‘If you’re bored then you’re boring’

Dear Editor,

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending our town’s annual Slawburger Festival. Normally, due to self-inflicted circumstances, I am too full to enjoy the musical festivities following the eating competition. However, this year, I was in the crowd cheering instead of on stage chewing. I was finally able to leisurely walk over to the beer garden where I enjoyed a crisp cider and listened to a rockin’ band of boys from Nashville with my friend and new little puppy, Vee. It was special sight, although bittersweet, as the ruins of our beloved businesses lay behind the stage. I watched in delight as beautiful people of all ages, races and relations came together to cut a rug right there on Market Street. Mother Nature, full of jokes, decided to rain on our dancing parade, and I found myself huddled under the cover of the beer tent with some friendly folks from Fayetteville. It was here I heard the words, “There’s nothing to do in Fayetteville. I have lived here my whole life and there is never anything to do,” namely having a drink out of doors, on a beautiful historic square that just moments ago had been filled with free live music.

I have heard this comment several times since moving to Fayetteville, and I endeavor to dispel these deceiving rumors and shed light on the very many fun Fayetteville things to do. People generally find what they are looking for, and I assure you, if you look for something to do, it will be found! Most often, for free! Our local library has numerous classes offered to the public, requiring only a prior sign-up. The lovely Arts Center offers free local music and talents of all kinds at Open Mic Night every third Saturday at 7 p.m. and classes and events all year long. The merchants on the square offer every kind of delectable delight one could ask for: homemade ice cream, cheesecakes, coffee, wine and all kinds of southern cooking with a flair. If none of this strikes your fancy, maybe consider “doing” something for someone else. Lend a hand at the senior center, or volunteer at the animal shelter or the local food bank. Have you visited Wells Hill Park lately and enjoyed the many upgrades and additions? Have you strolled through Stone Bridge Park and noticed all the flowers in bloom around the cabin? Just this week, our local newspaper shared nearly an entire page worth of “Happenings” for those searching for something to do.

Fayetteville may be a small town, but we have a strong community with a big heart and big ideas for the future. To the little lady I met on the square, I hope to see you out on the town again, doing something fun.

Sincerely, Rosalee Witkowski Fayetteville