Good morning, Fayetteville.

Local community organizations are planning multiple back-to-school events across Fayetteville and Cumberland County to distribute free school supplies and Kidsville News in celebration of its 29th anniversary; details include supply giveaways, health screenings, and fun activities for students and families.

The 2026 Cumberland County Fair will run from Sept.

4–13 at the Crown Complex with rides, exhibits, and family fun, while local arts organizations received grants to expand interactive exhibits and community events.

The YMCA of the Sandhills distributed 520 meal boxes yesterday at Word Education Church in Lillington through its SUN Meals To Go program, which provides breakfast and lunch for children and teens while removing travel barriers.

Teen volunteers learned leadership skills and the program will soon expand to Cumberland County.

Parkton Animal Oasis will host its Summer Fest on Saturday, Aug.

1 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 1585 Armory Road, with animal encounters (including emus and wallabies), yard games, food trucks, and extra petting options.

Cumberland County welcomes fresh eateries and shops, with Seven5 Diner on Ramsey St and Nature’s Herbal Cabinet on Walter Reed Rd celebrating recent openings in July.

Residents now have diverse dining + new retail options, including Camden Commons in Hope Mills where Target is set to open later.

Downtown Fayetteville will host Dogwood Nights Dances from August through November, featuring a Back to School Bash, cultural experiences, Ocktoberfest, and a retro Sock Hop on the second Saturday of each month.

The free festival sponsored by Brightspeed aims to support local businesses and community gatherings.

Families can enjoy a free end-of-summer block party called Capes, Crowns and Chaos at Fascinate-U Children's Museum from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug.

8; the event will take place on the block outside 116 Green St. with games, a foam party, creative play, and food from local vendors.

Bob Pinson, who retired from the Arts Council, became interim executive director of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra Tuesday, July 28.

He will lead plans for the fiscal closeout and music director search at Huff Concert Hall + strengthen local arts.

FTCC opened its new SparkNC Lab in June as North Carolina’s only community-college SparkLab.

Cumberland County students in grades 8-12 can visit the lab (2817 Fort Bragg Rd, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) for hands-on STEM learning in emerging tech fields.

Fayetteville residents can explore a new dining guide featuring Southern comfort food from local family restaurants and upscale spots — showcasing everything from crispy fried chicken to creamy mac and cheese across Fayetteville, Hope Mills and nearby communities.

Segra Stadium is set to host the inaugural Segra Invitational, a three-day NCAA Division III baseball tournament featuring six college teams, Feb.

26-28, 2027 (downtown). The tournament is part of the ballpark’s plan to serve as a year-round community venue.

UNC head coach Michael Malone offered scholarships to top recruits in the 2027 and 2028 classes as he builds the future roster at Chapel Hill.

The announcement includes standout prospects such as CJ Rosser, the top-ranked player from Rocky Mount, with official visits planned this fall.