The Matthews Alive Festival, a mainstay for family fun over the Labor Day weekend, is all set to make its return with the usual flurry of activities including concerts, a carnival, and its highlight event, the annual parade. Sponsored by Novant Health-Matthews Medical Center, the festival gears up to create another memorable chapter in its history.
This season offers a novel twist with changes to the parade route, which is slated to kick off next Saturday, at 9:30 am. As detailed on the Town of Matthews' website, participants will now begin the procession on Matthews-Mint Hill Road, turning left onto Trade Street. Then, for the first time, the parade will turn right onto John Street, ultimately concluding at Covenant Church Lane, where the floats and participants will disembark. This shift in the parade's path is designed to not only increase space for spectators but also, and perhaps more critically, to enhance safety by ensuring the unloading area is a closed street.
The alteration to the route comes as a semblance of progression for the Matthews Alive Festival. It allows the organizers to manage the event's footprint with greater efficiency, granting the townsfolk and visitors alike more elbow room to witness the kaleidoscope of colors and sounds that mark this yearly tradition.
One establishment, the Garrity & Gossage Law Firm based at 344 West John Street, is seizing the opportunity to cultivate community spirit by hosting a watch party on their lawn. They've thrown open an invitation to the public, signaling a warm embrace to anyone looking to join in on the festivities. The change-up in the parade's flow appears to be already sparking a new sense of conviviality and unity among local businesses and residents alike.
While this year's parade entry list is already full, those interested in the greater Matthews Alive Festival can find more information through the Town of Matthews' official website.
