2011 Dogwood Magazine

presented by

&

FRIDAY, APRIL 29

Jo Dee Messina

SATURDAY, APRIL 30

Everclear

Special Advertising Supplement to The Fayetteville Observer, Fort Bragg Life and Paraglide

2 | 2011 Fayetteville Dogwood Festival presented by CenturyLink & DEX

Special Advertising Supplement | 3

Contents 8 10 18 23

DOGWOOD COUNTRY

Hear what Jo Dee Messina has to say about playing at the Dogwood Festival.

CLEAR VISION

Everclear lead singer Art Alexakis previews what attendees can expect during their rockin’ concert.

CHILD’S PLAY

Partnership for Children reveals what they have in store for the festival’s kids this year.

FESTIVAL MAP

Your key to navigating through the fun.

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24 29 34 39

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The perfect way to plan a weekend at the Dogwood Festival.

RISING STAR

Even against nationally recognized events, the Dogwood Festival is coming out on top.

NEW YEAR’S EVENT

The Dogwood Festival’s newest event is bringing in loyal followers.

DOGWOOD FLAIR

Find out when and where you can meet a professional wrestling legend.

Check out our Facebook and Twitter accounts for special promotions, giveaways and exciting announcements!

The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Magazine is produced by the special publications team of The Fayetteville Observer.

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Trevor Collins EDITORS Jason Beck and Nikki Toulouse CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carla Supples and Shirley Stallings LAYOUT AND DESIGN Danielle N. Fennern PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTO IMAGING The photo staff of The Fayetteville Observer A special thanks to Carrie King of the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival.

The entire contents of this magazine are copyrighted and may not be used or reproduced without written permission from the editors.

twitter.com/faydogwood twitte facebook.com/FayDogwoodFestival face cebook

Contact us at: The Fayetteville Observer Special Publications 458 Whitfield St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28306 (910) 486-2736 Find The Fayetteville Observer online at fayobserver.com.

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On the cover

Q&A

2011 Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Chairman Carla Supples What should people expect from this year’s festival?

Although the economy has been in a downturn, we are so proud that our sponsors have stepped up, and we plan on providing the quality entertainment and vendors that our festival attendees have come to expect.

It will be a great event! Carrie King, the executive director, and our board have set the goal of bringing the North Carolina Event of the Year award back to Fayetteville for the third year in a row.

Carla Supples

Why did you decide to start volunteering with the Dogwood Festival?

Greg Hathaway & 219 Group This year’s poster design is a partnership of work. Local established artist, board member and Publicity Chairman Greg Hathaway casually painted the dogwood with the blue background as a “theme” for our ad campaign. After looking at the painting, we decided, “Wow, we really like this. Let’s make this our poster!” From there, we took the painting to our marketing partner 219 Group, and their design team added the finishing touches!

Margaret Myers, a former Dogwood Festival Board member and friend, invited me to volunteer and get involved with the community event. I had so much fun after the first time I volunteered, I decided to continue volunteering for the festival.

How long ago was that?

Eight years ago.

What have you done for the festival over the years?

I have helped in merchandise, worked as a volunteer coordinator, served as treasurer and assisted with the pageant in ticket sales. In addition, for the last five years, I have been chair of Historic Hauntings, and last year I served as vice chair of the festival.

What are your earliest memories of the Dogwood Festival?

I remember attending “Sunday on the Square,” which was the event that morphed into the Dogwood Festival.

It was a great time with all the artists, craftsmen and the local entertainment.

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What new element did you try to bring this year?

We are expanding an area in the 100 block of Hay Street for street performers, along with a meet and greet with “Nature Boy” Ric Flair hosted by the North Carolina Education Lottery, and we are going to try to step into the social media arena by using Twitter.

Why did you take on the role of chairman this year?

After being involved with the festival since 2003 and being on the board since 2006, I was offered the chance to be chairman. We have a great staff, board of directors and volunteers that make the festival and chairman look great.

What did you enjoy most while being the chairman?

So far, the biggest thrill was winning the North Carolina Event of the Year for the second year in a row and for the New Year’s Eve Party in the Park being named New Event of the Year.

What do you do when you’re not working on the festival?

I have a full time job, and as a single mom, my 16-year-old son keeps me busy being involved in extra-curricular school activities.

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F R I D AY APRIL 29

Jo Dee Messina

By Nikki Toulouse

After a rigorous cross fit workout and weight-training session, Jo Dee Messina spoke excitedly about her life, her music and her upcoming stop at Festival Park during the Dogwood Festival.

How does a girl from Massachusetts become a country music super star?

It was always the kind of music I listened to. I had heard country music and loved it. It was real. It talked about my life. It was relateable. It was honest and approachable. It was just a real situation.

Then I moved to Nashville because that’s where country music is.

Looking back over the scope of your career, how do you feel your music has evolved since you began?

It’s still evolving. I’ve always had music that is a little bit left of center of the format, even the stuff now. I always try to stay really true to who I am and to think outside the box. That helps it evolve. I’m working on a project now that is kind of a fresh, fun sound for me.

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What was the inspiration for “Unmistakable”?

Every record reflects my life during the process of making it, because when I’m listening to songs or I’m writing songs, I gravitate to the ones I relate to the most.

So “Unmistakable” has a lot of positive love songs on it, which I’m not famous for, a bunch of attitude stuff on there, so there’s a little bit of everything on that record.

What was it like to work with producer Jay DeMarcus (bassist for Rascal Flatts)?

He’s a nut job. I love him. My first headline tour, I had Rascal Flatts out on tour with me. People told me they would end up going nowhere, but I loved their music. He’s extremely creative, extremely passionate, focused and driven. He really has so much talent and so much artistic input. I was really quite impressed. To see him in a studio, and to see how creative and intense of a creative personality he has was kind of neat.

How has marriage and your son influenced your music and your tour schedule?

We work as much as we can. We take (our son) with us. He’s not in school right now, so we can still work as much as we have in the past. I do take more time before I accept certain shows, like a oneoff in Western Canada might be hard for the little guy being cooped up, so I’ll say lets take a bus and get out there. I have to adapt to the family, and our family travels together. I do tend to put the family first. If something is too hay-wire, I’ll pass on it.

Is having a family while having a career in this industry the most challenging aspect?

were sitting on the back porch yesterday going, ‘We’re so blessed.’ Yeah it’s a bit chaotic from time to time, but instead of getting flustered with it, I usually try to sit back and go ‘This is awesome!’

