Celebrate Charlotte Festival Becomes New Signature Festival

A community tradition expanded last June to become what could be described as a new signature festival for the community and specifically downtown Charlotte.  The 2005 Celebrate Charlotte Festival was enhanced thanks to the coordinated efforts of many service groups and volunteers.

"Using downtown Charlotte as its focal point, "Celebrate Charlotte" featured Balloon Night Glow, with hot air balloons lined up on Main Street, their ignited burners lighting up the night and excitement of more than 2,000 festival visitors," Shirley Rummel of CRG Directories reported.

The festival included great music in downtown restaurants as well as an opening concert at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center.  "Jazz and coffee served as a fundraiser for Courthouse Square Association."

The event was held in conjunction with Father's Day Fly-in activities at the Fitch Beach Airport including the Lion's Club Pancake breakfast.  Other activities included a car show, bike decorating contest, peace poster contest, teen dance, historic home walking tour, and children's events at Courthouse Square.

The festival was designed in accordance with the recently commissioned study Blueprints for Downtowns which recommended a new signature festival for downtown Charlotte.

Numerous community groups came together to make the festival a success.  The event was chaired by Don Sovey with support from a great committee of volunteer and community promoters.  Celebrate Charlotte Festival 2006 is scheduled to be sponsored by Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce