Under especially adverse weather conditions during most of the day, the first Friday Night on White (FNOW) of 2023 went the distance on April 14, compelling many to wait out the spring storms and hang out for the evening in what will soon become an even more varied and vibrant Downtown.
Starting with its inaugural gathering in 2016 and scheduled from 6-9 p.m. monthly from April to September, FNOW typically brings an estimated 10,000 people out to experience everything the popular event and dynamic Downtown district has to offer.
"Friday Night on White has brought new energy to Downtown over the past seven years," said Mayor Vivian Jones. "People are coming from all across the region to enjoy the small-town charm and big-city energy we all love here in Wake Forest."
Looking ahead, FNOW dates and performances this season include the bands Sleeping Booty on May 12, Love Tribe on June 9, Brickhouse Band on July 14, Stone Age Romeos on Aug. 11, and Crush on Sept. 8. In addition to live music, FNOW also features some 12 food trucks, the VFW Post 8466 Chuck Wagon, beer and wine stations, vendors and sponsors located throughout the streetscape.
For additional information, see here: https://www.wakeforestnc.gov/meetings-events/friday-night-white
As the Roosevelt Avenue food hall and Magnolia Square townhomes near completion on the north side of town, and with the next phase of Powerhouse Row on White Street set to begin construction shortly – together with the monumental development planned for the former SunTrust space – more residents and businesses will soon be arriving, offering, even more, to see and do Downtown for residents, visitors and FNOW revelers alike.
In the face of those persistent storms on April 14, the talent, teamwork, and tenacity of those involved held it all together. From Public Works and Police, Communications and Facilities, Fire and Electric departments, to the food and alcohol vendors and municipal leaders – along with the merry members of The Magic Pipers who finally took the stage for good around 7 – the collective, cooperative energy kept everything on track until the event concluded under clear skies two hours later.
"We try to be as prepared as possible and learn from our previous experiences," said Jennifer Herbert, Downtown Development Manager.
With tarps standing ready to quickly cover the electronics and in near constant communication with vendors et al., Herbert said everyone involved does everything in their power to ensure the show goes safely on.
After White and Owen streets close, the staggered FNOW set-up process – starting with the stage and sound equipment arriving at 1, food trucks at 2, sponsors at 3, and alcohol vendors at 4 – takes four hours to complete. Herbert said The Magic Pipers were supposed to be in sound check when the first storm started at 4:45. And after retaking the stage around 6, they played two songs before Mother Nature sent everyone scrambling again.
"We almost had to cancel, but then it cleared up," Herbert said, referring to the last storm that started around 6:30 and lasted 30 minutes, the sheets of rain driving many suddenly sodden visitors into open businesses and covered entryways.
While it’s both risky to cancel or carry on with dark clouds looming on the horizon, Herbert says she makes the ultimate decision based on detailed weather updates from the Town Fire and Communications departments.
"I feel like I need a degree in meteorology," she said, also recommending that folks download the Town app for real-time updates and much more information on all things Wake Forest. Together with Camryn Gutierrez and Tracy Painter, Herbert says her small department works hard to organize and administer the monthly event.
"Fortunately for me, it's pretty much a well-oiled machine," Herbert said. "A true team effort with the goal of bringing people Downtown. It's a lot of work but very rewarding to see everyone enjoying themselves."
Herbert said she and her team are always working to improve the process and experience for visitors from across the region, most of whom stay in town for two to three hours, taking in the festivities and patronizing Downtown establishments.
"This family-friendly festival has been a boon to area businesses and enhanced the reputation of our Town in many meaningful ways," said Stephanie Brown, Chair of the Wake Forest Downtown Board. "The success of FNOW demonstrates both the draw of our Downtown district and the dedication of all departments involved to create such a spectacular event."
And although an aggregate figure is difficult to calculate, thousands of dollars change hands during the four-hour festival.
"We can't say enough about the incredibly positive economic impact Friday Night on White has had for Downtown," said Jason Cannon, President of the Wake Forest Business and Industry Partnership. "Jennifer and her team do a tremendous job putting this event together. We’re grateful to them and everyone involved for everything they do."
Despite the inconvenience for some residents and business owners with streets closed to vehicles, Herbert said they all love and appreciate the event. Many business owners say their best day of the month is the Saturday after the festival.
"People want to be here regardless," Herbert said. "This is a quality of life event with something for everyone."