I get to do both. How lucky am I?

The festival is a much smaller venue than some of the stadiums you’ve played in the past. What do you like about the smaller venues?

We’ve done stadiums, we do theaters, we do people’s backyards. I love it all. Anytime I get out there and sing and you have an audience that is having a good time, it’s a blast.

I think it gives you a whole new aspect and appreciation. It’s not difficult. It’s all in how you look at it. I remember someone saying to me, ‘I have to go home to three kids.’ And I thought, ‘You have three kids, what fun!’ The chaos, that’s our childhood – fighting with your brother and sister.

For me, this is life. My husband and I

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SATURDAY APRIL 30

Everclear

By Jason Beck

With huge hits such as ‘Father of Mine,’ ‘Buy You a New Life,’ and ‘AM Radio,’ ’90s alternative band Everclear knows rock. Lead singer Art Alexakis spoke about the band’s latest project and what to expect during the Dogwood Festival’s headlining concert.

What can the Dogwood Festival audience expect from an Everclear show?

I’ve always described Everclear as a hard rock band with punk influences. You can call it alternative or what you want, but we are a hard rock band with a singer songwriter. Instead of playing things like James Taylor, who I think is absolutely phenomenal, I play things loud. I like rock and roll and I like loud guitars. If they haven’t seen Everclear ever before, they are going to be surprised at how exciting the show is, because we are excited.

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You have been working on a new album. What is that going to be like?

How do you feel your music and song writing has evolved over the years?

This new record that I’m making right now, it’s more of a return to a more mature and more sardonic and sarcastic (sound).

When you hear this record, I guarantee you it will sound like Everclear. My biggest critic is my wife. She grew up listening to Everclear, and if something doesn’t sound like Everclear, she’s going to say ‘Don’t call that Everclear.’ She’s more of a defender of the band than I am.

Like every song writer, I think the creative aspect comes from experiences and as a person and how you grow and evolve. In that aspect I think I’ve grown up and made a lot of mistakes in the last 20 years ... I think that it’s more interesting because I have a lot more life experiences to draw from.

The band underwent a major lineup change back in 2009.

What do the new members bring to the table?

These guys are such good players.

Working with them ... I think that really allowed me to deal with my fear of opening up and letting people do their thing more.

(The current project) is definitely the most rockin’ record since “Sparkle and Fade.”

Everclear has been to Iraq and performed several USO tours.

Does the band have a special relationship with the troops?

I’ve always been pretty vocal about being anti-war, but I’ve been fiercely vocal about being pro-troop. The people, the men and women, and equally important the families left behind, ... they are doing a service for our country, and I really don’t think they get the respect they deserve.

When I get to play for troops, it is an honor.

You’ve been playing music basically your entire life. What would you be doing if you weren’t in the music business?

I wanted to be a film maker. That’s not really a fall-back job. A fall-back kind-of job is being an engineer or something. I would die. First of all, I’m just not left brain enough to do something like that, and an office job the rest of my life ... nah ... not for me.

After all these years, how do you keep the fire in your belly?

Playing rock and roll with great guys, there’s nothing better. If you aren’t having fun playing in a rock band, you need to get a real job.

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S U N D AY

MAY 1

By Nikki Toulouse Rock music fans will enjoy five local bands as they take the Bud Light stage Sunday, May 1, at Festival Park during Rock 103’s Homegrown Live from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The bands will be chosen by the public after submitting a demo to Rock 103. The radio station will have a panel of experts narrow the list down to 15 and the public will pick their top five.

“We do whatever we can to promote local bands,” Flo Knight,

Homegrown Live the marketing and promotions director for Cumulus Broadcasting said. “We thought this would be something we could do to promote the rock format and give the community a chance to see some local talent.”

The term “rock band” will be applied loosely to the selection so that the broadest audience can enjoy the music.

“We want to please everyone, from those who listen to pop-rock, to the people who like the heavier, edgier stuff,” Knight said.

The idea for a local live show was the brain child of Joe Johnson, the production director for Rock 103. A former music segment, Homegrown, was specifically geared to feature local talent.

For Johnson, this

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was a natural extension of the program, just in a live format.

“It’s exciting,” he said. “We’re going to have a good time and showcase a lot of the local talent.”

While there will be plenty of fun for all in attendance, both Knight and Johnson emphasized the family nature of the event, a way for parents to share their enjoyment of rock music with the kids.

“It’s going to be clean fun for the most part; a little edgy but it’s going to be entertaining,” Knight said. “This is a family festival and we want to keep it that way.

We want this to be a way that we can introduce our children to rock and get the next generation to listen.”

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Performers rock the House

By Nikki Toulouse

Comedy and combatives don’t usually mix, but at the Market House Performance Area, festival-goers will see many unusual combinations and fun performances throughout the Dogwood Festival weekend.

One of the groups holding demonstrations will be the students and instructors of the Musah Dojo, a studio that teaches several types of martial arts.

“We’ve been part of the community for a while, and we wanted to show members of the community what we do,” said Grand Master Lioni Velasquez. “We are one of the few schools with so many different arts inside one location.”

Members of the dojo, both instructors and

students ranging in age from seven to 50, will perform in what Velasquez says will be both informational and entertaining.

“Just by watching, people should be able to learn a lot,” he said. “We also try to make it funny, so it’s entertaining.”

He said the Dogwood Festival seemed like a perfect place to showcase his facility because of its broad appeal to many different people.

“The festival shows that a smaller city like Fayetteville has so many cultural events to offer,” he said. “It’s such a family-oriented thing.

Moms, grandmothers and kids all come out, and we want to be a part of that.”

Kim Corley expressed a similar drive for her dance company, The Savoy Conservatory. She said she is hoping the performance

will give the new studio and her students some publicity.

“This is our first public appearance, and for some, it’s their first public performance ever,” she said. “We will be doing some of the pieces from our upcoming June recital.”

The performers will range in age from seven to 17.

While they won’t be wearing their full costumes, Corley says the kids are sure to tap into festival-goers’ hearts.

“I grew up dancing in Fayetteville, and I’m excited our first performance will be with the festival,” she said. “We’ll be performing with a good diversity of performances. I think it shows the variety of things Fayetteville has to offer.”

Other performers will include Elite Training Center and the Shadows of the Fire belly dance troupe.

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Performance Area Schedule SATURDAY, APRIL 30 12:15-12:45 p.m. Belly Dancers 12:50-1:20 p.m. Elite Training Center 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Savoy Conservatory

2:45-3:30 p.m.

