Extra security in place as thousands attend 78th annual North Carolina Azalea Festival

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The 78th annual North Carolina Azalea Festival is underway and with thousands of people here for this weekend’s events, there will also be an increase in security. 

As in prior years, additional law enforcement from other areas is here to assist. 

They’ll be working out of the Wilmington Police Department, and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.  

More than 50 deputies from the sheriff’s office have been assigned to specific duties with the Azalea Festival. 

Lieutenant Greg Willett is a spokesman for the Wilmington Police Department.  

While they don’t anticipate having any problems, he says, they do plan for a worst-case scenario. 

“Any type of function like Azalea festival or festival in Wilmington we have as many contingencies in place as we can, we try to think about any kind of possibility we can, and we try to mitigate any kind of problems we can think of that may come up. Again, hope for the best, plan for the worst,” Lt. Willett said. 

Lieutenant Willett says it’s important to remember to travel in groups, always be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit areas. 

In addition, only service animals will be allowed at the parade and street fair, all other pets are prohibited.