'We had to pivot': Apex adjusts holiday traditions amid downtown construction

APEX, N.C. (WTVD) -- Crowds gathered Friday for Apex's Fireworks Frenzy, adapting to extreme heat and ongoing downtown construction that shifted several holiday traditions to a new location.

The Parade of Wheels and the Apex Fire Department's Splash Down, typically held on Salem Street, were moved to Hunter Street because of construction work.

Mayor Jacques Gilbert said the town quickly adjusted to the changes.

"We had to pivot," he said.

Gilbert said the new location doesn't change the spirit of the event, which he hopes will be "safe, fun and memorable."

The celebration includes food, games, a drone light show and fireworks.

"Our town staff has worked tirelessly to ensure that this is a great event for all," he said. "This is a great time not only for America, but for our community ... and we just want family and friends to come out and enjoy what we have to offer."

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Construction has created challenges for some downtown businesses by reducing customer traffic, but many residents said they're encouraged by the improvements underway, including wider sidewalks and new pavement.

"I really like it," Charlotte Spetz said. "I think it's going to make the whole town feel more centralized and more like a community."

Spetz and her husband, John, said they planned to stay home because of the heat.

"It's too hot," John Speltz said. "Lucky for us, we have air conditioning and we stay in it most of the time and lots of water."

For many families, the event remains a tradition regardless of its location.

Sarah Springer said her family returns each year for the sense of connection it provides.

"It's always been a really sweet sense of community, and it's one of the reasons we love living here," she said. "There's always a festival, or a gathering, and it's just a really great place to live."

The drone light show is scheduled for 8:45 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Town officials said they are continuing to monitor dry conditions and may adjust plans if necessary.

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