This is a week full of excitement. And, no, I’m not talking about the city council’s action of initiating a petition of amotion for the removal of disgraced District 2 councilman Tyrone Williams. We’ll have plenty to say about that guy and his cronies in the weeks to come. 

I’m referring to the sights and sounds of spring filling the air. This time of year, fragile pink and white azaleas frame out thousands of pink and white dogwood trees that adorn the city – each dogwood blossom beautiful yet desperately hanging on to officially welcome the 37th Annual Fayetteville Dogwood Festival.

This annual celebration brings the city together to enjoy beautiful weather along with a variety of activities. The music stages will host several genres of musicians throughout the event. There will be a midway, complete with games and rides. There will be fireworks, aerial yoga performances, a car show and so much more. 

As a bonus, this year’s festival has been extended to four days. In this special Fayetteville Dogwood Festival edition of Up & Coming Weekly, you will find everything you need to know about having fun and enjoying this community tradition in historic downtown Fayetteville.

While most of the festivities will be in and around Festival Park, Friday night brings an added dimension of enjoyment when 4th Friday makes Hay Street come alive with art, artists and delicious food served streetside to the melodies of talented local street musicians. 

The Arts Council’s exhibit is “Impressions: More than Skin Deep.” It hangs through Saturday, May 12. It is a celebration of the creativity of artists who work in the tattoo industry. The Cool Spring Downtown District hosts a variety of initiatives that make 4th Friday fun as well.

It’s uniquely enjoyable and uniquely Fayetteville. So, come on down! This is your personal invitation to join me and the crew of Up & Coming Weekly at this wonderful, award-winning event. 

The more adventurous types can join Fayetteville Astros general manager David Lane and his wife, Lindsey, as they lead out the 13th annual Hogs & Rags Motorcycle Rally in support of three local charities. The rally is a police-escorted ride to Myrtle Beach. It includes a stop for breakfast at Rocking A Ranch. The ride concludes in plenty of time for you to get back to Fayetteville and still enjoy the festival. All motorcycles and four-wheeled vehicles are invited to take part. For more information and to register, go to www.hogsandrags.org.

Enjoy the festival, enjoy 4th Friday, and enjoy the rally.

Thanks for reading Up & Coming Weekly.