Good morning, Fayetteville.

Residents can look forward to summer fun as Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation centers will open pools on Memorial Day (May 25) with set hours until Labor Day and splash pads, which are free and open now, offer a cooling break.

Local parks and trails invite family hiking and picnicking.

On May 23 at 9:11 a.m., Hope Mills will host the Towers and Tunnels 5K at Golfview Greenway Walking Trail (3644 Golfview Road) to honor military members and first responders, with a formal Honor Guard presentation, National Anthem, and tribute ceremonies planned.

The massive Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. facility on Ramsey Street north of Fayetteville is set to close by the end of 2027 as the company finalizes discussions with union representatives.

About 1,700 employees will be impacted by the decision aimed at keeping the business competitive.

Fayetteville will celebrate America’s 250th birthday on Saturday, May 16 at Lafayette Plaza in downtown Fayetteville where the Lafayette Society and the Sons of the American Revolution will host a free, family-friendly event featuring musket volleys, official proclamations, and refreshments from Superior Bakery (attendees may wear period or patriotic attire).

The Epsilon Rho Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity will present 10 Fayetteville-area beaus during its annual beautillion at Fort Bragg (this event celebrates local young talent and long-standing tradition).

Chicago, the legendary band, will perform May 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Crown Theatre on 1960 Coliseum Drive — a key stop in Community Concerts’ 90th anniversary season that brings timeless music to local fans.

On May 16, author Ted Hart returns to City Center Gallery (2 to 4 p.m.) in Fayetteville for an encore book signing of Vineyards to Victory: A French Soldier, Yorktown, and the Making of an American Family; he will share how forgotten voices shaped the Revolution.

Freezy the Barber launched his FLEX Initiative at E.E.

Miller Elementary on Apr. 14, engaging students with his Thought Bubble series (designed to boost writing and self-expression). He plans to expand his literacy efforts with the Alma Mae Mack Youth Ink Initiative across Cumberland County Schools later in the year.

Cape Fear Valley Medical Center improved its patient safety score to a B after several years of C ratings, following the Leapfrog audit released May 6.

Hospital leaders say the upgrade reflects a sustained effort to boost patient care in the region.

Fayetteville Liberty vs Kissimmee Lambs

6-7 p.m. — Crown Coliseum — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an exciting live sports showdown as the Fayetteville Liberty take on the Kissimmee Lambs.

2026 Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk

9 AM — Golfview Greenway Walking Trail — Check for registration fees — Participate in a community-focused 5K run and walk honoring local heroes.

Fayetteville Rockstar Connect Networking Event

6-8 p.m. — World of Beer — Free entry — Enjoy casual networking over cold brews and meaningful conversations with community movers and shakers.

Breakthrough Basketball Essential Skills Camp

June 3-5 — Freedom Courts Sports Complex — $97 fee for observing coaches — Enhance your basketball skills with high-intensity drills focusing on scoring moves and decision making.