Arts Council in Fayetteville Changes Name of ‘A Dickens Holiday’ Event
“A Dickens Holiday” is no more in Fayetteville, as the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County announced it is retiring the name, and changing it to a more inclusive one. The…
The Arts Council has announced a name change for the event previously known as A Dickens Holiday on Hay Street downtown.
Image Courtesy Arts Council"A Dickens Holiday" is no more in Fayetteville, as the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County announced it is retiring the name, and changing it to a more inclusive one.
The annual event held the day after Thanksgiving in Downtown Fayetteville, will now be known as "Holidays on Hay...A Season of Light," the Arts Council said in a release Tuesday.
"'Holidays on Hay…A Season of Light' maintains the original mission of creating an event that is an economic engine to downtown," Interim Arts Council President Bob Pinson said, "while expanding on the unique aspects of arts, culture, and history that comprise the many distinct populations of Fayetteville and Cumberland County."
The Arts Council said in changing the name from A Dickens Holiday, it wants the event to be "a more inclusive, engaging, and memorable experience for all to enjoy," in Fayetteville. The event is a traditional street festival, including vendors, downtown businesses, fireworks, and a candlelight processional down Hay Street. Locals have dressed as Dickensian-style characters in the past, and posed for photos, all while "making way for the Queen" to arrive at the Market House to kick off the holiday season.
"'Holidays on Hay…A Season of Light' will continue to mark the beginning of the holiday season attracting patrons to merchants and restaurants in the Historic Downtown Fayetteville area to celebrate their holidays with friends, food, fun, and fellowship," the release said. "The marketplace will be filled with artisans selling their unique handcrafted holiday arts & crafts trinkets, treats, and treasures."
This year's Holidays on Hay... A Season of Light event is scheduled for Friday, November 25, 2022 on Hay Street in Downtown Fayetteville.
North Carolina Has 2 of the Fastest Growing Cities in the Country
While people may not be moving to new cities as often as they used to, two cities in North Carolina are still among the fastest growing cities in the country.
US News published its annual Fastest Growing Places report recently, and North Carolina and South Carolina are well represented in the Top 25.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is the fastest growing city in America according to the report, thanks to a lower cost of living than most places, as well as tons of great amenities in the popular tourist town.
North Carolina has two entries on the list, with the Triangle coming in as the highest ranked North Carolina area.
"Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill are known for their research/technology roots and collegiate rivalries," US News said. "This tri-city region (known as the Triangle) is luring new residents every day with strong job growth and high quality of life."
Three Florida cities are ranked 2-3-4 in the list, with Lakeland, Sarasota and Fort Myers near the top. Boise, Idaho is the highest ranked colder climate city, coming in fifth, followed by another four cities in Florida.
"The Raleigh-Cary region has one of the best-performing economies in the country," Armstrong Relocation said in a recent report about why the Triangle is growing so fast. "Known for its growing technology and start-up scene, Raleigh has attracted major employers like Apple and Google. The News & Observer reported that nearly 40 new businesses were opening and expanding in downtown Raleigh as of the second quarter of 2021, increasing its already-robust job market. Raleigh also has plenty of entry-level positions and high starting salaries, making it a perfect place for those starting their careers."
So, let's take a look at the Top 25 fastest growing cities in the United States, including the two North Carolina cities, and three South Carolina cities at the top:
