Mint Hill Madness returned to Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park this Memorial Day weekend!
The three-day, family-friendly festival celebrating the founding of the town of Mint Hill boasted something for everyone: delicious food, live music from all different genres, carnival rides, local vendors, an All-American parade, and a spectacular fireworks show.
The Festival opened to the public at 4:00 on Friday with music from DJ T’Nice and six-piece 80s tribute band Kids in America. Mayor Ted Biggers welcomed the crowd at the official opening ceremony, and Spotlight Performing Arts Director Angela Gordon sang the National Anthem while the fire department raised the flag. The carnival proved a popular destination on Friday night with many families taking advantage of $20.00 all-you-can-ride wristbands.
“The all-you-can-ride wristband is perfect for my five-year-old, who wants to ride every ride over and over again,” says Erica Larter. “He especially loves the bounce slides! We always have a great night and stayed this year later than we have in the past to listen to the music.”
Saturday kicked off with the annual Mint Hill Madness Parade, featuring over 50 local businesses, organizations, entertainers and music groups. The parade, led by veteran and purple-heart recipient Jerry Flowe, stepped off from Bain Elementary and wound its way through downtown Mint Hill to the library. “We always like to highlight our veterans,” says Town Manager Sheryl Smith. The parade featured close to forty veterans as well as a float featuring wives of purple heart veterans.
“I love the parade for the fact it shows me my small town in the perfect way!” says Kaitlyn Betts, who attended with her son Caleb. “Also Caleb loves the fact he can wave to all of the people in the parade and meet all of the townspeople!”
“My boys love parades, and Mint Hill’s is especially fun because they see their friends and neighbors in the parade,” says Larter. “We always make new friends and get to meet new people when we sit and watch the parade with our community. My sons especially love the marching bands and fire trucks!”
Park patrons were treated to more live music on Saturday on the Novant Health Main Stage from country trio Gal Friday Band, DJ T’Nice and Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Tuesday’s Gone. On the lower field, boys and girls ages six through fifteen competed in the Madness Football Skills competition.
Saturday concluded with a spectacular fireworks display. The star-studded fireworks show was accompanied by patriotic music. Always a popular event, families arrived with lawn chairs and beach towels over two hours ahead of time to ensure a prime viewing spot for the 10:00 show.
“We thought the fireworks were even better this year than in previous years!” says Emily D’Elia. “They were the perfect ending to our Saturday night.”
Sunday featured more family entertainment from Captain Jim’s Magic Show & Skyler the Stilt Walker before the festival officially closed at 6:00 pm. Congratulations to the Town of Mint Hill on another successful Mint Hill Madness!
