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Tracy Whisnant 704-477-7391 S Select tracywhisnant@remax.net Volume 138 • Issue 32
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
kmherald.com • 704-484-1047
75¢
Carolina Beach Music comes to Kings Mountain
NC Beach Blast Festival returns for two days of live music, family activities, and summertime fun Kings Mountain will trade mountain views for coastal rhythms when the 27th Annual NC Beach Blast Festival, presented by Metcon, returns to Patriots Park on August 21-22, 2026. The free, family-friendly celebration brings together the best in Carolina Beach music, dancing, food, and attractions for one of the city's biggest summer weekends. The festivities begin on Friday, August 21, with a 6 p.m. kickoff concert featuring Too Much Sylvia. Known for an energetic blend of beach music, party favorites, and crowd interaction, the band will set the tone for the weekend ahead. On Saturday, August 22, Patriots Park will host a full day of entertainment. The
The Beach Blast event is a crowd-pleaser! Come out and enjoy some dancing and fun! Too Much Sylvia will perform at the kickoff concert on Friday, August 21 at 6 p.m. See the lineup for Saturday concert on page 8A. (Photos provided) 2026 lineup features Swingin' Medallions, Castaways, Rivermist and headliner Jim Quick & Coastline, along with DJs Johnny B and Eric
Bowman. Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring beach chairs, settle in, and enjoy the sounds that have helped define Carolina summers for generations. Fun beyond the music Beach Blast offers much more than its concert lineup. Families can explore inflatables, games, the Kids' Pavilion presented by the Carolina Power Partners, Blackbeard’s Pirate Port, and the Rotary Splash Pad. Swashbuckling pirate and mermaid encounters add to the coastal atmosphere, while the watermelon-eating contest prom-
ises a delightfully messy taste of summer. Two festival traditions are also set to return: the BeachBlast Golf Cart Parade and the popular Beach Ball Drop. Food trucks will serve a variety of festival favorites throughout the event, and a beverage garden will be avail-
able for adult guests. Admission is free, although attendees are encouraged to support the participating food and craft vendors. Tents are permitted at Beach Blast but must be registered in advance with the city's Marketing, Tourism and Events Department. Um-
brellas are welcome except in the park's tiered seating area. Air-conditioned restrooms are located near the Patriots Park War Memorial, with portable restrooms also available along Railroad Avenue. Lost and Found will be based at the information booth near the park entrance, while EMS personnel will be stationed in a red tent by the flagpole. Accessible parking and shuttle service will be available from the designated shuttle stops. With its mix of classic Carolina sounds, children's attractions and community traditions, the NC Beach Blast Festival turns Patriots Park into a lively summertime escape - no trip to the coast required. Planning Your Visit Event Detail Information • Friday, August 21, and Saturday, August 22, 2026 • Patriots Park, 220 S. Railroad Ave., Kings Mountain, NC • Admission is Free •Friday concert: Too Much Sylvia at 6 p.m. • Parking and shuttles: First Baptist Church and Cherokee Street parking areas For information: 704-7302101
Lots of fun activities for the whole family.
“Finding Grace” filmed in Kings Mountain
The production crew of “Finding Grace” film last week at Kings Mountain Family Worship Center. See more photos on page 7A. (Photos by Joseph Brymer)
2026
Noah Day Productions spent time in Kings Mountain over the weekend shooting “Finding Grace.” The film is centered around a young lady named Grace who is graduating high school. “She finds both her purpose and the grace of God,” explains Charles Thomas, who serves as assistant to the director, locations manager and producer. Michaux Muanda is the director and creative writer; Kimberly Dawn is a producer, and Clifton Powell is the principal actor. Friday the cast and crew filmed at Kings Mountain Family Worship Center. On Saturday they were at an Airbnb. Noah Day Productions is a 16-year-old company based in Cleveland County. After they’ve completed “Finding Grace” their next films will be “Raising Moses,” about a transracial adoption and a biopic “Harriet Jacobs: Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.” The production company specializes in faith-based, family-friendly films. Their ultimate goal is to get their film
Jalyn Degraffenreid plays Grace in the production “Finding Grace” filmed in Kings Mountain last week. in mainstream theaters and on Netflix. They are hopeful to be in theatres in the beginning of 2027.
Thursday, August 13
Friday, August 14
Saturday, August 15
Sunday, August 16
Monday, August 17
Cleveland County Water
Gardner-Webb University
USAA
Shelby Parks & Recreation
CaroMont Health
Senior Citizens Day Senio
Salute to Academic Achievement Day
Military Appreciation Day
Youth Athletic Day
Healthcare Appreciation Day
FREE FR admission S for Seniors over 55.
Non-perishable food items collected in partnership with Food Lion Feeds & Gardner-Webb University
alws.us
Golden Knights Performance Stones River Brigade Exhibition
FREE admission for Veterans & Active Military
FREE admission for Youth through College age fans wearing a team jersey
August 13-18, 2026
Tuesday, August 18
All Veterans Group Performance Operation Helo Delivers Game Ball
#ALWS26