WAKE FOREST, N.C. (WPTF) – A downtown street party in Wake Forest is drawing some questions, including from several local businesses.
In a post on Facebook, B & W Hardware said it would no longer be open during the “Friday Night on White,” event, saying: “While we have supported this event for many years, it has increasingly brought challenges that outweigh any benefit to our business. The event is no longer geared to provide meaningful value for Downtown businesses that do not sell alcohol or food.”
The post went on cite issues such as “property damage and shoplifting – as well as repeated issues with unruly and intoxicated customers.”
Another downtown business, The Yellow Butterfly said it would be closing at 5 p.m. Friday and on Facebook said some downtown businesses have been negatively impacted by the concerts.
In their post, they stated “We will continue to stand aligned with those businesses, owners, operators, and customers that want more for our downtown and aren’t being heard – us included. We understand that a community isn’t about one solitary business or event – it’s about what’s in the best interest of our community as a whole. A rising tide raises all boats.”
The Town of Wake Forest, in its own post, noted the Wake Forest police officers are being staged on some rooftops during the weekly concert. The town also disputed a claim by B & W Hardware that the those offers were armed with “pepper balls.’
“Just as they were during last month’s Friday Night on White (FNOW), Wake Forest Police officers will again be perched on the rooftops of a few downtown businesses during Friday’s concert. The Wake Forest Police Department has requested and received permission from the property owners to position officers atop their businesses with rifles that do not “fire pepper balls.”
The town’s post went on to says the police department “utilizes elevated positions to help ensure the safety of the thousands of people who choose every month to attend this downtown event.”
The town also noted that “law enforcement agencies around the world position officers atop buildings to secure high-ground advantage for surveillance, crowd management, and protection during popular events.
The monthly summer concert series started in 2016, and town leaders say is it is “still going strong. In fact, judging by the attendance in April and May – it’s never been more popular!” The town also says the concert series is the town’s most popular outdoor event.
The concerts are held on the second Friday of each month from April through September and features food trucks and other activities.
Some who have posted online have also stated concerns about traffic and parking.
The town says it also does follow up with surveys of attendees, sponsors, and merchants requesting their feedback which has led to changes to improve the experience and ensure safety.
B & H Hardware also said: “We remain committed to serving our customers – as we have done from this location since 1949 – while also supporting a safe, thriving Downtown.”