Wake County graduation ceremonies draw huge crowds to downtown Raleigh

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Monday, June 9, 2014
Wake County graduation ceremonies draw huge crowds to downtown Raleigh
Getting to downtown Raleigh was a challenge for some.

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- "Pomp and Circumstance" -- that music was a welcome sound for seniors from Apex High School Sunday.

With all the well-wishers watching inside the Raleigh Convention Center, getting to downtown Raleigh was a challenge for some.

"Oh man, it was crazy! Just trying to find a close parking space, 'cause we got here a little bit late! It's hard, very hard," said Troy Braxton, who drove from Holly Springs for his nephew's commencement.

"The routes and the roads to go? It's too overwhelming, downtown Raleigh. And no parking! You've got all these signs, and it's just too hectic," said Tammy Braxton.

However, that meant business for shuttle driver Curtis Wilson, who was busy bringing people to the convention center from nearby parking lots.

"They were wrapped around the building. Most of 'em, in a straight line down there," Wilson said.

A few blocks away, the food truck rodeo brought even more people and cars to downtown Raleigh.

A lot more graduations are planned at the Raleigh Convention Center and the Duke Energy Center over the next few days. Ceremonies will start as early as 8 a.m. and will not be over until Thursday evening. Drivers should watch out for detours.

If you are attending a graduation, follow the Braxton's advice and "come early!"

Click here for a full list of the Wake County graduation schedule.

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