Good morning, Fayetteville.

Ashley Nicholl Owen, 30, works as the marketing director at Cape Fear Regional Theatre and was named to Fayetteville's 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 for reinvesting her talents in the local arts scene + drawing nearly sold-out crowds while mentoring nonprofits.

She handles all aspects of CFRT's marketing, from print materials to social media, and continues to shape the community's creative landscape.

Lauren Falls, 36, was named to Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 and serves as the marketing and events director for Cool Spring Downtown District—she has grown the 4th Friday events from about 30 vendors to over 60 and increased attendance from 5,000 to more than 18,000.

Sol’s Arcade + Taproom in downtown Fayetteville will open early July after delays from permit setbacks and a late move-out by the previous tenant; owner Cameron Carlotti worked through months of challenges to bring the arcade bar, which will feature games, a self-serve beer tap wall, and a shooting range simulator across from Segra Stadium, to life.

Cumberland County officials are moving forward with plans for an Unhoused Support Center after a months-long pause and reviewed updated building designs with community feedback on June 17.

Commissioner Henry Tyson raised concerns about starting designs before choosing a service provider and supported a motion for a draft RFP—a full board vote is expected in August to decide next steps.

Fayetteville residents in College Lakes say a planned 7-Eleven at the corner of McArthur Road and Stacy Weaver Drive will increase traffic and pollution at an already busy intersection—City Council has delayed the zoning change until August while the developer prepares to resubmit the application with a required buffer and fence.

On June 4, county commissioners canceled the $152 million Crown Event Center project after costs rose too high, and board member Peter Pappas expressed his shock over not being consulted—leading officials to shift focus.

Commissioners then approved a motion for a Request for Quote on Crown Theatre and Arena renovations to guide future plans—setting a new direction for downtown redevelopment.

DIY for the 4th of July

6-8 p.m. — Cape Fear Studios Inc — $45 — Unleash your creativity with a patriotic painting class to celebrate Independence Day.

FRC Firecracker 4 Miler

7-10 a.m. — North Carolina Veterans Park — Entry fee required — Celebrate Independence Day with a fun 4-mile race and a Kids/Fun run through historic Downtown Fayetteville.

Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp

July 8th-10th — Freedom Courts Sports Complex — Registration required — Enhance your shooting and ball-handling skills with expert coaching and tailored drills.

Fayetteville Roller Derby

5-6:30 p.m. — Crown Complex — One ticket covers both games — Witness an exciting double header with Fayetteville Roller Derby taking on Low Country.

Whispers of Villa Romance Styled Shoot

6-8:30 p.m. — Villa Mirabela — Early Bird Special available — Elevate your portfolio with a glamorous styled shoot featuring romantic setups and stunning European-inspired aesthetics.

Rhythm & Rodeo Line Dancing Series

3-8 p.m. — 5319 Yadkin Rd, Fayetteville, NC — Free entry — Enjoy a high-energy line dancing series with music, food, and fun for the whole family.

Video Editing Course for High School Students

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Image Graphics Inc. — Cost varies — Dive into the world of video editing and motion graphics with hands-on training in Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects.