Throwback Thursday: Traffic, grocery prices, and White Lake Water Fest in 1985
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — This week’s Throwback Thursday looks back at May 1985, highlighting familiar challenges that still resonate today, including traffic congestion, rising grocery prices, and one long-standing community event.
In one report, Wilmington officials were already grappling with traffic concerns on major roadways like Market Street. At the time, the idea of nearly 60,000 vehicles traveling the corridor was difficult for some to imagine.
“Imagine nearly 60,000 cars traveling down Market Street. Well, you might be able to imagine it, but officials with the city’s traffic advisory committee cannot,” one reporter stated.
Wilmington had already been experiencing steady growth since the 1970s, with additional development and infrastructure changes contributing to increased congestion. The completion of Interstate 40 brought more growth to the region, and later roadway projects, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, were developed to help ease traffic flow.
In another segment from that same month, grocery shoppers were feeling the impact of rising prices, with even small increases noticeable at the checkout counter.
“Last time the grand total was $23.02, but this month, it was $23.96,” a shopper said.
Finally, the White Lake Water Festival drew thousands to Elizabethtown in May 1985 for swimming, boating, and water skiing events.
“It brings thousands of people here, they come and shop in Elizabethtown, which we are very appreciative,” one business owner said.
The White Lake Water Festival continues today, with its 48th annual event returning this weekend, although the water ski show has been canceled due to low water levels.
Honorable mentions from May 1985: Senior Center Drag Beauty Pageant, Whiteville lawyer continues practicing law into his 90s.
The segment is part of a new weekly Throwback Thursday series that will feature stories from WWAY’s historical news archives. That archive can be accessed here.
