36 | September/October 2016
is also freed up the organization to
help advocate for every downtown busi-
ness, not just the more than 100 busi-
nesses that serve as members.
Chavonne says that he is optimistic
about the community's future, as he sees
the community as a "reflection of the
country." Since the late 1970s, during the
wildly unpopular Vietnam war, Fayette-
ville's downtown became more known
for its strip clubs and crime than for its
community festivals and coffee shops.
Chavonne believes this was the result
of the dra, which filled the city with
soldiers who had no interest in being
there. Today, Chavonne says, the military
presence has become the area's greatest
strength.
"Today we have an all volunteer army.
ese are people who want to be here, peo
-
ple who want to make a positive change in
their world," Chavonne said. "e country
is much more supportive of the military,
and when you have a country that sup-
ports them and a city that supports them, I
think that benefits us as a community. We
recognize the sacrifices these people make,
because they aren't fighting these conflicts
with battleships, they are fighting with our
neighbors. We want these soldiers to know
how much we respect them and want them
to stay in our community even aer they
are out of the army."
Tashi Salon Ribbon Cutting
Friday, August 26
final free summer concert
6pm in Fesitval Park
with Breathe New Life
and Brad Benson
Look at the events the
Dogwood Festival
has planned for you!
For more info about these or other fun events, please visit faydogwoodfestival.com
presented
by
presented by
Entertainment, Live Music & more! Enjoy a hair-raising chill at the
Lafayette Insane Asylum, relax with a cold one at Bands&Brew,
learn the spooky side of Fayetteville with Historic Hauntings, enjoy a
hayride with the family and get your eat on at the Food Truck Festival.
in FESTIVAL PARK
Oct. 27-29
