The thriving downtown community of Belmont, North Carolina, recent subjects of a number of Gastonia Gazette articles, hosts the summer kickoff events with Friday Night Live, the Garibaldi Festival, and the annual Belmont Home tours this weekend.

Friday Night Live! kicks off with Chairmen of the Board on Main Street downtown at 6:30 PM. With an expanded “beer garden”, a strong band following, and good weather, over 4,000 people are expected to crowd the space between the railroad tracks and Myrtle/McLeod intersection. The restaurants are ready to serve and The Shack has stocked up on ice cream.

Saturday, the Belmont Police Department hosts their annual 5K run in downtown Belmont at 8:00 AM, and the Garibaldi Festival in Stowe Park begins at 11 AM.

Sunday, the Belmont Women’s Club hosts its annual tour of homes with several new homes on this year’s tour.

Let’s hope the weather stays good, and all our neighbors remain friendly and welcoming. Oh, and HAVE FUN!