SALISBURY, Md. -- In just a few days, folk music will fill the air and a lot of people are expected to fill the streets of downtown Salisbury. But, the forecast for this weekends event is looking rather gloomy.
Despite the forecast, the city said this event will happen rain shine. If we get any lightning or thunder, then city officials may have to delay some of the activities for this weekend.
"We would first have people go back to their cars which might just be very close by in the parking garage," said Vanessa Junkin with the City of Salisbury. "If you were really far away from your car and you walked or biked or something like that, other areas to go in would be the library and the SU galleries."
Now, the city and local businesses are expecting a good turnout. Are they bummed about the weather? Sure. But some businesses we spoke with feel the inclement weather could actually work in their favor.
"If it rains, people come in here for ice cream to take shelter so that helps us," said Dallin Rogers with Two Scoops Ice Cream.
Another local business owner, Vicente Hernandez who runs Together Cafe, said even if the skies open up he expects a solid turnout.
"I've seen in the previous years they're[festival goers] out there with their umbrellas and they are still rocking out in the rain so I think it will deter some, but for those who really care they'll still be here," said Hernandez.
Knowing that we could be in for a wet weekend, Junkin said people should come prepared.
"Wear a rain jacket, rain boots, things like that," said Junkin. "Keep an eye of the weather and bring what'll make you comfortable."
The city will have mobile crews monitoring the weather. So in the event of lightning or thunder, they ask festival goers to follow the directions of staff and to quickly get somewhere safe.
An ugly forecast is nothing new for this event. It poured in 2018 during the National Folk Festival. Many people in Salisbury, however, are trying to not let the forecast rain on the parade of the inaugural Maryland Folk Festival.
