Strong winds can’t stop Azalea Festival concerts

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A lot of preparations have gone into getting the concert ready.

This year, the Azalea Festival is battling with the elements.

Wind gusts were expected to be around 30 mph by 7pm, which could leave some concern for those attending the concert.

But according to Jonathan Hedge, Azalea Festival Vice President, everything has been taken care of.

“Those stages are designed to hold up to 45 mph winds and we got a lot of professionals telling us exactly when that’s going to happen, if it does. Most people don’t even realize but there’s a weather station on the the stage so we’ll know, real time, exactly what’s happening,” Hedge said.

Hedge says that the Azalea Festival committee has been in talks with emergency management for three days straight, preparing for any situation.

Around 7000 people will be showing up for the concerts and all safety precautions have been taken.