Good morning, Fayetteville.

On May 14, Cape Fear Valley Health held a groundbreaking for its First Adventures Child Development Center expansion—adding 12 classrooms, 30 new jobs, and boosting capacity to serve 440 children to help cut a waitlist of nearly 300 kids when work starts in January.

The county also renovated an old school into an employee childcare center for 39 children and plans to offer care until 11 p.m. starting in January for workers with late shifts.

Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant, a well-known chain serving Mexican food for 35 years, opened its new building at 3140 Raeford Road on May 14 after its lease ended at the old site.

The new space, built next to Tallywood Shopping Center, offers a central bar + pickup window to handle increased takeout orders.

Triangle Walking Tours hosts a two-hour True Crime Tour in downtown Fayetteville every Saturday at 4 p.m. that explores four historic crimes from 1849 to 1989—starting at Winterbloom Tea on Hay Street and ending at Cumberland County Courthouse on Dick Street, with tickets costing $15 and plans for a new tour focusing on African American history coming soon.

The 82nd Airborne Division will hold All American Week from May 19 through May 22 at Fort Bragg—kicking off with a division run at 6:30 a.m. on May 19, followed by competitions and a memorial ceremony on May 20, a Hall of Fame induction on May 21 that adds seven inductees to 74, and a division review on May 22—while organizers say the week honors past paratroopers and inspires future ones with public attendance available by visitor pass.

In the first four months of this year, 13 new restaurants opened in Fayetteville, Hope Mills and Spring Lake—such as a new two-story Starbucks at Fayetteville State University and a Chipotle in Hope Mills—while three longtime spots, including K&W Cafeterias and Mash House Brewing Company, closed permanently.

The undefeated Fayetteville Academy girls' lacrosse team with a 15-0 record will host the NCISAA Division II state championship on Saturday at noon against Forsyth Country Day as they chase their first state title.

Coach Vincent Intini said the team will rely on strong defense and a balanced offense led by seniors like Polly Miller to compete at the highest level.

Freedom Christian softball aims for a second NCISAA state title in a best-of-3 series starting today at 5 p.m.—the Patriots face top-seeded High Point Christian—with additional games set for May 17 at 1 p.m. and possibly 3 p.m. if needed.

Timeless Fashion: A Mother's Day Tribute

2-4:30 p.m. — North Regional Public Library — Free admission — Celebrate motherhood and timeless style with a fashion show and awards.

AsONE Prayer Walk and Unity Fest

All day — Festival Park — Free entry — A celebration of faith and unity bringing the community together through prayer and festivities.

4th Friday Art & Music Festival

6-9 p.m. — Downtown Fayetteville — Free entry — Experience local arts, live music, and street performances in Fayetteville's vibrant district.

Sneaker Ball 'Golden Hour'

7-11:59 p.m. — The Moose Event Center — Check for entry fee — Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with music, food, and a showcase of the freshest sneakers.

2025 E.E. Smith Alumni Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet

5-9 p.m. — Crown Complex — Contact for ticket pricing — Celebrate and honor outstanding E.E. Smith alumni athletes in an evening of recognition and camaraderie.

PWC Pre-Registration for Public Works Art Exhibit

12-8 p.m. — Arts Council of Fayetteville — $15 for one artwork, $20 for two — Drop off your original art pieces for a chance to showcase them in a community-wide exhibit.

2025 Rockfish Open House

3-7 p.m. — Camp Rockfish — Free entry — Discover the beauty and fun of Camp Rockfish with delicious food options available.

Hills and Thrills Adventure Tour

12 PM – 1 PM — Sweet Valley Ranch — Tickets are Non Refundable — Experience a 60-minute guided ATV tour through the terrains of Sweet Valley Ranch!

2025 Monarch Baseball Summer Camp

9 AM – 12 PM — Methodist University — Check website for pricing — Hone your baseball skills with expert coaching and competitive games.

Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp

June 3-5 — Freedom Courts Sports Complex — $245 — Fast-track your basketball skills with expert coaching in Fayetteville.