Belly Dancers

3:35-4:00 p.m.

Musah Dojo

4:05-4:30 p.m.

Savoy Conservatory

4:35 -5:00 p.m.

Musah Dojo

SUNDAY, MAY 1 1:15-1:55 p.m.

Belly Dancers

2:00-2:25 p.m.

Elite Training Center

2:30-3:10 p.m.

Savoy Conservatory

3:15-3:40 p.m.

Musha Dojo

3:45-4:30 p.m.

Belly Dancers

4:35-5:00 p.m.

Elite Training Center

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Local musicians play live on Hay

By Nikki Toulouse The sound of local talent will fill Hay Street Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1 as the Cape Fear Music Center sponsors the stage. Musicians of all ages will perform in the center’s student showcase alternating with local bands bringing styles ranging from Brian Willoughby’s pop rock to Flynt, Coleman & Stone’s ’70s rock sound and Dark Water Rising’s unique modern rock sound.

“We did this last year off the (festival’s) footprint, and it went well,” Jeff Stone said. “This year, it should be better because we’re in the footprint and will have a bigger crowd and more traffic.”

Playing in front of crowds is part of the curriculum for students at Cape Fear Music Center. Students who want to be the next big rock star need to be able to perform in front of people, which can be a nerve-racking experience, said Stone.

“A lot of the kids come with stars in their eyes and they want to be rock stars,” Stone said. “This lets them get a chance to see what it is really like on a stage.”

All of the music will be in a rock and roll style, and the instrumentation will range from guitar and bass guitar to drums and vocals. Stone said it’s important to give these young musicians the chance to perform, because unlike those in a school band program, there are no set concerts or shows for them, only venues their music teachers can help them find. He said he will not segregate the students by age, but will place some of the more advanced musicians with the less-experienced ones so all of them get to play a variety of music.

Alternating with the students are local bands such as The Combustibles, who play a Santana-esque style, and The Phaxtion, who play their own type of instrumental rock fusion. The University of North Carolina at Pembroke Jazz Trio will also be performing on Sunday.

“This is going to be a very family-oriented thing,” Stone said. “We are going to cover a very large spectrum of styles.”

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Photos courtesy of The Cape Pho ape Fear Fea Music Conservatory

Top left, students perform form at last year’s Dogwood od Festival. From top, Darkwater Rising will be peforming on Sunday at noon, Flynt Coleman an and Stone will perform Saturday, students will d be able to perform, and the Combustibles will ht ht. rock on Saturday night.

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Partnership brings smiles and support Imagine being a small child visiting the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival from the viewpoint of a stroller. The colors, sounds smells are so inviting. Don’t you want to get out of that stroller and play? Don’t you want to jump into the giant sandbox?

Don’t you want to run in the bubbles?

Don’t you want to sing and dance?

Tina Newcomb with the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County explained that Partnership’s KidStuff is all about children, families, experiences and fun.

“We want to be able to let the kids get out of their strollers and play,” she said. “We want these children to have a good time and enjoy the festival too.”

Newcomb, the Communication and Development Administrator, said this year’s Partnership’s KidStuff will have many handson activities for children to participate in.

This will give the children more things to do and more space to play and learn. This year children can let their inner explorer out with a huge sandbox in the Toddler Zone where children can dig for prizes and build sand art.

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The Toddler Zone, within Partnership’s KidStuff, will also be twice the size of last year’s and Newcomb is proud.

In addition to the sandbox, there is a “Bubble Land,” a bug exhibit and a “Cold Blooded Encounters” exhibit designed to educate and entertain children with reptiles.

Ripley’s Aquarium will be on hand, along with a hands-on craft tent with a take-home craft, multiple inflatables, and an expo from the Little Gym with parachutes and balance beams – all activities designed to let kids have fun.

“Just as much as it’s about having fun, it’s about educating parents,” Newcomb said. “If we can give parents the information they need to provide support, and then we figure that day to be a success.“ Partnership KidStuff will also be a place where families can ask questions about any specific programs or resources.

Just as parents are learning how the Partnership for Children can help them, they wants to know what it can do to better support parents. Last year, survey responses gave the Partnership for Children local parents’ perspective.

“We were able to gauge the opinions and assumptions, and find out what their needs are,” Director of Planning,

Development and Communication for the Partnership for Children Linda Blanton said. “You can guess all day long what a family’s needs are, or you can ask them so we can better serve them.”

Blanton says that based on the responses from last year’s survey, the organization was able to enhance many programs including partnering with Army Community Services to enhance flexible childcare for soldiers and their families.

“This is a win-win for everyone who is involved,” Blanton said. “We hope everyone is excited to come see us and give us their opinion.”

PARTNERSHIP’S KIDSTUFF Sat., April 30 • Noon-6 p.m.

Sun., May 1 • 1-6 p.m.

Photos courtesy of the Partnership for Children

Children and adults enjoy the Toddler Zone at the Dogwood Festival.

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Thank you to the City of Fayetteville for recognizing the value of our festival in the community.

We appreciate your continued support!

Thank you for making Fayetteville a great place to live, work and play!

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Thank you to our patrons and volunteers!

Without your continued spirit and participation, we are unable to produce this quality community event!

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Photo courtesy of Kim Sutton-Brisson

2011 Dogwood Festival Committee “Top Dogs”

Row 1 – Left to right – Shirley Stallings, Lori Bruschi, Amy Davidson, Barbara Ashley, Susan Ellis, Carla Supples and Jenny Capps Row 2 – Left to right – Curtis Walker, Carrie King, Sally Shutt, Greg Hathaway, Bryan Moore, Marian Adams, Karen Barbour and Bill McMillan Row 3 – Left to right – Debbie Godwin, Mark Wilderman, Joe Coker, Russell Hein, Tina Newcomb and Jackie Tuckey Not Pictured – Jon Warren and Mary Talley

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ROWAN WAN ST W

ST RAMSEY

2011 Dogwood Festival Map ROWAN WAN ST W

LAMON ST LA Shuttle Parking at Parks & Rec on 121 Lamon St

LEGEND RAY AVE

FESTIVAL PARK

Disabled Parking in Bank of America parking lot & Hay St United Methodist Church

VIP

$

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Shuttle Pick Up

Adventure Zone

ATM MACHINE

RAY AVE

$

INFO/MERCHANDISE DINING TENT MUSIC STAGE

MASON ST

PEPSI STATION FOOD & DINING

Festival Park Plaza

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PARTNERSHIP’S KIDSTUFF

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PAR PARTNERSHIP’S KIDSTUFF KIDS Sat., April 30 • Noon-6 p.m.

