With the North Carolina Azalea Festival underway, security gets tighter to make sure everything goes smooth

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– Downtown Wilmington was packed tonight for the opening of the Azalea Festival Street Fair, and a concert featuring country artist– Dustin Lynch.

Unfortunately, recent incidents in the area– including two stabbings last Sunday– public safety is top of mind for many.

The sound of Classic Country music filled the air at the Live Oak Bank Pavillion with music by Noah Rinker and headliner Dustin Lynch on Friday night.

“We are seeing Dustin Lynch, it’s really amazing!”

The cowboy boots, hats, and jeans didn’t stop there as family and friends also enjoyed the Azalea Street Festival going down Front Street. With the big crowds on Friday, security was beefed up in and around the venue, especially after two stabbings in downtown last Sunday morning.

Wilmington resident Lily Danielsen says despite the recent crime incidents that have occurred, she feels safe downtown especially knowing police are nearby.

“The police and the first responders are so amazing, and yesterday, there was an old man on the street that fell,” said Danielsen. “We called the police, and they immediately came and helped him out, it was beautiful.”

The sentiment is the same for Kayden Hicks, who helps his father run a local stop at the festival.

“The police, they did a walk through, and it looks they got everything under control,” said Hicks

Due to concerns about Public Safety, New Hanover County Commissioner Dane Scalise posted on Facebook that everyone will be safe and there will be a massive law enforcement presence everywhere this weekend.