MATTHEWS, N.C. — The Matthews Alive Festival was in full swing Labor Day weekend, returning after it was canceled for two years in a row due to COVID-19 concerns.
The four-day festival is a staple event for the Matthews community, and in 2019, an estimated 150,000 people attended the festival.
“I’m excited that we’re pulling things together for the 2022 festival. It’s been a long two years, and I think the community is ready to have another Matthews Alive,” said Jim Taylor, interim board chair and former mayor.
Matthews Alive raises funds for local nonprofit groups to benefit the local community. One of the faces in the large crowd on Sunday was Jeremy Stephenson and his daughter, who were waiting in a long line to get on the Ferris wheel. Reporter Glenn Counts asked Stephenson how it felt to be back out and about.
“Hot and sweaty and sticky and humid... It’s fantastic. This is the best thing to do on Labor Day weekend every year,” Stephenson said.
Sheila Petty runs one of the food stands and has a stand where she sells fried candy bars. She said she has had her stand there every year and is glad to be back.
“I do get that feeling, and I do feel like people have missed it getting out, and I do feel like the crowds have been a little heavier this year,” Petty said.
The 2022 festival theme is “Labor (Day) of Love” Parade, and parade entries were encouraged to decorate with the theme in mind. This year’s event featured live entertainment, food and drinks, carnival games and rides, and a lot of family-friendly activities.
Organizers recognized and honored local frontline health care workers within this year’s parade.
Hundreds of volunteers came together for the festival to work trash collection, ticketing, drink sales, parade production, and game management.
(WATCH BELOW: Matthews Alive returns Labor Day weekend after 2-year hiatus)
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