For one day each year, Kings Mountain's Patriot Park is transformed into Ocean Drive. The water, the sand, the music and the fun--that's what organizers strive to replicate at the town's annual Beach Blast Celebration, set this year for Saturday, July 23, 2016 from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.
"It's a day of coastal Carolina beach music, summer fun, music and beach-like activities," says Kings Mountain's Special Events Coordinator Haley Wilson. "Last year, for our 15th anniversary, we had more than 10,000 visitors for the event."
A watermelon eating contest, "water wars," inflatables and the Rotary Splash Pad are just some of the activities available for the young and the young at heart. The day will also feature the Woodie car show and the Tiny Tots and Teenie Bikini contests, along with crafts, vendors and food.
A free concert at the event will feature a wide variety of beach music bands. "This year's festival includes some of the best beach show bands in the South," says Wilson. Performers include the Cindy and Randy Floyd Duo from 12 - 12:45 p.m., The Entertainers from 1 - 3 p.m., Gary Lowder and Smokin' Hot from 4 - 7 p.m., and the Band of Oz from 7 - 10 p.m.
For more information about Beach Blast, visit www.cityofkm.com.

By April Hoyle Shauf

Special to Shelby Shopper