Southport police share safety tips and traffic changes ahead of Fourth of July festival
SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — As thousands of visitors head to Southport for the city’s annual Fourth of July Festival, police are urging attendees to plan ahead, expect traffic delays and stay informed about road closures throughout the celebration.
Southport’s annual Fourth of July Festival features a parade, arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, food vendors and a fireworks display, drawing thousands of visitors to the coastal city each year.
In a message to residents and visitors, Southport Police Chief Todd Coring welcomed festivalgoers while emphasizing the department’s focus on keeping the holiday safe and enjoyable.
“As someone who grew up in Southport, I have had the pleasure of enjoying decades of parades, craft shows, vendors and fireworks,” Coring said. “Now, as police chief, it is my job to make sure it’s enjoyable — and safe — for all of you.”
Police App Provides Real-Time Updates
The Southport Police Department is encouraging attendees to download its mobile app to receive notifications about road closures, traffic updates, festival changes and other important information throughout the event.
The department coordinates with the North Carolina Fourth of July Committee to provide real-time updates during the festival.
Road Closures Already Underway
Several streets are already closed as vendors begin setting up for the festival.
Bay Street is closed from South Atlantic Avenue to Davis Street, while Davis Street is closed at Moore Street to accommodate arts and crafts vendors and will remain closed. South Howe Street closes at 6 p.m. Wednesday for food vendor setup and will remain closed throughout the festival. Additional portions of Bay Street to S Atlantic are also closed.
Parking and Traffic Expectations
Police remind visitors that parking in downtown Southport is limited. Parking is allowed in city rights-of-way, but motorists should avoid blocking driveways or creating visibility hazards at intersections.
No parking will be permitted in festival areas or along the Fourth of July parade route on the morning of July 4, and illegally parked vehicles will be towed.
Drivers should also expect significant traffic congestion, with travel times increasing by 30 to 45 minutes in many areas. Officials say traffic leaving downtown after both the parade and fireworks will be especially heavy, although North Howe Street will operate with two outbound lanes after the fireworks to help ease congestion.
Festival Safety Reminders
Police are also reminding visitors that golf carts, bicycles and skateboards are prohibited within festival areas. Golf cart operators must obey all traffic laws, and seat belts are required where equipped.
Officials also ask attendees to follow North Carolina alcohol laws and refrain from displaying alcoholic beverages in public, noting the festival is intended to be a family-friendly event.
Visitors should use extra caution around the Yacht Basin and Bay Street, where large crowds of pedestrians are expected throughout the holiday weekend.
Command Post Available During Festival
A police command post will operate throughout the festival at the Indian Trail Meeting Hall next to the Southport library. Officers will patrol downtown on foot and by bicycle.
Anyone experiencing an emergency should call 911. For non-emergency assistance, including lost items or directions, festivalgoers can visit the command post, speak with an officer or call the Southport Police Department’s non-emergency line.
