Matthews Alive!

    Though it was called the Stumptown Festival when I took my kids in the '80s only the name has changed. This popular Labor Day weekend tradition has raised over a million dollars for local causes since its inception. See you there this weekend!

'Matthews residents and visitors crowd the sidewalk during the second annual Stumptown Festival Saturday.'

1977. Staff

'Cheerleaders for the Mint Hill Bandits (a junior football team) yell their way down N. Trade Street as thousands watch in the downtown business area.'

1985. Don Sturkey/Staff

'Joseph Hancock, 16 months, of Mint Hill, is enthralled with his feet at his first parade.'

1985. Don Sturkey/Staff

'A Hunk of Skunk: Kelly Samuel, 5, holds a skunk while his brother Kevin, 3, gets in a few pleasing pets. The brothers were visiting the North Lawn Zoo of miniature and exotic animals at the Matthews Stumptown Festival.'

1985. Don Sturkey/Staff

'Crowds of people gather around the attractions at Matthews Alive.'

1993. Staff

'Merry in Matthews: Cindy Satink of Matthews helps her son, Kevin, 2, on the merry-go-round at the Matthews Alive! festival in downtown Matthews on Saturday afternoon. '

1995.  Diedra Laird/staff

'Matthews mayor Lee Myers waves to the crowds during the Matthews Alive! Festival.'

1999. Staff

'Megan Cavanaugh, 7, of Matthews enjoys one of the several carnival rides.

2007. Robert Lahser/Staff