MINT HILL, NC – 553 days: that’s how long it’s been since the Town of Mint Hill has staged an in-person event.
Over the past year and a half, the town has worked hard to provide opportunities for socially-distanced, COVID-safe fun, like the Scarecrow and Christmas Decorating Contests, the “I Love Mint Hill” Photo Contest, and the “Hop Around Mint Hill” Easter Egg Hunt. These popular events gave the town’s residents an opportunity to come together during a time when circumstances necessitated we stay 6’ apart, but they’ve long looked forward to the time that we’d be able to resume some of our favorite in-person town gatherings.
That time finally came on Friday, June 12, with the first Family Fun Night of 2021 at Veterans Park. The main event was music by Thirsty Horses, a Charlotte-based cover band who’s been entertaining crowds with rock, pop and country hits since 2006. Featuring Brett Milstead on vocals and guitar, Levi Castle on lead guitar and vocals, Luke Barnette and Fred Banner on bass, and Chris McKinney on drums, the group wowed the crowd with their favorite hits from the 60s through today.
In addition, to live music, there was a large “Family Fun Zone” sponsored by Mint Hill Orthodontics. Brand new to Mint Hill, Orthodontist Jared Little aims to make orthodontia fun and easy. “When adults come, they say, I remember braces being miserable!” says Little, “But it doesn’t have to be that way. We make it really fun, really efficient.”
The “Kid Zone” offered games like miniature golf, cornhole, giant Jenga, giant checkers, and giant connect four. Mint Hill Orthodontics will be sponsoring it at all four scheduled Family Fun Nights. The event was also made possible by Edifice Construction, a longtime partner of the Town of Mint Hill.
In addition to music and games, the event also featured some of Mint Hill’s favorite food trucks. Many families chose to have a picnic dinner, purchasing food and treats from the trucks lined up on the far end of the park: Chick-Fil-A, Thrasher Dogs, Mama K’s Kettle Korn and Sammy’s So Good.
Despite a chance of rain all day, the event drew a huge crowd to the park. Everyone managed to stay dry; in fact, the cloud cover made for a pleasant evening, cooling temperatures down to something a bit less stifling.
“We’re so glad to be back,” said Mayor Brad Simmons just before the music kicked off. “We’re going to welcome Mint Hill back tonight with a big event, and we’re looking forward to all the events that we’re going to have the rest of the summer. Sheryl Smith and the Mint Hill Events group have worked really hard to schedule stuff for the rest of the summer!”
The next Family Fun Night will take place on July 10 and feature music by Shelly Ruffin. Keep up with everything going on in Mint Hill on Facebook @minthillevents.
