Good morning, Fayetteville.

The 26th Annual Fayetteville Rotary Club Christmas Parade is set for 10 a.m. this Saturday along Person and Hay Streets.

Parade chair Brandon Price said Santa will ride an antique fire truck as part of the community event featuring over 100 entries, local bands, and dance groups.

In August, Cumberland County Public Library launched its Library of Things, letting cardholders borrow nontraditional items for three-week loans at local branches.

Patrons must call their branch for same-day holds and sign a responsibility form which includes a brief condition check (for missing parts or damage).

Fort Bragg held its Family of the Year Ceremony on Dec.

2, where Sgt. Johnathan Lovegren’s family (Amanda, Athena, and Ares) was honored for its strong support of Army life. Lt. Gen. Greg Anderson praised families as essential to Army readiness.

Fayetteville State University's Marching Bronco Xpress is set to perform at the Red Lobster Band of the Year National Championship soon.

On Tuesday, Dec. 9, the Cumberland County Board of Education approved major updates to technology policies that regulate AI usage and strengthen student data protections at schools.

The revised measures aim to meet federal standards, and the board will meet again Jan. 13.

A review by MGT for Cumberland County Schools recommends closing or consolidating select elementary, middle, and high schools based on facility condition and space utilization — the analysis was completed in February.

Officials will review the recommendations before final decisions are made.

Local leaders and community members oppose Fuquay-Varina’s plan to transfer 6.17 million gallons daily from the Cape Fear River basin, citing risks to water quality, recreation, and Fort Bragg readiness; a public hearing is held at 6:00 p.m. today at the Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center+ written comments are accepted until April 1.

Cumberland County officials prepared a winter relief plan that will activate White Flag shelter operations when temperatures hit 32°F, providing extra beds, extended hours, and transportation through community partners including churches + nonprofits to keep residents safe during freezing nights.

Greater Fayetteville Chamber launched Carolina HealthWorks, an affordable health insurance option for small businesses with 2 to 50 employees that opened enrollment on Nov.

1; the program, developed with NC Chamber, Blue Cross NC and Consoliplex, offers competitive rates + multiple plan options including health savings, dental and vision coverage.

Hudson River Foods is recalling its 12-ounce Doughy Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough due to salmonella concerns, as the FDA classified the recall as (Class I) after products sold locally and in 14 other states were found to pose a health risk.

Families can choose fresh evergreens & holiday decor from local vendors offering choose-and-cut and pre-cut options including Bell’s Seed Store, Pate’s Farm Market, and B & D Christmas Tree Farm.

Blue Ridge Tree Farm’s trees are available at Dirtbag Ales until Dec. 21 with free delivery & trim services.

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.

A Christmas Story Screening

1:30 – 3:40 PM — Cameo Art House Theatre — Ticketed event — Enjoy a holiday classic with Ralphie Parker's charming adventures.

Fayetteville Marksmen vs Knoxville Ice Bears

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Crown Complex — Cost info not specified — Watch an exciting hockey matchup between the Marksmen and Ice Bears on FloHockey.

Anime Holiday Party

12:30-3 p.m. — Oishi Bubble Tea — Free entry — Celebrate Small Business Saturday with anime fans and bubble tea at this ultimate holiday party.