Sun. Sun., May 1 • 1-6 p.m.

MAXWELL ST

$

RAY AVE

PITTMAN ST

HAY ST Stage

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MIDWAY: MID

Fri., Ap April 29 • 6-10 p.m.

All yo Al you can ride wristbands.

Sa April 30 • Noon-10 p.m.

Sat., Sun., May 1 • 1-6 p.m.

Su Tick Tickets only!

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Schedule of Events Saturday, April 23 - Sunday April 24

Friday, April 29

Dogwood Festival Adult Tennis Tournament

Fayetteville-Cumberland Crimestoppers Barbeque

$20 singles/$30 doubles Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation – Mazarick Park Tennis Center James Parker jparker@ci.fay.nc.us 910-433-1392 Good social fun in a tournament setting.

Thursday, April 28 History of Scottish Presbyterians in the Cape Fear

7 p.m., no charge Providence Presbyterian Church – 2801 Ramsey Street Linda Legg linrohm@yahoo.com 910-630-1215 Dr. C.N. Willborn, a noted expert on American Presbyterian History, traces the thrilling history, strong faith, and rich heritage of the Scottish Presbyterians who settled in this area.

Parking & Shuttle uttle Services

Downtown parking is available.

Suggested areas include paid parking in the Systel parking lot at 225 Green Street and free parking in city lots on Person and Hay Streets, as well as other her various downtown locations.

The off-site shuttle is free and will run approximately every 15 minutes to transport passengers to the festival footprint. Hours of operation are e Saturday 3-11 p.m. and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. Parking for shuttle service is at Fayetteville Parks & Recreation located at 121 Lamon Street. Designated drop-off location is by Linear Park.

Disabled parking will be designated in the Hay Street United Methodist Church and the Bank of America parking lots on Ray Avenue. Availability is first come, first served.

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11 a.m. – 7 p.m., $6 per ticket 2800 Raeford Road Highland Center Fayetteville-Cumberland Crimestoppers Duncan Hubbard dhubbard@holmeselectricsecurity.com 910-624-6922 Proceeds benefit the local program and help our community in providing local law enforcement agencies with reward money for the local Crimestoppers Program.

A Garden Party

3 p.m. – 7 p.m., $50 per ticket Boys & Girls Clubs of Cumberland County – Lafayette/Cross Creek Park Jenny Beaver jenny@justjennyevents.com 910-551-2880 An afternoon and evening of Southern tradition – dancing, entertainment, good food and friends.

Saturday, April 30 - Sunday, May 1 Skate Park Appreciation Event & Lock-In

Times vary, no charge Double Decker Skate Park – 500 Blount Street Tim Ferruzzi doubledeckerskatepark@gmail.com 910-483-3425 Come out to appreciate the sport of skateboarding at one of the world’s largest indoor skate parks.

Visit the Dogwood Trail

Visit the historically significant sites of The City of Dogwoods. This trail will take you to many exciting locations throughout the city, while showcasing the beautiful horticulture of the area.

Schedule of Events Saturday, April 30 Dogwood Youth Softball Explosion Tournament

Times vary, no charge Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation – Lamon Street Park Rhonda Groves rgroves@ci.fay.nc.us 910-433-1398 Promoting girls fast pitch tournaments in the Fayetteville region.

YMCA Dogwood Run: Run For Your Hero! 5K & 10K Run

7:30 a.m., entry fee $10 for 5K, $15 for 10K YMCA of the Sandhills Audra Williams 910-323-0800 audraw.ymcanc@gmail.com Dedicated to heroes that make strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

Jazz on Top of the Town

8:30 p.m., $30 per ticket Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – 2510 Legion Road Sharon Taylor sharon-taylor@nc.rr.com 910-988-2354 An evening of jazz featuring national recording artist Art Sherrod Jr. Proceeds to support scholarship and community activities.

Hogs and Rags Spring Rally

8 a.m. – 3 p.m., $50 entry fee Hogs and Rags – Airborne and Special Operations Museum Anna Cole hogsandrags@gmail.com 910-222-8184 Enjoy a relaxing ride to the beach and help the American Cancer Society, Our Kids Can Read Foundation and families affected by autism. Open to motorcycles, classic cars, and convertibles.

Funspot for Kids – Joining Hands with the Child Advocacy Center

noon - 5 p.m., no charge Child Advocacy Center – 336 Ray Avenue Laura Devan lauradevan67@yahoo.com 910-551-7750 A fun, child-friendly activity center for children and their parents. Collection of gently loved purses.

Spring Fusion Military Benefit Fashion Expo

10 a.m. – 10 p.m., expo free 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., $10 per ticket for fashion show Crown Expo Center – 1960 Coliseum Drive John Covington organizer@indulgefashionnetwork.com 910-978-8510 First annual Spring Fashion Show includes beauty seminars, modeling workshops, and guest speakers.

Ms. Senior Cumberland County Beauty Pageant

2 p.m. – 5 p.m., $5 per ticket Haymount United Methodist Church – 1700 Ft. Bragg Road Catherine Van Sickle cvansickle@ccccoa.org 910-484-0111 Pageant recognizes beautiful & talented women of a certain age.

Wednesday, May 4 Health Professionals Continuing Education Open House

10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., no charge Southern Regional AHEC – 1601 Owen Drive Andrea Novak andrea.novak@sr-ahec.org 910-678-7216 The health professionals’ resource for continuing education in all health specialties.

Festival Rules

No Coolers Allowed No Pets (except for service animals) No weapons of any kind No bikes, rollerblades or skateboards Special Advertising Supplement | 25

Stage Schedule FRIDAY, APRIL 29 FRI 6:40 p.m. Opening Remarks & National Anthem by Summer Collins & Isaac Ball of Summerfield 7 p.m.

Larry Frick 9 p.m.

Jo Dee Messina Presented by:

SATURDAY, APRIL 30 1 p.m.

3 p.m.

7 p.m.

Summerfield Who Are We DL Token

9 p.m.

Everclear Presented by:

STAGE

in Festival Park Fireworks immediately following concert!

SUN NDAY, MAY 1 SUNDAY, “Homegrown Live” “Homeg Rock 1 103 local bands show ttheir talent.

