The name change may be subtle, but organizers hope the new festival — Charlotte Celebrates — has a big impact on the community. Celebrated Father’s Day weekend as usual, Charlotte Celebrates is returning some community favorites to their preferred locations and mixing in the right touch of new to keep participants excited.
One of the biggest changes this year, which is actually the return of a Celebrate Charlotte favorite, is the Classic Cruise In, which returns to Cochran Avenue on Friday, June 15. The classic car show will run from 6 to 9 p.m. and is open to any classic car enthusiast. Participants are not required to register for the event, however, if they do register, they are eligible to win Best of Show in a number of different categories, said Charlotte Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Courtney Anderson. Registration will be available at Peter’s Circle, located on the southwest corner of Cochran Avenue and Lovett Street.
“I’ve heard from so many people that really wanted to see the car show return to Friday night,” Anderson said. “Several car clubs as well said we’d get greater participation if we moved it back to Friday night.”
In addition to the Classic Cruise In, Charlotte native Shelby Moore will perform motorcycle stunts at the intersection of Cochran and Lovett.
The action for Charlotte Celebrates really gets underway Thursday, June 14 with the ever-popular Touch a Truck event. Cochran Avenue will be shut down at 5 p.m. to allow some of Charlotte’s biggest “toys” to park on the main drag. Families are encouraged to explore some of the community’s biggest rigs.
“We’re going to have a lot of new trucks,” Anderson said. “Kids and families really look forward to this event every year, and it seems to be growing.”
At the same time, Savor Charlotte will take place throughout the 100 and 200 block of South Cochran Avenue. Nine local restaurants will offer some of their tastiest dishes to festival-goers. Tickets for Savor Charlotte can be purchased at Peter’s Circle.
The newest event for this year’s festival is Arts Night Out, which will take place Friday, June 15. Seventeen area artists have partnered with local businesses to display their work throughout the community. Each location will be clearly identified with an Arts Night Out banner.
Friday night also opens the Blues and Brews venue at Beach Market. The fun kicks off Friday night with Windwalker Underground Gallery’s famous open mic night. Performers of all varieties will take the stage at Beach Market beginning at 6 p.m. Charlotte Brewing Company will be on hand offering up some of its most popular local brews.
Saturday, June 16 features a ton of family fun, including a petting zoo, on the Courthouse Square lawn. The fun continues at Beach Market on Saturday with the popular area band Be Kind Rewind, beginning at 7 p.m.
Charlotte Celebrates winds down on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 17 with the Charlotte Rotary Club’s Pancake Breakfast, and Father’s Day Fly In at Fitch H. Beach Municipal Airport, beginning at 7 a.m.
For a full line up of events, including events at the Eaton Theatre, Charlotte Community Library, AL!VE, and First Congregational Church, follow Charlotte Celebrates on Facebook, or visit the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce website at MiCharlotte.org.
