Good morning, Fayetteville.

Cumberland County will host Independence Day events that start on June 28 with celebrations in Hope Mills and at Fort Bragg featuring concerts, fireworks and family activities, and the festivities will continue until July 6 with a July 4 parade in Hope Mills, a weekend of games and fireworks at Segra Stadium and community celebrations in Aberdeen and Raeford. This series of events will give residents several ways to celebrate the holiday.

Cumberland County Public Library branches serve as a community hub by offering free programs like toddler story times, tech help and sensory experiences for all ages — residents only need a photo ID and proof of local residency to get a library card for books, digital media and research resources.

Ham radio enthusiasts with the Cape Fear Amateur Radio Society in Cumberland County will join a 22-hour field day exercise this weekend at the Chapter 1-18 Special Forces Association compound at 1509 Zinnia Dr.—the exercise is designed to test emergency communication skills ahead of a forecast active hurricane season. Society leaders such as Rod MacLean and David Winfree recall the group’s vital role during Hurricane Helene and aim to support reliable communications in future storms.

Sylvia Glanton, 34, was recognized in Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 for her leadership as founder and CEO of Personameant Solutions LLC + the Future Rich Aunties Community.

She rebuilt her business after identity theft + now helps small businesses improve their operations with credit restoration and CRM automation.

Fayetteville woman Cynthia Denise Melvin pleaded guilty on February 26 to a wire fraud scheme targeting federal student aid and was sentenced on June 24 to five years in federal prison—she will also serve three years of probation and must repay $3.6 million to the U.S. Department of Education.

Colonial colleges in Cumberland County offer many paths from technical training to four-year degrees.

Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville Technical Community College and Methodist University are expanding programs and facilities (including new labs and residence halls) to prepare students for careers in high-demand fields.

Cumberland County schools offer a range of education options—including public, private, and charter institutions that serve nearly 50,000 students with support for over 14,700 military-connected children—while using data-driven methods and innovative programs aligned with The Cumberland Commitment: Strategic Plan 2026. The system also provides specialized programs that let students explore areas like science, arts, and technology.

The Cumberland County Department of Public Health and a Fayetteville Walgreens on Grove St. will offer free HIV tests—along with tests for hepatitis C and syphilis—on June 27 in honor of National HIV Testing Day.

The STI Clinic at 1235 Ramsey St. will provide testing from 8 a.m. to noon with results available in 20 minutes or less.

Residents can use a new guide to find medical care among local systems that serve both civilians and service members.

The guide details how Cape Fear Valley Health, FirstHealth of the Carolinas, Womack Army Medical Center and the Fayetteville VA Coastal Health Care System+ offer a range of emergency, routine and specialized services in Cumberland County.

Fayetteville has many dining options that include casual burger stands, fixed pizza restaurants, and places serving Asian, African, and Indian dishes—each offering a unique taste.

The guide helps locals choose a spot that fits their cravings and budget.

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.

Day of the Cowboy Benefit Rodeo

5-10:30 p.m. — 7 Branch Farm & Arena — Tickets available — Experience thrilling rodeo action and family fun while supporting local cancer patients.