headquarters, “everyone has a great time with Blues Enigma.”

The library is also calling for donations for a time capsule to be opened on its 50th anniversary in June of 2036. “Anyone can bring items that evening to be submitted,” says Tomita, “exact details for submissions can be found on the library website.” Look for the time capsule link in the bottom right corner.

May marked the one year anniversary of Arts Alive, an event sponsored by the Arts Council to allow local artists the opportunity to sell and demonstrate their work. A juried event, artists who wish to participate in Arts Alive are en-couraged to contact Ashley Hunt, the Art’s Council special events coordinator at ashleyh@theartscouncil.com for information on jury and booth fees, as well as selling permits.

As participants have come to expect, there will also be plenty of other activities to enjoy. Vintage cars will be on display at the Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum, including a Plymouth from the 1950s. Fascinate-U Children’s Museum will be sharing fun outdoor summer activi-ties with the kids. And don’t forget the free trolley and train rides available, as well as the plethora of local artists, musicians and performers.

Photo: Get the picture photography exhibit opens at the Arts Council on 4th Friday.