The dogwoods are just starting to bloom but Dogwood Festival planning is already well underway. This year’s festival will feature a free concert by Vanessa Carlton.
FAYETTEVILLE — The dogwoods are just starting to bloom but Dogwood Festival planning is already well underway for second year executive director Carrie King. The festival runs from April 25-27.
“I think I have one of the best jobs in the world,” King said. “It’s absolutely a lot of fun. It is crazy, but it’s well worth it.”
The festival will feature more than 100 arts, crafts and food vendors. Pop singer Vanessa Carlton will be performing for free this year.
“To have someone of that stature come in and perform not only raises the profile of the festival, but it kind of really raises the profile of the city of Fayetteville, as well,” said entertainment chair Kelvin Culbreth.
Past performances have included McCain, Hootie and the Blowfish, and most recently pop star JoJo. The 2007 festival was also the grand opening for the city’s Festival Park.
King said about 140,000 packed the park last year, which is why parking was a major issue, but organizers have taken measures to keep that from happening this year. Parking for the disabled will be set up at nearby businesses, and patrons are encouraged to park at the Department of Social Services building on Ramsey Street where a shuttle will come by every 15 minutes.
The layout for the festival will also be slightly larger than last year.
“We’re utilizing the space that we had last year better,” King added. “Everyone will not be as elbow-to-elbow as they were last year. We’re allowing more space for our vendors and our patrons.”

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