People flood Wake Forest’s South White Street each summer to listen to live music, shop downtown and mingle with neighbors and friends.

However, town leaders say the signature event is in jeopardy. To save it, Mayor Vivian Jones said they are cracking down on unruly teenagers, including considering an 8 p.m. curfew for unaccompanied kids under 16 years old.

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The town issued the warning in a lengthy Facebook post:

“A parent or guardian of a juvenile could be cited if he or she knowingly permits, or by insufficient control, allows the juvenile to remain in the FNOW event area after 8 p.m. This requirement is intended to hold neglectful or careless parents up to a reasonable community standard of parental responsibility. With the help of parents and caregivers, a curfew won’t be necessary. Without your help, a curfew may be the only way FNOW continues beyond this year,”

The post had mixed reviews from residents and parents:

  • “As a parent of a teenager, a responsible one, I might add, where should they go to hang out with friends?
    • “I’m not trying to be confrontational, but there is nowhere in this town where they can go. There is stuff for little kids and for adults but not for teens. They will never learn responsibility if they are never given the chance,”
      • “I just can’t imagine criminalizing children before they even turn 18. Because they have bad parents? Yes, they can make their own decisions, but perhaps they’re not being brought up in the right environment to make those better decisions.”

        The town spokesperson shared six incidents since July 2023 involving juveniles with WRAL in and around its downtown. In one case, law enforcement responded to an assault call. Most of the other calls were for ‘a disturbance.’

        At the most recent Friday Night on White event in April, the mayor said police had to break up multiple fights. However, Jones said most issues involving teens are not criminal but unacceptable behavior.

        “Young teenagers have been rude to store owners and people on the street….I've had store owners tell me they've had shoplifting and just coming in and destroying products on their shelves,” Mayor Vivian Jones told WRAL News. “We don't want to continue having an event that brings distrust and concerns, and people will stop coming.”

        Starting May 11, the town also said it is installing portable lighting in its darker areas and inviting law enforcement from neighboring communities to help patrol the event.

        “If there are going to be a few people who ruin it for everyone, then we're going to have to be strict about what we require them to do,” she said.

        Nicole Infinger works along South White Street. The massage therapist said this weekend, May 10, will be the first time Jubilation Spa is open for Friday Night on White. She said the business recently moved there and will hold an open house.

        “I’m curious to see how busy it will be but also hoping people can respect that this is a new space…behave appropriately,” she said.

        Infinger said she attends and enjoys the monthly festivity. However, she said she wants the rules to change.

        “If they can't respect the downtown businesses...if you can't respect the rules, then you should have your parents accompanying you,” Infinger said. “Friday Night on White shouldn't just be a babysitting opportunity.”

        The town said most young people behave responsibly.

        “Unfortunately, that small percentage of troublemakers is ruining the experience for everyone else and jeopardizing the future of these popular downtown concerts,” reads the Facebook post.

        “If parents don't want to take care of their kids and see that they're doing what they should be doing … then we're going to have to help do that ourselves,” Jones said.