Dogwood Festival fans enjoy traditions of music, food trucks and amusement rides

The weather for the 41^st annual Fayetteville Dogwood Festival was beautiful as the crowd descended on downtown Fayetteville on Saturday.

For most, it was a return to pre-pandemic days and the long-standing traditions of the festival with live music, food trucks and carnival rides.

For Eric Bradley Sr. and his family, the festival was a good way to spend time together and enjoy where they live.

“Before COVID, we came downtown a lot, especially with this event in prior years. This is Fayetteville’s signature event, and we wanted to come this year to support the vendors and the stores. We try to support Fayetteville and local tourism,” said Bradley.

Crystal, his wife of 14 years, said even though they had been numerous times, it was their youngest sonwho mapped out what they needed to do while at the festival.

“He went online and looked at all of the activities to plan out for us. They want to ride the rides. Of course, we love the food too. There are so many options,” said Crystal Bradley.

Her husband agreed on the food options and was looking forward to having dinner before moving on to the fair rides.

“Especially the turkey legs. We need to find those,” said Eric Bradley with a laugh and a look of determination on his face.

Their two boys, Eric Jr., 13, and Mason, 12, who both attend 71^st High School, were trying to find the rides that were farther down on Ray Avenue.

“I wanted to come to the fair this year for the rides. I love them all,” said Mason Bradley.

Another family drove from Bunn Level to experience the vendors, the shows and the food for the first time.

Jason Harris, 39, wanted his wife Lanesha, 31, and their two children, Ja’Myiah, 7, and Jamoraih, 10, to see what the festival is like.

“I wanted to bring my family so we could have fun together. It’s great seeing all the different people out,” said Harris.

The crowds were out in full force on the promenade Saturday leading to Festival Park, enjoying the good weather with music, a BMX bike stunt show, performances by the Shadows of Light dance group, a giant rock wall and more lining Hay Street and Ray Avenue.

Christine Dillon, 49, said she came to see the sights and people-watch.

“I normally come every year, mostly in the evenings,” said Dillon.

Her friend Tiffany Smith, 52, said they were still figuring out the new drinking boundaries in the Cool Spring social district and Festival Park while holding a can of cider.

“It’s a welcome surprise that we can drink outside of Festival Park,” said Smith.

The festival also brought couples and families out who were returning for a second day.

A couple on a date night, Jesse Smith, 45, and Zanita Bapiste, 34, had returned Saturday after also being there Friday.

“We stopped at the Jazz and Soul food truck last night for stuffed salmon and fried fish. Tonight, we tried Circa 1800 on Person Street. It was all delicious,” said Baptiste.

Smith said it was a great choice for their date nights.

“It’s a good environment. It’s been great weather, and we came for the food again tonight,” said Smith.

Someone else returning for a second day was Brad Cole, 45, of Gray’s Creek, who brought his two daughters, ages 15 and 3, for the festivities after spending Friday night at the country-themed concert starring Ashland Craft and David Nail.

“My oldest daughter wanted to come down to be with friends today, so I brought her. I was here last night too with friends for the concert. It was a good time,” said Cole.

Festival Park was full for the concert on Saturday night with the bands Lit and Buckcherry. The lines were long for beer and food as families danced to the well-known hits from the ’90s.

“My Own Worst Enemy” was a huge hit for California-based Lit in 1999 and has kept a strong radio presence since.

Another California band, Buckcherry, took the stage at 9 p.m. with well-known hits “Crazy B*tch” and “Everything.” The band toured with Kiss, Papa Roach, Motley Crue and more in the past two decades.

The festival continues Sunday, rain or shine, with local acts on the main stage in Festival Park and the national tour of “Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience” at 7:30 p.m.