Kings Mountain celebrates 150 years with birthday bash

The city of Kings Mountain is throwing a big birthday bash to celebrate its 150th year with cake, music, a car show and more.

Angela Padgett, special events coordinator for the city of Kings Mountain, said the 150th celebration was kicked off on Earth Day and will be incorporated into events throughout the year, but the main celebration will be held May 3 and 4.

"We're starting with a gospel concert on May 3 which is going to incorporate churches throughout Kings Mountain coming in with a lot of singing and praise and worship. That will starts at 6 p.m. at Patriots Park.

She said the event is called "One night, One body, One City."

At 9 a.m. on May 4, the day will kick off with an artisan market and car show which will run until noon. The drop-in car show, which is still seeking entrants, will be held on Mountain and Cherokee streets. Cars from 1974 and older are eligible to be entered.

At noon, the celebration will move to Patriots Park.

"At 12 is when everything opens at Patriots Park and that's the huge 150th birthday bash," Padgett said. "We'll have music down at the amphitheater."

In addition to a deejay, vendors and a circus, there will also be a carnival, which will pay tribute to the historic Bethware Fair, with carnival rides, roller coaster, Ferris wheel and carnival games. There will be a costume contest and cutting of the birthday cake that will include a birthday cake eating contest.

Everything, other than food available to purchase and vendor items, will be free.

"We've got a whole day," Padgett said. "It will start at 9 and end at 9 down at the park."

She said there will be a shuttle service, and all information, including maps, will be posted on the city website.

"It's just going to be really great. We're looking forward to it," she said. "We're expecting a lot of people. It's going to really be one that everybody is going to enjoy, especially the music."