H.B. 159
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
Feb 21, 2023
SESSION 2023 HOUSE PRINCIPAL CLERK
H D
HOUSE BILL DRH40077-LG-51
Short Title: Adopt Official NC Dogwood Festival. (Public)
Sponsors: Representative Charles Smith.
Referred to:
1 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
2 AN ACT ADOPTING THE FAYETTEVILLE DOGWOOD FESTIVAL AS THE OFFICIAL
3 DOGWOOD FESTIVAL OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
4 Whereas, the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival is a three- to four-day festival held
5 annually in the City of Fayetteville and is celebrated the fourth weekend in April. The Festival
6 has been held for the past 41 years and began in 1982 due to the efforts of then-Mayor Bill
7 Hurley; and
8 Whereas, in 2022, over 215,000 people attended the Dogwood Festival; and
9 Whereas, of that number, 70% attended previous festivals and 97% stated that they
10 would attend future festivals; and
11 Whereas, the Dogwood Festival produced an economic impact of $8,188,850 for the
12 local economy; and
13 Whereas, daily attendees spent around $23 per day and overnight guests spent about
14 $130 per night, of which 83% stayed at least two nights; and
15 Whereas, every year, the Dogwood Festival brings in national, regional, and local
16 artists who entertain attendees to free concerts; and
17 Whereas, over the years, the Dogwood Festival has earned many accolades, including
18 being nominated as the "Best Festival in North Carolina" by Southern Living Magazine; and
19 Whereas, for the years 2009, 2010, and 2013, the Dogwood Festival has been voted
20 as the "Event of the Year" by NC Festivals & Events; and
21 Whereas, in 2011, the Dogwood Festival was named a "Top 20 Event of the Year" by
22 Southeast Tourism Society; and
23 Whereas, in 2012, the Dogwood Festival was named a "Grand Pinnacle Winner" by
24 International Festivals and Events; and
25 Whereas, in 2018, the Dogwood Festival was named the "Kaleidoscope Event of the
26 Year" by Southeast Festivals and Events Association; and
27 Whereas, each year, the Governor of North Carolina is encouraged to proclaim the
28 Fayetteville Dogwood Festival dates in honor of the Festival and commend its observance to all
29 North Carolina citizens; and
30 Whereas, the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival should be adopted as the official
31 dogwood festival of the State of North Carolina; Now, therefore,
32 The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
33 SECTION 1. Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new
34 section to read:
35 "§ 145-52. North Carolina Dogwood Festival.
*DRH40077-LG-51*
 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2023
1 The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival is adopted as the official dogwood festival of the State of
2 North Carolina."
3 SECTION 2. This act is effective when it becomes law.
Page 2 DRH40077-LG-51