The City of Gastonia is hosting a Fourth of July celebration next Thursday, with as many as 5,000 people expected to attend. The Downtown event near the Rotary Pavilion features:
- 11 food trucks
- a beer garden
- a kids’ zone including inflatables, mechanical rides, a rock climbing wall and face painters
Activities on July 4 begin at 5 p.m. The band Night Years will perform live from 6-9 p.m. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. and will be accompanied by patriotic music. Food and beverages may be purchased, but there is no cost to attend.
Sponsors are the City of Gastonia, CaroMont Health, LeafGuard of Charlotte, Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont Council, and Viva Tequis.
Long Avenue will be closed at 4 p.m. July 4 between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Broad Street to prepare for the fireworks display.
City parks and picnic shelters will be open on Independence Day, including the Skeet & Trap Range, swimming pools and splash pads at Erwin and Lineberger parks, the miniature train at Lineberger Park, and boat rentals at Rankin Lake Park. Check the respective web pages for hours and costs. The Schiele Museum will also be open regular hours on the Fourth of July.
City of Gastonia administrative offices and community centers will be closed on July Fourth. City transit buses will not run on the holiday.
Customers with Thursday garbage and recycling pickup will have their collection delayed until Friday, July 5. On July 4 and 5, the City will not collect yard waste and will not pick up excess household trash or large, bulky items.
