A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT adopting the fayetteville dogwood festival as the official dogwood festival of the state of north carolina.
Whereas, the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival is a three‑ to four‑day festival held annually in the City of Fayetteville and is celebrated the fourth weekend in April. The Festival has been held for the past 41 years and began in 1982 due to the efforts of then‑Mayor Bill Hurley; and
Whereas, in 2022, over 215,000 people attended the Dogwood Festival; and
Whereas, of that number, 70% attended previous festivals and 97% stated that they would attend future festivals; and
Whereas, the Dogwood Festival produced an economic impact of $8,188,850 for the local economy; and
Whereas, daily attendees spent around $23 per day and overnight guests spent about $130 per night, of which 83% stayed at least two nights; and
Whereas, every year, the Dogwood Festival brings in national, regional, and local artists who entertain attendees to free concerts; and
Whereas, over the years, the Dogwood Festival has earned many accolades, including being nominated as the "Best Festival in North Carolina" by Southern Living Magazine; and
Whereas, for the years 2009, 2010, and 2013, the Dogwood Festival has been voted as the "Event of the Year" by NC Festivals & Events; and
Whereas, in 2011, the Dogwood Festival was named a "Top 20 Event of the Year" by Southeast Tourism Society; and
Whereas, in 2012, the Dogwood Festival was named a "Grand Pinnacle Winner" by International Festivals and Events; and
Whereas, in 2018, the Dogwood Festival was named the "Kaleidoscope Event of the Year" by Southeast Festivals and Events Association; and
Whereas, each year, the Governor of North Carolina is encouraged to proclaim the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival dates in honor of the Festival and commend its observance to all North Carolina citizens; and
Whereas, the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival should be adopted as the official dogwood festival of the State of North Carolina; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 145‑52.  North Carolina Dogwood Festival.
The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival is adopted as the official dogwood festival of the State of North Carolina."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.