The Show must go on!

Or, in this case, The Festival christened “Dogwood.”

For the past 42 years, having accumulated dozens of state awards and imprinting in the memories of thousands of families, The Dogwood Festival has become the signature event for Fayetteville. Longstanding food vendors, craft artists, and entertainers look forward to this rite of Spring, not to mention city natives, children, transplants, visitors, and the military among us.

The Dogwood Board of Directors is rising to the challenge this year, despite the somewhat late start in the planning. As is tradition, the Festival will span the last weekend in April from Friday the 26 to Saturday the 27 to the finale on Sunday, the 28.

There will be a Midway featuring a Ferris wheel and all the elements of a carnival. A Kids’ Zone will again be present with games and rides.

The footprint of activity will be the same as in previous years, encompassing Hay St to Ray Avenue to Maiden Lane to Festival Park itself.

Volunteers are in high demand. What a great way to experience the music, the laughter, and the community spirit by serving as an ambassador for the city.

Leave a message at the Dogwood office @ (910) 323-1934 if you have volunteer interest. Meanwhile, keep reading Up & Coming Weekly for Dogwood highlights and the eventual Dogwood Festival edition on April 24 with the activity map and music line-up.