SAT SATURDAY, APRIL 30 12 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

3 p.m.

4 p.m.

5 p.m.

CFMC Student Showcase Brian Willoughby CFMC Student Showcase The Combustibles CFMC Student Showcase Flynt, Coleman & Stone

STAGE

on Hay Street

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SUNDAY, MAY 1 12 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

3 p.m.

4 p.m.

Dark Water Rising CFMC Student Showcase UNCP Faculty Jazz Trio CFMC Student Showcase The Phaxtion

Photos by Marcus Castro

Left, kids from the Partnership for Children march along the parade route. Below, publicity chairman Greg Hathaway.

Kickoff parade ushers in Dogwood announcements

By Jason Beck The Dogwood season kicked off with a touch of New Orleans as organizers announced the list of official events during a Mardi Gras parade down Hay Street on March 8.

Marching children blew whistles, women wore masks and beauty queens rode in convertibles.

Banners revealed the names of nationally recognized musicians coming to town.

Onlookers gathered on the sidewalks to watch as at least one parade participant hurled candy to the crowd.

“I think it’s a great way to introduce the community to the events of Dogwood Festival,” said Karen Mantozouris, who stood on the 300 block of Hay St. to get a view of the passing revelers.

Last year, the parade won an award for best media stunt for a festival or event. Both turnout and participation improved this year, organizers said.

It was again a success as reporters from at least three print publications, two radio programs and one major television station attended. Passers-by who noticed the banners announcing concerts by Everclear and Jo Dee Messina were abuzz with excitement.

The e entertainm nment news became entertainment official al during a media event at the bo Ro ft the parade. ad Rainbow Room after Members of the media were introduced to key members of the Dogwood Festival Committee, who worked tirelessly to make this year’s event a reality.

Carla Supples, the committee chairman, loves the parade.

“It’s breaking into spring and letting people know we are coming,” she said.

“We think we produce a great event, and we try to use different tactics to let people know about us. The last thing we want people to say is there is nothing to do in Fayetteville.”

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Photo by Andrew Craft

Over the years, the Dogwood Festival has received many awards on state, regional and international levels.

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Awards prove festival ‘Top Dog’

By Jason Beck Each year, the Dogwood Festival competes against some of the most wellorganized and funded events in the state, region and world. More often than not, Fayetteville Dogwood Festival organizers come home with a handful of awards.

This was the case again for 2010, as the Dogwood Festival collected the coveted Festival of the Year award from the North Carolina Association of Festivals and Events for the second consecutive year.

“There’s not another event like the Dogwood Festival in the Southeast,” said Executive Director Carrie King. “It’s free, we bring in national acts, bring substantial entertainment to the stage, and you don’t have to pay. You don’t have to pay for activities in the kids’ stuff area. There’s no gate fee.”

In addition to the two previous years, the festival has taken the top state title several times, King said.

Winning awards is difficult, even at the state

level. Judges look at many factors when it comes to determining which festival is best, said Carla Supples, festival chairman.

“They look at the overall appeal, appearance, the different events that we have and the different communication strategies that we use,” she said. “It’s also the price of the event.”

When it comes to the North Carolina competition, The Dogwood Festival has won nearly every award the organization has to offer, King said.

“We’ve won everything from best Website to best button,” she said. “Dating back to 1993, when North Carolina Festival and Events first started the awards, we have won.”

The Dogwood Festival has also been successful at the regional level. The Southeastern Festivals and Events organization gives out its Kaleidoscope Awards yearly.

“We’ve been named in the top 20 events in the Southeast several times,” King said. “That’s huge. We

have to be nominated by someone. It’s 13 states, and it’s really a big deal. Last year we were nominated for the top 20, and we were the only one from North Carolina.”

On the international level, the Dogwood Festival is in the same category as events with more than a half-million attendees and budgets in the millions including the Kentucky Derby, the Indianapolis 500, the Rose Bowl and events at Walt Disney World. Even though the Dogwood Festival has a fraction of the resources, the event is often competitive.

Since first entering international competition in 2007, the festival has won awards for best Website, best sponsorship package, best social media kit and most creative news stunt.

Though the goal is lofty, King truly believes the Dogwood Festival can eventually take festival of the year at the international level.

“I’m trying so hard to win event of the year,” she said. “That would put Fayetteville on the map.”

Supples said none

of the awards would be possible if not for sponsors who help foot the bill for the non-profit festival.

“Every $200 or $300 makes a difference so we can bring something new to the table,” she said. “We always try to take a second look at everything and see if there is a better way.

“We think it showcases Fayetteville,” she said.

“What a great event and image we are creating for our city.”

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Festival brings benefits to area

By Jason Beck The Dogwood Festival has been known as one of the area’s premier outdoor events for years. However, most people don’t realize Dogwood provides more than just entertainment.

The festival stimulates the local economy and gives other charitable organizations a chance to raise funds.

“We donated around $17,000 last year to non-profits,” said Carrie King, the festival’s executive director. “We give back to many non-profits who help us at our events.”

One of those groups is the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Volunteers from the food bank serve drinks at four locations around the festival footprint.

“It helps us twofold,” said

David Griffin, executive director of second harvest. “The money helps since we are a non profit, but it also gives us a chance to bring awareness of what the food bank is and what hunger is. It gives more opportunities to our volunteers as well. Last year we had 70 people over the four locations.”

Non profits are able to work not only during April’s main festival, but also during other Dogwood Festival events such as Fayetteville After Five, Party in the Park and Historic Hauntings.

Bruce Daws, Fayetteville’s city historian, said the historic preservation committee’s work with the Dogwood Committee through the annual Historic Hauntings event has benefited both parties.

“We have an outstanding

30 | 2011 Fayetteville Dogwood Festival presented by CenturyLink & DEX

relationship. We thoroughly enjoy working with Dogwood,” Daws said. “Through them we have been able to purchase some AV equipment for training school children. The money we raised at the latest Historic Hauntings will go toward a special military exhibit.

“They were instrumental in putting together one of the more pivotal monuments in the cemetery,” he said. “Dogwood is very beneficial to us.”

The festival also helps the local economy, King said.

“More than 87 percent of all dollars received are from local sponsors,” she said, “and 84 percent of our total budget was spent with vendors from Cumberland County.”

With an overall budget of $350,000, that’s a sizable portion of money going back

into the hands of area vendors.

The flow of cash to local businesses that benefit from the additional downtown traffic is immeasurable.

