Mount Gilead, North Carolina is home to several annual festivals and events that celebrate the town’s rich history and culture. These events include the Mount Gilead Fall Festival, which takes place in October and features carnival rides and games, live music, and food trucks. Another popular event is the Mount Gilead Christmas Parade, which takes place in December and includes festive floats and other holiday activities.
The May Day event at the Highland Community Center, which takes place on May 1st, features a Maypole dance and other traditional activities, as well as tours of the historic Highland School. Additionally, the Juneteenth celebration at the Highland Community Center honors emancipation in the United States with live music, food vendors, and educational exhibits. The town of Mount Gilead also hosts an annual Street Dance in the downtown area, usually in the summer. The Street Dance is a fun and festive event that features live music, food vendors, and dancing in the streets.
Read more about these festivals and events below. Our festivals are an integral part of Mount Gilead’s community spirit and offer residents and visitors the opportunity to come together and celebrate the town’s unique character and history.
Christmas Parade
The Mount Gilead Christmas Parade is an annual event that takes place in downtown Mount Gilead, North Carolina. The parade is a beloved tradition in the town and draws large crowds of residents and visitors each year.
The parade typically takes place on the first Saturday in December and features a variety of festive floats, marching bands, and other participants. The parade route winds through the heart of downtown Mount Gilead and is lined with holiday decorations and lights, creating a magical and festive atmosphere.
In addition to the parade itself, there are several other activities and events that take place in downtown Mount Gilead during the Christmas season. These include holiday markets, craft fairs, and other festive gatherings that offer opportunities for residents and visitors to celebrate the season together.
The Mount Gilead Christmas Parade is a highlight of the holiday season in the town, and it is a great way for residents and visitors to come together and celebrate the spirit of the season. Whether you’re watching the parade from the sidelines or participating in the festivities yourself, it’s a fun and memorable event that captures the magic and joy of the holiday season.
The Fall Festival
The Mount Gilead Fall Festival is an annual event that takes place in downtown Mount Gilead, North Carolina. The festival is a beloved tradition in the town and draws large crowds of residents and visitors each year.
The festival typically takes place on a Saturday in October and features a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions. These include live music performances, carnival rides and games, craft vendors, food trucks, and other fun and festive activities.
In addition to the main festival area, many of the downtown businesses and merchants also participate in the event, offering special promotions and activities throughout the day. The festival is a great opportunity for residents and visitors to come together and enjoy a day of fun, food, and community spirit.
The Mount Gilead Fall Festival has become a staple event in the town’s calendar, and it is a great way to celebrate the changing of the seasons and the spirit of the community. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the festival offers something for everyone and is a fun and memorable event that captures the charm and character of Mount Gilead.
The May Day Parade
The May Day event at the Highland Community Center in Mount Gilead, North Carolina is an annual celebration that takes place each year on May 1st. The event is a beloved tradition in the community and draws large crowds of residents and visitors to the center.
The May Day event features a variety of activities and attractions for attendees of all ages. These include live music performances, carnival games and rides, food vendors, and other fun and festive activities.
One of the main highlights of the May Day event is the Maypole dance, which is a traditional dance that has been performed for centuries as part of May Day celebrations. The dance involves participants weaving ribbons around a tall pole, creating a beautiful and colorful pattern.
In addition to the main festivities, the Highland Community Center also offers tours of the historic Highland School, which was built in the early 20th century and was historically a school for African American students until the 1960s.
The May Day event at the Highland Community Center is a great way to celebrate the arrival of spring and the spirit of the community. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the event offers something for everyone and is a fun and memorable way to experience the rich history and culture of Mount Gilead.
Street Dance
The Mount Gilead Street Dance is an annual event that takes place in the downtown area of Mount Gilead, usually during the summer months. The event is a beloved tradition in the town and draws large crowds of residents and visitors each year.
The Street Dance typically features live music performances from local bands, as well as food vendors and other fun and festive activities. The main attraction of the event is the dancing in the streets, which gives attendees the opportunity to let loose and have fun while enjoying the summer weather and the lively atmosphere.
In addition to the main festivities, many of the downtown businesses and merchants also participate in the event, offering special promotions and activities throughout the night. The Street Dance is a great opportunity for residents and visitors to come together and celebrate the town’s vibrant community spirit and the beauty of the downtown area.
Overall, the Mount Gilead Street Dance is a fun and memorable event that captures the charm and character of Mount Gilead. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the Street Dance offers something for everyone and is a great way to experience the warmth and friendliness of the community.
Juneteenth
The Juneteenth celebration at the Highland Community Center in Mount Gilead, North Carolina is an annual event that takes place on June 19th. The event is a celebration of the end of slavery in the United States and commemorates the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that all enslaved people were free.
The Juneteenth celebration at the Highland Community Center features a variety of activities and attractions for attendees of all ages. These include live music performances, food vendors, and other fun and festive activities.
One of the main highlights of the Juneteenth celebration is the historical and cultural education that is provided to attendees.
In addition to the educational component, the Juneteenth celebration also provides an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. The event is a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity, inclusion, and unity in building a strong and vibrant community.
The Juneteenth celebration at the Highland Community Center is a great way to honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom and equality, and to celebrate the richness and diversity of the Mount Gilead community. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the event offers something for everyone and is a fun and meaningful way to connect with the community and its history.