| 10th Annual Gateway Festival is October 6th |
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The City of Kings Mountain will host the 10th annual "Gateway Festival" on Saturday, October 6 from 10:00AM until 6:00PM throughout the downtown area. This community event is a celebration of Kings Mountain music, art, history and culture.
Kings Mountain was designated in 2000 as "The Gateway City” by the Department of Interior and the National Park Service to all three area parks- Crowder's Mountain State Park, Kings Mountain State Park and Kings Mountain National Military Park.
The festival will highlight the history and anniversary of the nearby victorious battle site which Thomas Jefferson declared, "... the turning point of the Revolutionary War.” There will be British Regulars and Tories fighting Patriot militias in battle at Patriots Park. Revolutionary War re-enactors with the South Fork Militia, the Charlestowne Artillery and other re-enactment groups will share the experience of battle along with an encampment and Colonial period living history demonstrations at the park.
The free Gateway Shuttle will run continuously during the festival between Patriots Park, the Kings Mountain Historical Museum and Commons, tour the Central School Historic District and with stops at the Kings Mountain Art Depot and the Joy Performance Center. Free parking is available at all of the shuttle stop venues and downtown parking lots. There will be on-board community tour guides who will share the history of Kings Mountain
Not only will the Gateway Shuttle travel the Historic Downtown Route but there will be two departures for the Military Park Route on a fall foliage preview into South Carolina. Walk the Battlefield and visit some of the scheduled activities at Kings Mountain National Military Park for the 232nd Anniversary of the Battle of Kings Mountain.
All visitors to the Gateway Festival will receive a Gateway Passport to be stamped at all venues - Patriots Park, Joy Performance Center, the Southern Arts Depot (and the Library display area there) and the Historical Museum. Once completed, they are to be turned in at the main information booth at Patriots Park for a drawing for a gift basket of surprises from the sponsors.
Patriots Park will be the anchor venue for the Gateway Festival and have three stages for entertainment. The South Meadow stage will feature a blend of some of the region’s best bluegrass, folk, gospel and Americana music. This year the Gateway Festival features Trinity Bluegrass Quartet, Timberidge, Driveline Bluegrass, the Flowers Family, Harvest and the Troublesome Youngs.
The perennial favorite “Cute Critters”, a pet beauty contest, sponsored by Pawsitive Touch Grooming, will take place at the Gazebo, also at Patriots Park. There will also be a performance by Dance Magic and an afternoon of local bluegrass gospel groups and choirs singing at the Gazebo. Dozens of art and craft vendors will also be located in Patriots Park, close to a variety of food vendors. The Cross Roads Classic car show will be lined up for viewing on Gold Street.
With a theme of “Public Energy – A Kings Mountain Tradition”, the City’s gas and electric departments will celebrate the culmination of Public Energy Services Week with a variety of exhibits and demonstrations on the stage near the new restrooms.
The Southern Arts Society at the Depot, the old Southern Railway Station and one of Kings Mountain’s historic landmarks, can be the start of your Gateway Festival adventure. “Park and ride” or stop by anytime during the day on the free shuttle. While you’re at the Station, enjoy a complimentary Moon Pie and RC Cola as you explore the arts at this historic train depot. Join in the children’s “make and take” artwork projects. Enjoy the dulcimer folk music of Rod Croft and visit the delightful gift shop (for those early Christmas gifts!). Don’t forget to have your Gateway Passport stamped there!
And, while you’re at the Depot, make sure to stop by the Fireside Gallery and visit with the Children’s Librarian, staff and members of the Friends of the Mauney Memorial Library. Learn more about upcoming library programs and discover their newest cutting-edge technological tool, the Ready Animator. There will be demonstrations throughout the day, sharing this hands-on, creative animation equipment that will give children (and adults, too!) the opportunity to easily create stop motion, 2-D and clay animation.
A popular stop on the Gateway Shuttle, the Kings Mountain Historical Museum & Commons will focus on the Civil War period during their annual Veteran’s exhibit. This year’s theme is “Reflections from Civil War Soldiers”, featuring the soldiers personal letters and papers on display in the main exhibit hall. Outside, in the Commons area, museum interpreters will showcase the Barber Log House and the historic Cornwell House. As “park and ride” shuttle location, the Museum will also host a concert of traditional, old-time tunes with the Log Cabin String Band from 11:00 until 1:00. Visitors can stop by and get their Gateway Passport validated at the Gift Shoppe in the main exhibit hall.
You’ll have two opportunities on each of the Gateway Shuttles to stop by the Joy Performance Center and tour their recently renovated downtown cultural center. Food and beverages will also be available in the lobby. Don’t forget to get your Gateway Passport stamped here for a chance to win a pair of season tickets for 2013!
Information booths will be located at the corners of Railroad & Gold Streets and also at Gold & Cansler Streets.
For a complete schedule of events and additional information visit www.cityofkm.com or call 704-734-0333.
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