“I think we deliver a lot to the table,” King said. “We bring 200,000 people together for three days. The economic footprint is big. It’s a huge boost for our local economy.”

According to the most recent study, the Dogwood Festival’s economic impact is more than $2.5 million.

Every year the Dogwood Festival grows and includes more members of the community. This year, the festival was awarded a tourism development grant that provides funds to advertise outside of the Fayetteville area for the first time and bring more attendees into the area.

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Dogwood queens begin reign

By Shirley Stallings Excitement was in the air as the Dogwood Festival worked feverishly to prepare for its 14th Annual Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Pageant.

On April 9, 2011, a new Miss Fayetteville Dogwood Festival was crowned. The new queen’s court was also crowned that same night and is comprised of a junior miss, young miss and teen miss. These young ladies have the responsibility of serving as ambassadors for the City of Fayetteville for the next 12 months.

Other than school pageants, this is the title of choice for the young ladies in Cumberland County. The only requirement is that contestants must be between the ages of 6 – 22 years old and a resident of Cumberland County in order to hold one of the prestigious titles.

“The Dogwood Festival Board feels strongly that in order for a young lady to have the enthusiasm that is needed to represent

our city, she must live in Cumberland County,” said Shirley Stallings, Fayetteville pageant chairwoman for the past 14 years.

Stallings has volunteered as a pageant coach for the past 20 years, starting when her daughter, now Dr. Jennifer S. Massey, was competing.

“I saw firsthand how a shy young lady can suddenly blossom into a confident, poised and energetic young lady,” she said. “But the greatest benefit acquired from being involved in a scholarship pageant such as the Dogwood Festival is the interview skills.

These skills will help prepare the young ladies to compete for scholarships and gain entrance into the colleges of their choice.

Interview skills will also help pay dividends in their future professional careers.”

Photo courtesy of Carlton Hubbard

From left: Callie Renee Hughes – Junior Miss Rahmeka Cox – Teen Miss Jade Alyssa Locklear – Miss Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Taylor Nicole Bridges – Young Miss

32 | 2011 Fayetteville Dogwood Festival presented by CenturyLink & DEX

The pageant was the first event presented by the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Board for the 2011 year. The newly-crowned queens’ first obligation will be to assist with the Dogwood Festival, however, it will not all be hard work. The queens will have a photo session with the headlining entertainers for Friday and Saturday

night along with being introduced on stage to the thousands of enthusiastic fans who will crowd the grounds of Festival Park. It will be a fun time for all.

The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Pageant has gained the reputation of being one of the best productions in the Southeast.

Let’s hear it for the Boys and Girls Club

By Nikki Toulouse Brass music will fill the air of Cross Creek Park while women in big hats and sundresses chat with men in seersucker suits. They will laugh, dance and admire the beautiful flowers in the Gatsbyesque atmosphere of the Boys and Girls Club Second Annual Garden Party.

“We want to come out into the sunshine and warm weather and celebrate the true spring spirit of hope and renewed spirit,” Tracy Mozingo, the publicity chair for the event, said. “That’s also what the Boys and Girls Club does, so it fits.”

Last year’s event was a huge success for the club, Mozingo said. They are hoping to build on their success this year.

“We are raising money that will be unrestricted funds for the Girls and Boys Club,” she said. “Those funds

Photos courtesy of Jenny Beaver

Garden party attendants enjoy the spring sun.

help to meet the day-to-day expenses and build the clubs up. They help provide more programs for the kids.”

Funding is just what the club can use, since it was in the red when the new Chief Professional Officer Don Williams came on board in 2007.

Williams is a modest man who has worked throughout the country with the organization for the past 22 years. In the four years he has been in Fayetteville, he brought the club back into the black, increased membership from 32 to more than 800 and doubled the centers from two to four.

“I don’t want any kid to miss out on an opportunity out there,” he said. “So many people come here, and we thought the party would be a great opportunity to draw support from the local community.”

In years past, the club participated in the

One Campaign with mixed results. Last year’s garden party brought in more than $12,000, and this year, Mozingo is hoping the club will raise even more by broadening the audience of this adults-only party.

“We’re there to raise money for the kids so they can enjoy things in their atmosphere,” she said. “We’re hoping a lot of younger folks will come out, and that they will become more civicminded and have a good time.”

While attendants are encouraged to dress in garden-party attire, Mozingo says big hats are only recommended and not required.

This year’s event will maintain the class and elegance of last year with a few modifications. The party will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., the food will be heavy hors d’oeuvres and the tickets will be $50.

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Blooming fun for all

By Jason Beck

The Dogwood Festival starts with a bang during the Boom and Bloom Kickoff Party on Friday, April 29.

Festival goers will kick back on the lawn at Festival Park for an evening of music, fireworks and spring air.

“It’s the kickoff celebration for the entire weekend,” said Carrie King, the festival’s executive director. “We invite all spectators to be in Festival Park. We unveil everything, roll it out, crank the stage up and don’t stop ‘til 6 p.m. on Sunday.”

This year, platinum Nashville recording artist Jo Dee Messina will headline the party. Messina is known for her hit songs “Bye Bye,” “I’m Alright” and “Heads Carolina, Tails California.”

The family-friendly event will feature other local

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musical acts. Food vendors will all be open for the party.

As always, an explosive grand finale will put an end to the night.

“Of course, it all ends with fireworks,” King said. “Who doesn’t love fireworks?”

She said the crowd is growing larger each year with some attendees arriving early in the afternoon with lawn chairs in hand to stake their claim of park real estate.

Greg West of H&H Homes, a key sponsor of the party, said he looks forward to the event for months.

“It’s been a cold winter, and everyone is ready for spring,” West said. “The emphasis needs to be on the bloom this year. That’s what is always good about the Dogwood Festival.”

West wants the party to be a welcome to all the new faces in the community.

“This is really a welcome party for our new neighbors,” he said. “We have a lot of people moving into this community with the final year of BRAC. Hopefully we can get them out to some of the events for the Dogwood Festival.”

Photo courtesy of Sandy Harrison

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Spooky event one of committee’s most popular

By Jason Beck

Photo courtesy of Kim Sutton-Brisson

Bruce Daws (left) tells a story to the participants of the “Historic Hauntings” hayride in downtown Fayetteville.

Those with a flair for the goulish or who just like a good scare have an event catered to them every October.

The popularity of the Dogwood Festival has allowed committee members to bring other exciting events to Fayetteville residents year round and raise money for area causes.

The eighth annual Historic Hauntings was popular with both thrill seekers and historians alike. Carrie King, the Dogwood Festival’s executive director, expects the same for this fall’s event.

“It’s an eerie, historical time brought to “It’ life,” she said. “It sells out every year. It is only ticketed event Dogwood has.” the on In essence, Hauntings is a spooky good time and a reason to spoo spend an evening downtown. spen The event features a haunted hayride Th around some of Fayetteville’s most arou notorious haunted historic sites. noto

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“You get on and off of the wagon at different locations,” King said. “Reenactors create the story of local events.”

A separate walking tour is also available and includes a torch-lit trip around the Cross Creek Cemetery, where the ghosts of confederate soldiers make a surprise visit.

Each night, the fun continues with the Boo and Brew Patio Party – a celebration complete with food, drinks, entertainment and a nightly costume contest.

Hauntings is a fundraiser for both the Dogwood Festival and other Fayetteville nonprofits – including The Friends of Cross Creek Cemetery, a preservation society that protects one of the historic sites on the tour.

“Bruce Daws, the city historian, helped with the script and for helping us, we donate money,” King said.

“With our help, they have repaired three or four monuments where people had gone through and destroyed or vandalized them.”

Mark your Calendar October 19-21 & October 26-28

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Photos by Octavio Jones

Fighting crime one bite at a time

By Nikki Toulouse

The spicy tang of barbecue sauce wafting through the air on a warm spring day is the traditional start to Fayetteville’s Dogwood Festival. Thousands of people participate every year in the CrimeStoppers’ Annual Bar-b-que, which is the single fundraiser for the organization.

“The community comes out to support us,” Duncan Hubbard, a longtime board member for CrimeStoppers said. “Our goal every year is to get bigger. It’s fun to beat last year’s numbers.”

Hubbard said they have raised more than $10,000 most years. The money goes to pay those who give valuable information and help solve crimes. People around the community know those 38 | 2011 Fayetteville Dogwood Festival presented by CenturyLink & DEX

incentives help get better information, said Chairman Luke Wheeler, and that makes the community safer.

“We have the same people who come every year,” Wheeler said. “They know when barbecue season is coming, and they look forward to it. This is the real stuff.”

Pre-sales help determine how much pork they order for lunch, and many businesses will have more than 10 people order a plate and qualify for delivery.

While the organization has never run out of barbecue, ordering for the dinner rush is always a little tricky.

“It’s a challenge to bring in more food at about 3 p.m.,” Hubbard said. “It’s always a headache, but it’s fun.”

The local CrimeStoppers office and the festival’s history are intertwined. They

Steven Hunter receives his barbecue lunch from Capt.

Katherine Bryant of the Fayetteville Police Department share birthdays, and with an organization only months old, the founding officer of Holmes Security asked to be included in the festival.

At the time, they set up several spots around town to sell barbecue, but it has always been on the first day of the festival before the Bloom and Boom Kickoff Party.

Over the years, the number of places CrimeStoppers sold barbecue has shrunk to one, but their sales and community support have increased. Their location in the Highland Centre parking lot in front of Harris Teeter draws support from

businesses and members of the community. For Hubbard, it is something he believes makes the community safe.

“This is the community I live in,” he said. “My kids are growing up here. I want it to be safe when we go out.”

The plates cost $6 and include a barbecue sandwich, potato salad, coleslaw and a roll. Canned drinks will also be available for a $1 donation.

To reserve a pre-sale ticket, call (910) 624-6922

by Thursday at 5 p.m., or stop by the Highland Centre Friday, April 29 for a plate of barbecue that helps protect the community.

Woooo!

Wrestling legend coming to Dogwood Festival Ric Flair, known to many as wrestling’s ‘Nature Boy,’ will make an appearance and sign autographs at the North Carolina Education Lottery booth during the afternoon on Saturday, April 30.

Photo courtesy: N.C. Lottery Commission

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Skating teaches Dogwood a new trick

By Jason Beck

The owner of a local skate park is hoping his new events for youth will ramp up the Dogwood Festival excitement.

The Double Decker Skate Park, located on the corner of Robeson and Blount Streets, will feature a weekend of recreational activities in an effort to draw a new generation of festival goers downtown.

“The Dogwood Festival has become an icon,” said Tim Ferruzzi , the skate park’s owner.

“I want to be a part of that.”

Ferruzzi has owned Double Decker for five years. The park gets its name from its design – a two-level warehouse that

encompasses an entire acre of ramps, obstacles, rails and graffiti–decorated barriers.

The park will host three days of fun for children and teens, including an all-night skating party on Friday, April 29.

“We are going to have a lock-in on Friday night,” he said. “We have already had two lock-ins, and they were a huge success.

“We had a ball. We kept the kids up all night and had a big contest and gave away trophies.”

He said festival goers will have several opportunities Saturday, April 30 to enjoy the park during three skating sessions that last from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday’s scheduled program includes a kids only (under 12) session from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., inflatable rides, live music and refreshments.

Photos by Raul R. Rubiera

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On Sunday, May 1 the park will host a skateboarding contest with prizes for all ages and a $500 grand prize to the best skater in the area.

“We are trying to get people to come out here on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to see what skateboarding is all about and why a place like this is such a huge advantage to the community,” Ferruzzi said.

The skate park will be manned during all three days by an officer from the Fayetteville Police Department.

The owner says parents can feel safe allowing their young athletes to have a good time both during the Dogwood Festival and regular hours.

“It keeps the kids off of public property,” he said. “I like working with kids. I think it’s great to have them here in groups, rather than somewhere else with idle hands.”

Party in the Park’s popularity exploding

By Jason Beck At the annual Party in the Park, the sky fills with vibrant fireworks to ring in the new year and a new era of celebrations for the Dogwood Festival Committee.

What started out two years ago as an experiment has transformed into one of the most popular events put on by the committee.

According to Greg Hathaway, the committee’s publicity chair, the party almost ended before its second birthday.

“The first year it rained, and it was miserable, but it was sort of a testing ground,” he said. “Last year, we thought ‘the first year didn’t go very well ... we’ll do it one more year and see what it does.’ The attendance doubled. It was outrageously good.”

He said roughly 10,000 people filed into Festival Park to watch the fireworks and the giant dogwood flower rise to count down the last few seconds of 2010.

The crowd was electrified, and a star was born. Last year, the festival took home the North Carolina Festival and Events’ Rising Star award for best new festival.

“It looks like the community wants it,” Hathaway said. “We most definitely will keep it going. It’s a good thing, and it is well received.”

Even during the first year, where spirits were dampened by rain, between 3,000 and 5,000 hardy celebrants braved the elements for the party.

“It’s always going to be cold, and quite often, it’s going to be wet,” Hathaway said. “But if you go to Times Square, you are going to sit there and shiver.”

Fayetteville’s version of Times Square features many of the same elements that make the world’s most famous New Year’s party a hit. One unique difference, however, is an earlier countdown, fireworks display and celebration that allows Party in the Park to stay family friendly.

The children’s fireworks display at 8 p.m. allows parents to include their little ones in the event and possibly come back later for the adult celebration.

“The parents can come, take the kids home, and then come back until

midnight,” Hathway said. “I think part of its success is it has always been free.

There is a huge segment that wants to party but they can’t afford the $50 nightclub cover for New Year’s Eve.” Attendee Teri Gibson Schultz said the ability to spend time with friends during the holiday without emptying her pocketbook brought her to Festival Park.

“It was free, and, of course, that is always a good thing,” she said. “People around me were talking about how much other places were charging as a cover just to get in at midnight.

“The organizers build the excitement up so much,” she said. “They have big TV screens, a countdown, and they would shoot over to New York and other places that were celebrating.”

Hathaway said there are more things on the horizon for this year’s party. He hopes new adult activities will draw an even bigger crowd.

“There are going to be more activities and more things to do,” he said. “We need more activities for the adults. We want to expand that element as well.

We want to put in a few more food vendors, and I think we are going to go back and have a chili, chowder and a wing cook off.”

Schultz said the most important aspect of the event is the fellowship.

“It is seeing people we haven’t seen in a couple of months,” she said. “It’s something different to do. I grew up here, and I think the Dogwood Festival doing things year round is great.”

Photos courtesy of Sandy Harrison

Megan and Michael McCabe share a kiss at midnight, and Shannon Stephens and Meagan McCabe pose at the Party in the Park.

The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Party in the Park is a FREE family event.

Saturday, December 31, 2010 Festival Park Special Advertising Supplement | 41

Dogwood takes on Fayetteville After Five

By Jason Beck The Dogwood Festival has adopted one of Fayetteville’s most beloved summer traditions, with the help of a friend.

After the Fayetteville Museum of Art closed last year, and sponsor Harris Wholesale was sold, the longstanding summer concert series was in question.

Fortunately for music fans, the Dogwood Festival has partnered with AnheuserBusch Distributor R.A. Jeffreys to present Fayetteville after Five in 2011. R.A. Jeffreys absorbed Harris Wholesale and will carry on the sponsorship tradition.

“Dogwood will now be your source for free entertainment for the spring and summer,” Carrie King, executive director of the Dogwood Festival, said. “Beginning in April and ending in September, every month you can come to a free concert.”

R.A. Jeffreys will fund and secure the concerts, which are held on the third Thursday of every month. The Dogwood Festival will plan, organize and promote the events and benefit from the proceeds.

Jeff Fox, a spokesperson from R.A. Jeffreys, said his company is excited about putting on the series of events at Festival Park.

“We are still committed to

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Photo by James Robinson

the community and what we do for the community,” Fox said. “We are very excited about this. We were trying to decide who would be the best agency to take this and run with it, and we couldn’t think of anyone better than Carrie and The Dogwood Festival.”

Amy Schiffner, right, and Ericka Green, center, laugh at Sammy Green, 3, while she dances at Fayetteville After Five at Festival Park.

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Thank you to all of our sponsors and partners.

Presenting Sponsors

&

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors Apartment Finder • City View • Neff Rental 44 | 2011 Fayetteville Dogwood Festival presented by CenturyLink & DEX

Without their generous spirit and contributions we would not be able to produce this premier event for our community!

Event Sponsors & Partners

Kidstuff area

2011

Stage Sponsor

VIP/Sponsor area

Midway/Carnival

Car Show

Hospitality/Volunteer Sponsors Boom & Bloom Kick-off Sponsor

Hay Street Stage

®

Official Soft Drink Partner Dining Tent Patron

Business Patrons Bank of America Carlton Hubbard Photography Kevin Williamson Construction New Century Bank North Star Veterinary Hospital The Rainbow Room Townsend Real Estate Special Advertising Supplement | 45

Car show revs up festival visitors

By Jason Beck

Photo by Cindy Burnham

Every year Hay Street is overrun by a sea of blinding chrome, the aroma of V8 exhaust and the rumble of classic Americana.

The Lafayette Ford Car Show brings a touch of automotive nostalgia to the Dogwood Festival. It’s a tradition that brings out more than 100 cars and thousands of motoring buffs.

“I couldn’t see the Dogwood Festival without the Lafayette Ford Car Show,” said Don Price, owner of the sponsoring dealership.

According to Ken Merritt, a sales consultant at Lafayette Ford, the first car show was held in 1997 at the dealership.

However, the show quickly outgrew the parking area, even though it was being held miles from the Dogwood

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Festival’s central area. Soon, the show would be featured as a main attraction.

“They finally lined us up on Hay Street; that’s the perfect place for it,” Price said.

“There is plenty of room, it’s easy to get to and there’s a little shade ... It appeals to everyone. Even when we had it on our own premises, when everything else was downtown, the car show was full.”

Visitors can expect to see some of the sharpest pre-1989 classic and custom automobiles in the area.

Guests can also check out the hottest new offerings from Ford including the new Raptor pickup, Cobra Mustang and Explorer SUV. “It’s about nostalgia,” Merritt said, “and they get to compare the old to the new.”

Expect to see a varied collection of cars, trucks,

hot rods, motorcycles and maybe even a tractor or two.

Vehicles will be judged in several categories, including the “people’s choice” award.

Voting for a favorite car is a way for spectators to be a part of the show without owning a fancy ride.

Price said there are two factors that make the Dogwood Festival auto showcase special.

“The car show is a car show, but what makes it stand out is the people who come,” he said. “People can relive moments in their background, and they can dream about that.

“The second thing is the pride of the people who own the cars,” Price said.

“They’ll get a lawn chair and umbrella and sit behind their cars from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Everyone has a sentimental heart for the older cars.”

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48 | 2011 Fayetteville Dogwood Festival presented by CenturyLink & DEX