SMITHFIELD – After a lengthy discussion, members of the Smithfield Town Council agreed to close a portion of Market Street (US 70 Business) through Downtown Smithfield for the 2025 Ham & Yam Festival. The event will take place on Saturday, May 3.
In past years, several side streets are shut down for the event, including S. Front, S. Second, S. Third, and Johnston Streets.
This year, Ham & Yam organizers are expecting as many as 130 vehicles for a car show, the additional of an antique tractor show, and potentially a new boat show.
Town Manager Mike Scott said Market Street would be the ideal location for the expanded attractions. By closing Market Street it would also allow pedestrians to cross the busy roadway without having to worry about vehicular traffic.
Councilman Travis Scott said he was concerned about how traffic would flow through Downtown Smithfield for 14 hours while Market Street was closed in both directions. He also said “a major fear of mine” was vehicles driving through barricades, potentially causing harm to pedestrians. He recommended large trucks or barriers be put in place to protect pedestrians.
The initial proposal was the closure of Market Street from Front Street, at the Neuse River Bridge, to Seventh Street.
Mayor Andy Moore recommended Market only be closed from Front to Fourth Street, with Fourth Street remaining open for traffic to cross north and south.
Councilman Sloan Stevens said the closure of Market Street makes sense. Last year the festival drew about 10,000 attendees. This year, organizers are hoping for a crowd of 15,000 people.
“Let’s give it a try. If not, don’t do it next year,” Stevens said.
Councilman David Barbour agreed, “It if doesn’t work, citizens or businesses don’t like it, we can review it before approving it again in 2026.”
Mayor Pro Tem Roger Wood added, “You never know until you try.”
Councilman Scott said several business owners he spoke with in the Downtown Area were unaware Market Street was being considered for closure during the festival. “They were not aware of it. I guess its goes back to communication.”
In a unanimous vote, the council agreed to close Market Street from Front to Fourth Street on May 3, 2025 for the Ham & Yam Festival.
Smithfield Police Chief Pete Hedrick was encouraged to reach out to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office to address public safety concerns and possibly bring in sheriff’s deputies for added security this year.
Who is going to reroute the hundred Amazon tractor trailers that roll by all day long thru our downtown?
If they can Re.Route trucks for one day they can do it everyday.
Where is the WILL to make Market Street safer….everyday??
We need LEADERSHIP on this issue
Road cones should do the trick.