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www.KMinsure.com Volume 138 • Issue 33
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
kmherald.com • 704-484-1047
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Stars, Stripes & Shopping NC Beach Blast Festival event to support local this weekend in KM Veterans to be held Sept. 5 The community is invited to shop, eat and support local veterans during the Stars, Stripes & Shopping Event set for Saturday, September 5, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Kings Mountain American Legion Post 155, 613 E. Gold Street. Admission is free, and the rain-or-shine event will bring together local vendors, food, and family-friendly shopping while raising funds for an organization that has served the Kings Mountain-area veterans and the community for generations. Visitors can expect a variety of vendors offering handmade candles, woodworking, custom creations, arts and crafts, specialty foods and treats, boutique items and more. Food vendors will also be on hand throughout the day. Organizers emphasize that the event is about more than finding something special to take home. Kings Mountain American Legion Post 155 is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and community support helps the Post continue its
work on behalf of local veterans. Purchases from participating vendors and support of the event help with the Legion's insurance costs and operating expenses, allowing the organization to maintain its facility and continue serving veterans and the greater Kings Mountain community. For many years, American Legion Post 155 has provided a place where veterans can find fellowship, assistance and a connection with others who understand the experiences of military service. The Post also plays an active role in the community by supporting patriotic observances, veterans' activities, and local programs. Events such as Stars, Stripes & Shopping provide residents with a simple way
to help sustain that mission while also supporting small businesses, artisans and local entrepreneurs. The event's theme — "Shop Local • Eat Local • Support Local" — brings those efforts together in one place. Families are encouraged to attend, browse the vendor booths, enjoy something to eat and spend part of their Saturday supporting the people and organizations that make Kings Mountain home. Every purchase makes a difference. When the community supports Post 155, it helps ensure that the organization can continue to be there for the men and women who served their country and continue to serve. Stars, Stripes & Shopping will be held Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kings Mountain American Legion Post 155, 613 E. Gold Street, Kings Mountain. Admission is free, and the event will be held rain or shine.
Liberty Mountain returns September 18 bringing the American Revolution to life Liberty Mountain returns to the Joy Theatre on Friday, September 18, 2026, with Revolutionary-era festivities beginning at 5:30 PM and the performance at 7:30 PM. Visitors will experience Revolutionary War reenactors, cannon and musket live fire demonstrations, crafts, horse mounted dragoons, a Drum and Fife Corps, music, food and beverages. Friday evening catering will be provided by Guilty Pleasures Catering & Bakery. THREE EXTRAORDINARY HISTORICAL EXHIBITS Thomas Kelly Pauley — “Wall of Commanders” Renowned portrait artist Thomas Kelly Pauley www.pauleyportraits.com returns with his acclaimed portraits of the key Patriot and Loyalist commanders at Kings Mountain. The “Wall of Commanders” has been a favorite of patrons for years and a special photo opportunity for descendants of those who fought in the battle. CHARLES TOPPAN — JEFFERSON’S ROUGH DRAFT New for 2026, the 1829 Charles Toppan steel engravings of Thomas Jefferson’s original rough draft
of the Declaration of Independence will be exhibited at the Joy. Brought by Founding Sponsors Gilbert and Jancy Patrick, the engravings preserve Jefferson’s handwritten draft, including interlineations by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. THEODORE W. OHMAN — DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE Also on display is a 1942 Theodore W. Ohman lithographic restoration of the Declaration of Independence, donated by John B. and Sonja Houston. Ohman recreated the Declaration using an early photograph of the original parchment and the 1823 Stone engraving. Examples of his work are held by the National Archives, Library of Congress and Independence Hall. Together, these exhibits help tell the story of American freedom — from Jefferson’s words declaring independence to the Carolina patriots who fought to preserve it at Kings Mountain. Written by Robert “Bob” Inman, Liberty Mountain brings to life the dramatic events leading to the October 7, 1780 Battle of Kings Mountain, a pivotal victory in the Southern Campaign
of the American Revolution. The production features full theatrical action, music, epic battles and special effects. Since its debut in 2014, Liberty Mountain has been presented continuously, with nearly 5,000 guests attending last season. The story of the Battle of Kings Mountain is uniquely tied to Kings Mountain, Cleveland County and the Carolinas — yet remains largely unknown to many Americans. Liberty Mountain is dedicated to preserving and sharing this remarkable chapter of American history. Performances continue each weekend through October 11, 2026. For tickets and information, visit www.libertymountaindrama.com or www.kmlt.org, or call 704730-9408. Join the event to relive history and celebrate the patriots and the battle that helped shape a nation!
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 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 See BEACH BLAST, Page 5A
Lots of fun activities for the whole family. (Photos provided)
The City of Kings Mountain thanked everyone who joined in this past weekend to celebrate the reopening of the Thombs Walking Track. It was a great day of community, fellowship, and fun as everyone was welcomed back to this important recreational space. Mayor Wagman, above is pictured cutting the ribbon above. See more photos on page 5A. (City of KM/FB)
Living Library event Thursday, Aug. 27 The GFWC Kings Mountain Woman’s Club invites the community to experience the Living Library, a unique opportunity to connect, listen, and learn through face-to-face conversations with local “human books.” The Living Library will be held Thursday, August 27, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at the Kings Mountain High School Library. Unlike a traditional library, where visitors check out books to read their stories, the Living Library allows participants to sit down with a person and hear their story firsthand. In intimate, small-group conversations, guests will have the opportunity to meet four featured “books”: See LIBRARY, Page 5A
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