For the first time since the early 1980s, there will be no Springfest in Fayetteville in 2012.
The festival, which began in 1983 by merchants on Dickson Street as a way to celebrate the history, culture, and flavor of Fayetteville, became late-April staple each year featuring a pancake breakfast, lots of live music, arts and crafts vendors, and the annual “bed races” along Dickson Street.
Festival organizers said a combination of factors contributed to the decision to shelve the 29-year event.
“First of all, the Joe Martin Stage Race had to be moved to our weekend,” said Ben Clark, a volunteer with the festival for the past several years. “Then, Neil (Crawford) closed Jose’s, so that was a factor. A lot of the business owners on Dickson Street who have helped in years past are having to focus more on their businesses right now. And now there is a lot more happening in the spring, so finding another weekend to do it became really difficult.
“Basically, we just ran out of time,” he said.
Clark said that even though the festival won’t happen this year, he doesn’t think Fayetteville has seen the last of Springfest.
“It feels like we need some new blood to take it over,” Clark said. “Honestly, there were some people who were interested in taking it over this year and I think if we had more time, it would have happened. I definitely think it will be back.”
