CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) -
CarolinaFest 2012 ended about 20 minutes early Monday evening as a strong line of storms moved into the viewing area.
The festival Uptown was temporarily suspended earlier as storms started to threaten. Organizers sent a text message and email alert for the initial delay at 4:24 p.m. Less than 30 minutes later, at 4:48 p.m., the show was back on. But then at 5:09, organizers said they would play it by ear.
Crews at the festival observed Medic walking through the crowd and warning people the storm was close - and telling people to seek shelter.
The secondary stage was shut down after the initial delay. Musical group Chairman of the Board's keyboard was soaked in the first downpour. Their music library was stored on they keyboard, so they sang one song a cappella, apologized, and left. Organizers brought James Taylor on stage and he performed for about a half hour. At 5:40 p.m., Taylor gave the stage to organizers and police who told the crowd to disperse.
WBTV's Weather Team is tracking the storm in the First Alert Weather Center. Check back here for updates.
Copyright 2012 WBTV. All rights reserved.
