North Carolina News: Charlie’s Carnival Returns to Downtown Matthews Park
Ready to have some fun? Charlie’s Carnival, a free community carnival, returns to Matthews’ downtown Stumptown park on April 2nd from 11 am to 3 pm, after a 2-year delay due to Covid-19. The carnival is produced by Charlie’s Heart Foundation and serves as the annual fundraiser for programs, as well as to honor the death of Charlie Holt, who died suddenly in an accident while on a family vacation.
In the words of the founders, Charlie’s parents, “It is our hope, through this foundation, that we will do the work we believe Charlie would have done if he were still on this Earth. We will work with vulnerable children and families who just need to be loved and supported unconditionally for who they are.”
The foundation uses 100 percent of donations for its programs. During the pandemic, they instituted a grant program in 2020, and in 2021 made grants to 9 organizations that deliver innovative human service projects that empower families to stay together when difficult life circumstances challenge the family structure.
How to Attend
The carnival is free to attend, but requires registration and signing a waiver. Participants can register in advance online to save time the day of the event, or sign up at the event. Visit here to register. A lot of fun will be had with inflatables and bounce houses, divided into two age groups – one for 5 and under, and one for 4 and up. There will be carnival games, crafts, face painting, food trucks, concessions, and more. Stumptown Park is at 120 S. Trade Street. Matthews First United Methodist Church, Matthews Elementary School, and First Baptist Church offer car parking. Charlie’s Golden Ticket raffle winners will be announced on Saturday afternoon.
This year’s raffle features 3 prizes include:
- First Prize: A Disney Destination Vacation worth $4,000!
- Second Prize: An “Experience Charlotte” package with sports tickets, yoga classes, and family fun activities worth up to $2,000.
- Third Prize: A “Dine Charlotte” package featuring $100 or more at eleven of Charlotte’s finest restaurants.
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