The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival was founded in 1982 by Bill Hurley, John Malzone, and other city leaders who had a vision to improve the image of Fayetteville and create a uniting force for various events in our community. Hurley, Fayetteville’s mayor, began the Dogwood Festival after proclaiming Fayetteville “The City of Dogwoods.” What began as a two week long festival on Hay Street is now a fun-filled three day weekend in Festival Park and downtown Fayetteville. Over time, the festival developed into one of the top events in the southeast and provides an outlet for both local and national musicians, artists, arts and crafts vendors and serves as an educational resource for children.