Good morning, Fayetteville.

At North Carolina Veterans Park in Fayetteville, many people gathered inside the visitor’s center for the Blue Star Memorial Veterans Day ceremony to thank veterans and their families for their service in past wars—Cross Creek-Briarwood Garden Club sponsored the event and local officials placed a wreath to honor their sacrifice—strengthening community remembrance.

Cumberland County Schools is launching a five-year Strategic Plan from 2026 to 2031 using a three-phase process guided by community input and district data — a steering committee including educators, parents, students, and local leaders along with RTI International will help set goals and review information. Public feedback will be invited during the 2025 to 2026 school year before the final plan is presented next summer.

Cumberland County Schools employees will receive a boost in local salary supplements this school year after the Board of Education approved a new plan on November 10 funded by a $13.7 million increase.

Every eligible teacher will get at least a $1,000 rise while classified staff supplements will jump from 2% to 6% of annual pay (boosts vary by experience).

North Carolina law bans pets from entering grocery stores to avoid food contamination — only service animals trained to assist people may be allowed if they do not contact food, and complaints can trigger inspections and citations.

Fayetteville City Council approved a $70 million downtown project on Monday to add a 119-room hotel, 124 apartments, and a public parking garage—with the city lending a $5 million loan to support the development.

The project will break ground next summer and is expected to boost downtown growth while complementing other area investments.

Red Apple Run for Diabetes

8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Jordan Soccer Complex — Registration required — Participate in a 5K and 10K to support diabetes awareness in a scenic setting.

Petals & Prosecco Gathering

2-6 p.m. — The Sip Room — Ticket purchase required — Sip bubbly while crafting beautiful bouquets and making new friends.

Festival of Lights & Tiny's Winter Wonderland

7 p.m. – 10 p.m. — Sweet Valley Ranch — Ticket required — Experience over 1 million lights and visit Santa at a festive drive-through event with adorable animals.

Mercato Europeo

11 AM – 5 PM — Villa Mirabela — Free entry — Experience the charm of Europe with artisan delights in a winter wonderland setting.

North Carolina Fashion Week

5-7 p.m. — Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County — Cost info not provided — Experience a vibrant showcase of local, regional, and out-of-state fashion designers and models.