Azalea Festival: Downtown parking info

WILMINGTON — If you're heading to any of the Azalea Festival events this weekend one of the biggest challenges you may face is parking. At 6:45 a.m. Saturday police are shutting down Front, Third and Market Streets. But don't worry, there are ways to get around. Chestnut Street will be open as a way to get to the parking garages on Second Street. The garages will cost $5. Make sure you get into downtown early — the access to the parking garages will close at 8:15 sharp. If you want to avoid parking all together, ride the bus. Park near Sears at Independence Mall and you'll be dropped off at Second and Dock Street. That will cost just $1. The bus will operate in seven minute intervals, between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. On-street parking downtown is free after 5:00 p.m. on Friday and free all day Saturday and Sunday. The parking decks will cost $5 per day.