MINT HILL, NC – Mint Hill Madness ended with a bang on Saturday night!
As the sun set, On the Border rocked the Novant Health Main Stage with a 2-hour journey through the Eagles songbook. Known as the “Ultimate Eagles Tribute Band,” On the Border delighted the crowd with authentic renditions of all the Eagles hits from ballads like “Desperado” and “Lyin’ Eyes” to rockin’ hits like “Life in the Fastlane” and “Heartache Tonight.”
Shortly after 9:00, Mayor Brad Simmons took the stage with Mayor Pro-Tem Dale Dalton and Commissioners Mike Cochrane, Tony Long, and Patrick Holton. “Welcome back, Mint Hill!” he began, a nod to the fact that it’s been nearly two years since Mint Hill has been able to gather for a festival like this.
Simmons recognized many of the organizations and individuals who made this year’s Mint Hill Madness possible: main Sponsor Novant Health, “All You Can Ride” wristband sponsor Mint Hill Orthodontics, and food tent sponsor Waste Pro. The contributions of these businesses and Mint Hill Madness’ more than 50 other sponsor were critical to pulling off such a successful event.
Simmons also thanked all the folks who work behind the scenes to make the “Madness” happen: Mint Hill’s public works department, police department and fire department, and above all, the Town Hall staff and Mint Hill Events, led by Sheryl Smith, who somehow pulled it all off this October after multiple rounds of COVID-related cancellations and rescheduling.
Mint Hill was proud to see so many students from area elementary and middle schools show their school spirit on Thursday and Friday night! For showing the most school spirit, Bain Elementary’s and Queen’s Grant Middle School’s PTAs were each awarded a $500 prize package including a $250 voucher from Chick-Fil-A and $250 cash from Mint Hill Events.
After presenting the newly elected Miss Mint Hill Court, Simmons announced the winners of this year’s Scarecrow decorating contest. First place in the business category went to Wayback Burgers for “The Double Bacon Reaper.” Clear Creek Elementary earned second place for “Clear Creek’s Class of Crows,” and Atrium Health won third place for “Toddly the Pilot.” In the residental category, first place went to “Farmer Mickey and Minnie;” second place went to “Happy Days – Targhee Farm,” and third place went to “Cheshire G.” You can still see the winners and all of Mint Hill’s amazing scarecrows on display through October 31.
But the event everyone was waiting for was, of course, the fireworks! “It’s been 882 days since we’ve had fireworks at Mint Hill Madness,” said Simmons, “but we’re getting ready to kick off the biggest one you’ve ever seen!” The fireworks display that followed definitely delivered on the promise of being one of the largest in the Southest, lighting up the sky to patriotic tunes and ending with a deafening finale.
The Mint Hill Times has been at Veterans Park all weekend long capturing Mint Hill Madness’ biggest moments. Make sure to view all our coverage on our website and YouTube channel!