Dogwood Festival 'Blooms' in Fayetteville

There are many new events for the family like breakfast with life-size cartoon characters, a video game challenge and a remote control car race.

Organizers like to change the events each year so the interest stays high, but there are also some old favorites.

Mother nature came through, and for the first time in three years, there are blossoms on the dogwood trees. Driving down the dogwood trail is a traditional favorite

The festival officially kicked off Wednesday night with a spring carnival. It is a new event that is sure to make people merry. For this 17th year, many new events have been moved to the center of the city.

"We've tried to move as much of it to downtown Fayetteville as we can to get everyone to come down and see the progress we've made in revitalization," said Mandy Pittman, Dogwood Festival directory.

Many events are free. Others like the million dollar hole-in-one shootout are fundraisers for local charities.

"Last year, a lot of money went to the asthma camp for children, and it's a win-win situation. You can win a million dollars, or you can have a chance," said volunteer Cliff McMillan.

Matt Johnson, 19, will have a chance at the jackpot. He qualified Thursday.

What would he do with a million dollars?

"Go to church and give tithes, pay my bills and pay my mom and dad's bills I reckon," said Johnson.

TheAmerican Lung Associationshoot-out continues through Sunday.