Raleigh Wide Open Three was spread out over two days, Friday being all but washed out due to wind and rain from Tropical Storm Hanna. The brand new Raleigh Convention center was open for viewing, as well as hosting the 2008 International Festival.
People walk along Salisbury Street checking out the new Raleigh Convention Center.
Fireworks over the city during Raleigh Wide Open 3.
Busy Fayetteville Street on Saturday during Raleigh Wide Open.
Chuck Berry performs at Raleigh Wide Open during TS Hanna rain bands.
Upper level of Raleigh Convention Center.
Evening at Raleigh Wide Open.
One of the ballroom’s at the Raleigh Convention Center.
Fayetteville Street flows with a river of people.
Main exhibition space at the Raleigh Convention Center, set up as the International Festival.
Red and Blue fireworks over the city of Raleigh.
Umbrellas nearly outnumbered people on Friday night at the main stage.
Two Hannover Square towers over soon to be city plaza squareRaleigh Wide Open.
Main entrance of the Convention Center.
Fireworks during Raleigh Wide open.
Rained out Raleigh Wide Open.
Ceiling of Ballroom A at the Raleigh Convention Center.
Fireworks finale at Raleigh Wide Open Three.
You can view the photographs from previous Raleigh Wide Open events here: Raleigh Wide Open 2 – 2007: https://raleighskyline.com/content/2007/07/22/raleigh-wide-open-july-2007/ Original Raleigh Wide Open – 2006: https://raleighskyline.com/content/2006/07/29/raleigh-wide-open-the-reopening-of-fayetteville-street/
September 7th, 2008 at 9:53 pm (#)
Awesome pictures Matt – especially the one of all of downtown with the fireworks. Great stuff and a great event! I’m glad this is becoming a yearly thing – however, the Fayetteville Street activities are pretty much limited to fair food. More artsy type vendors would be nice for the years to come – something along the lines of Bele Chere in Asheville maybe?
September 7th, 2008 at 10:21 pm (#)
Very nice pictures
September 8th, 2008 at 12:11 am (#)
I can see a bit of my truck (ahead of the Tahoe/Suburban) on the firework shots. I knew you’d be out there taking some pics, guess I got screened off.
Great photos as usual. I did love the “flare” fireworks and the shadows they created on the skyline. (evident on the last shot)
September 8th, 2008 at 2:21 pm (#)
Amazing work, just like I suspected 🙂 That last photo, especially the last one!!! Thanks, once more, for sharing your great work with us.
September 8th, 2008 at 4:54 pm (#)
cool
September 8th, 2008 at 5:01 pm (#)
I agree Justin, the food selection at RWO has been on the weak side in years past. I actually didn’t spent much time on Fayetteville Street because of my interest in the new Convention Center – and I partook of the International Festival where they has additional (and better) food inside. I heard a lot of positive remarks floating in the air about the festival itself, which leads me to believe that maybe they saw a big increase in attendance by moving it from Dorton Arena and having it in conjunction with RWO. I really hope that this is not a one time occurance and that both events happen again together in future years, I think they compliment each other well.
Matt R, I think you managed to find a great vantage point for capturing the fireworks against the skyline! I was over on the Boylan Bridge saturday night which is a great spot against the skyline’s wide angle (just a bit distant for my liking, but I also avoid the crowds) – but you certainly found a sweet spot. Great photos as always!
September 10th, 2008 at 2:38 am (#)
Convention center is stunning from the inside… and the shimmer wall actually gives the skyline some color character.
September 10th, 2008 at 7:14 pm (#)
What is that new crane for????(the one right next to the fireworks in the last photo). is that for the lafeyette site or what???
September 11th, 2008 at 8:22 am (#)
It is for Charter Square. Currently, they are building the underground parking deck.
September 11th, 2008 at 7:17 pm (#)
The new crane is set for the new Charter Square buildings….
http://www.craigdavisproperties.com/images/CitySiteOne_R01.jpg
September 25th, 2008 at 5:11 pm (#)
very nice pics i love them that is all can said congratulations.
September 27th, 2008 at 3:43 pm (#)
Is it true Raleigh has a popu. of 380,000+
October 11th, 2008 at 11:36 am (#)
When are the Charter Square buildings supposed to be complete? Also, does anyone have any pictures of the Soleil Center construction/progress?
March 7th, 2012 at 12:36 pm (#)
403,000