The brutal, historic-sized Category 4 storm with winds topping out at 150 mph weakened to a tropical depression before it hit the Carolinas over the weekend, but a forecasted “washout” for the weekend meant several anticipated local outdoor events had to be canceled or rescheduled.

One event that had to be canceled due to forecasted weather was the Tina Ross Afternoon in the Park.  A tribute to the memory of late Commissioner Tina Ross, Afternoon in the Park features work from local artists, artisans and crafters in front of Town Hall.  This even is rescheduled for Saturday, April 29, 2023.

Another event that had to be postponed was Mint Hill’s 3rd Annual Oktoberfest sponsored by Pour 64 and 1st Choice Properties.  The event will now take place on October 22, the next day that German food truck Strudelteig is available.

“Oktoberfest had to be rescheduled due to Hurricane Ian,” said 1st Choice Properties Owner Anna Granger.  “We are very sad about having to postpone this fun event but truly need a beautiful day to make it as fun as possible.  We realize that Mint Hill Madness is on the same day,” continued Granger, “but we will make the best of it and hope people can attend both since Mint Hill Madness is not just on one day.”

Oktoberfest will likely begin around 1:00 pm on October 22 and will end in time to catch the Mint Hill Madness fireworks show.  Pour 64 will remain open until 10:00 pm.  “We are hoping for great weather later in October,” says Granger.  “No other changes – just more time for all to prepare and pick out fun costumes!”

The post Tina Ross Afternoon In the Park, Oktoberfest Postponed Due To Inclement Weather first appeared on Mary Beth Foster, Writer.

But many Charlotte-area residents were surprised to see fat snowflakes falling during their morning commute on April 2!

South Carolina counties just south of the border saw a mixture of snow and rain before the sun came up.  Flurries and sleet made their way through North Carolina over the course of the morning, appearing in Mint Hill between 8:00 and 9:00 am.  By mid-morning, the big fluffy flakes had dissipated into sleet and cold rain.  

Although Mint Hill saw little to no accumulation, neighboring cities like Monroe and Waxhaw saw 1-2”.  At 8:03 am, WCNC Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich reported that Charlotte had officially reached .1” of accumulated snow, the first measurable accumulation of snow in the city in 37 years.  Panovich pinpointed the “bullseye” of the storm in central Union county, where residents saw up to 2” of snow on the ground.

April snow is incredibly rare in Charlotte.  Trace amounts of snow fell last year on April 7 and 8, but the last time Charlotte saw measurable snow accumulation was 1982.  It’s been over a century since Charlotte saw any significant snow accumulation in April: .6” in 1915, .8” in 1904 and a record-making 3.5” almost 140 years ago in 1880.  Tuesday’s spring storm marked the 6th latest measurable snowfall Charlotte has ever seen.

With highs close to 80 over the weekend, let’s hope spring is finally here to stay!

The post April Snowfall in Mint Hill first appeared on Mary Beth Foster, Writer.

That’s exactly what the MOMS Club of Mint Hill did on Friday, September 14.  With Hurricane Florence looming on the horizon, the club gathered for an impromptu play date at Rob Wallace Park to enjoy one last day of dry weather and take advantage of the day’s windy conditions, ideal for flying kites.

Hurricane Florence is expected to bring up to 15 inches of rain to the Charlotte area with rain beginning Friday night, worsening throughout the weekend and turning into thunderstorms at the beginning of next week.

Many Mint Hillians have spent the week preparing for Florence.  In preparation for potentially extended power outages due to wind and rain, store shelves have been picked bare by people stocking up on canned goods, bottled water and batteries.

Tropical storm force winds were expected to hit Charlotte Friday evening, but Friday morning brought only overcast skies and strong breezes as Hurricane Florence continued it’s slow approach toward Charlotte through southeastern North Carolina.

With Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools closed and forty-eight hours of heavy rain approaching, the MOMS Club of Mint Hill looked for a way to “make lemonade” of a depressing situation.  

“Jenny, Kelly and I were thinking of something to do for today, and Jenny came up with the idea of flying kites,” said MOMS Club President Allison Towner.  “We thought since it will be windy with sustained winds, which never happens around here for flying kites.”

The impromptu play date also gave the dozen kids who attended a chance to run around and enjoy the outdoors before Florence’s arrival.  

The post Let’s go fly a kite! first appeared on Mary Beth Foster, Writer.