Live music, local crafts, and bed races. All of these have become synonymous with the annual Fayetteville Springfest event over the past 30 years.
Last year, organizers added a new feature to the festival that they’re hoping will also become an annual tradition.
The first ever Springfest 5K run debuted in 2013, and organizers said the race turned out to be a huge success.
“We had a great turnout for something we kind of added at the last minute,” said Doug Allen, owner of Jose’s on Dickson Street and Springfest event director. “This year, we’re on track to double the amount of runners.”
Bluebird of Happiness trophies are given to the category winners of the Springfest 5K
Allen tabbed veteran race director Tabby Holmes, who also runs the Hogeye Marathon, to organize race festivities for the 5K. Allen said Holmes’ leadership, along with an interesting course through the heart of the city’s entertainment district, and unique “Bluebird of Happiness” awards for the winners, contributed to the success of last year’s race.
This year, the race will add more prizes in additional categories to entice more runners to participate.
“The overall winner in the male and female categories will get $100 in gift certificates to local restaurants, and we’re adding more prizes to give away to the winners every day,” he said.
Registration is $20 for adults and $15 for students. All proceeds from the event benefit the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity.
To register for the Springfest 5K, visit register-wizard.com.
