Angier panel approves road closures for Crepe Myrtle Festival, citing public safety

The Angier Board of Commissioners unanimously approved road closures for the 2026 Crepe Myrtle Festival on June 2, authorizing a revised traffic pattern the festival’s organizers say will improve public safety and event flow.

Shelby Blackmon, executive director of the Angier Chamber of Commerce, presented the proposed footprint and traffic changes, saying the plan was developed in coordination with the Angier Police Department and that public safety was the primary consideration. Commissioner Debra Fields moved to approve the closures as presented; the motion carried unanimously, 4-0.

The board did not specify alternate routes or exact street segments during the meeting; Ms. Blackmon described the changes as a response to the festival’s growth and the need to revise the event footprint. The police department’s involvement, she said, informed the recommended traffic pattern.

The approval allows organizers to finalize logistics and messaging to businesses and residents. The board did not attach special conditions or amendments to the motion during the meeting.

The festival’s road closure plan and final street list were not included in the public packet distributed at the meeting and were not enumerated during the discussion; residents seeking route details were directed to the Chamber for specific closures and timing.