Scism & Son PAINT AND BODY SHOP
24 HOUR WRECKER SERVICE 704-739-6999 2027 Shelby Road, Kings Mountain, NC
704-730-0050 Fax: 704-730-0672
Volume 138 • Issue 26
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
scisminc01@gmail.com
kmherald.com • 704-484-1047
75¢
KM’s Revolutionary 4th Celebration and region’s largest fireworks show Saturday Families from across the Carolinas are invited to celebrate Independence Day in spectacular fashion as the City of Kings Mountain hosts its annual Revolutionary Fourth Celebration on Saturday, July 4, at the Deal Park Walking Track, located at 211 N. Cleveland Avenue. The event, presented by Albemarle, will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and promises an evening packed with live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and what organizers proudly call “the largest fireworks show between Charlotte and Asheville.” This year’s Revolutionary Fourth celebration is also part of Kings Mountain’s participation in the America 250 commemoration, honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary and the city’s historic role in the American Revolution.
Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of attractions throughout the evening, including live music, entertainment from DJ Drew Fulton, and a patriotic ceremony celebrating America’s heritage. The event will also feature numerous activities designed for children and families, including inflatable slides, bounce houses, face painting, balloon twisting, and a caricature artist. Food vendors will be on site offering a variety of festival favorites, giving attendees the opportunity to enjoy dinner and treats while taking in the festivities. As night falls, the celebration will culminate with the area’s premier fireworks display, light-
ing up the Kings Mountain skyline in a dazzling tribute to Independence Day. The Revolutionary Fourth celebration has become one of the region’s signature summer events, drawing thousands of residents and visitors each year. Organizers encourage guests to arrive early, bring lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy an evening of community, entertainment, and patriotic pride. For event updates and additional information, visit Kings MountainEvents.com or DiscoverKingsMountain. com, or follow the City of Kings Mountain Tourism and Events social media channels.
The City of Kings Mountain will host its annual Revolutionary Fourth Celebration on Saturday, July 4, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Deal Park Walking Track. (Photos provided)
KM’s Sophia Kellstrom had a great year as Miss North Carolina 2025 By Alan Hodge When Sophia Kellstrom of Kings Mountain was crowned Miss North Carolina on June 28, 2025, she began a year long journey of service and celebration that formed memories she will cherish for years to come. Kellstrom broke new ground with her title. She is the 87th Miss North Carolina and the first young lady from Kings Mountain to earn that prestigious title. She is one of only three Cleveland County women to be named Miss North Carolina and go on to compete for Miss America. The others were Patsy Osborne in 1948, and Elizabeth Williams in 1982. Kellstrom graduated from KM High in 2017 and was Miss Gastonia in 2018. She is also a graduate of UNC-Charlotte. Kellstrom explained what prompted her to run for the Miss North Carolina title. “I decided to run for Miss North Carolina because I saw the Miss America Organization as so much more than a pag-
Sophia Kellstrom reacts as she’s named the 87th Miss North Carolina. (Photos provided) eant,” she said. “It’s a platform for service, scholarship, and personal growth. I wanted to use my voice to advocate for causes close to my heart, specifically fighting food insecurity, while also growing into the woman and leader I knew I
could become.” Kellstrom describes herself as “a lifelong changemaker”. She’s the founder of Pennies for Heaven, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating food insecurity. For over 20 years, she has led initia-
tives on the local, state, national, and international levels, proving that even small acts of kindness can create a lasting impact. “Through my community service initiative, “Make A Change,” and my nonprofit, Pennies for
Heaven, I’ve been able to shine a light on food insecurity and create tangible change through Blessing Boxes, school visits, and community outreach,” she said. “Knowing the title gave me the opportunity to make an impact far beyond myself has been the most rewarding part of being Miss North Carolina.” During her year of service, which drew to a close on June 27, Kellstrom became the first Miss North Carolina in the organization’s history to visit all 100 counties. On those journeys she connected with communities across the state and advanced her mission of helping put food on the tables of families in need. “Over the course of my year, I attended hundreds of appearances, well over 300 events, and school visits combined,” she said. “From festivals and parades to legislative advocacy and community outreach, every event was special in its own way. It’s hard to choose, but some of the most fun times were skydiving with the United States Army Golden Knights, singing the national anthem at the Charlotte NASCAR Race, and of course the NC Azalea Festival! That journey gave me the chance to meet people See SOPHIA, Page 5A