The Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce hosted its 43rd Meet in the Street on Saturday, May 3, 2025, attended by more than 20,000 people, perhaps the most since the event began in 1982.
Indeed, as Chamber President Jim Thompson says, "What started out as a small community event blocking off only White Street, has evolved into one that incorporates nearly all of historic downtown Wake Forest."
Featuring 165 vendors, two food court areas and two music stages showcasing the truly impressive talents of School of Rock kids from across the area, along with DJ Rodney Holmes, Flatrock the Band, and Sagamore Band, the energy and enthusiasm was evident everywhere one looked block after block on a most beautiful day throughout this fully thriving Downtown Wake Forest neighborhood.
This much-anticipated event included a Children’s Village, Bicycle Safety Fair, the First Responders Village, and the Young Entrepreneurs Fair at the newly created “Small Business Alley”.
"Meet in the Street is just one example of the many great things that are happening in Downtown Wake Forest," Thompson continued.
When the event first began, he said Downtown wasn’t necessarily an attraction, but now people drive from across the county, state, and region to see what Wake Forest is doing next. Along with more visitors and housing options on Roosevelt and White Streets, more restaurants and retail operations are moving Downtown on a regular basis.
With many contributing to the development of Downtown, the same can be said for the Meet in the Street operation, the planning for and execution of which takes the entire year after the current event concludes, totaling hundreds of hours by staff and volunteers to pull it off without a hitch.
"Wake Forest prides itself as a town with big city amenities that is still able to maintain its small-town charm," Thompson said. "Meet in the Street is a perfect example of that as it brings together small and large businesses; young and seasoned businesses; kids and seniors; musicians and artists; main dishes and desserts and so much more."
Police, fire, and public works departments also contribute mightily to the cause, executing a seamless series of steps starting before sunrise, ultimately creating a multi-block space with a sense of safety and organization befitting of a town that's grown in profitable and sustainable ways since the event began.
"It's been a joy and pleasure to attend this event over the years with my family," said Jason Cannon, President of the Wake Forest Business and Industry Partnership (WFBIP). "We cannot say enough to properly thank and appreciate all the folks involved for everything they do to make this event an annual success. It also demonstrates how well this town collaborates and showcases the businesses and housing options that make Downtown Wake Forest one of the most vibrant districts of its kind anywhere in the state."
