HIGH POINT, N.C–When the High Point Furniture Market returns April 20-25, organizers expect thousands of people flock to Main Street and the other areas around High Point.
This year, High Point Police say they will increase security around the event, after two bombs exploded at the Boston Marathon Monday afternoon.
Chief Marty Sumner says the department will follow safety procedures from the “Incident Action Plan”, that was put into place shortly after 9/11.
Police will have additional officers in common areas and at events held in the market. They will also be conducting random security sweeps.
Restrictions that remain in place are:
- No street parking next to Market buildings during the event, they will be blocked off as usual
- No deliveries or large trucks will be allowed in the downtown area during Market hours (7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily)
- Entry to buildings is restricted to person who has registered with the Market Authority and has their market pass displayed
- No vehicle can be left unattended on city streets in the target area. Food caterers and small delivery services can conduct business by having someone who can stay with the vehicle while a delivery is being made.
Police are asking all attendees to wear their badge at all times, and report any suspicious activity.
“It’s a stark reminder of the world we live in post 9\11, and when we don’t have something happen for a long period of time, we get a little bit relaxed. We can’t be that way anymore in this day and time,” Sumner said.
The Spring Furniture Market temporarily increases High Point’s population from 107,000 to close to 200,000 during a normal Market business day.
People from 110 countries will are expected to attend market.
The Furniture Market runs from April 20-25.
