Rooted in community spirit, a new tradition is about to bloom in Belmont. For more than a year, city of Belmont staff has been working with the team at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and other groups to plan and plant their inaugural Belmont Blooms event, a month-long celebration of culture.
The citywide celebration of blossoming bulbs, art, community and culture opens on March 27 with an entertaining and electric evening parade in downtown Belmont. The new seasonal celebration unfolds through April 26 across Belmont and includes blossoming tulips and other spring plants across town as well as family-friendly events, live entertainment, art exhibitions, photo opportunities and more.
The concept has been championed by the city’s tourism development authority, an arm of the city that promotes events, exhibits, retailers and restaurants to local residents and potential visitors alike. This new signature event is part of its strategic plan to create opportunities for fun and recreation and to bring even more prominence to this burgeoning center of entertainment.
“We’ve collaborated to bring a new, energetic annual celebration to our city,” said Mayor Charlie Martin. “Belmont Blooms will recognize our flourishing area and the emergence of spring in the most colorful, lively display possible.”
Staff at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden worked in conjunction with city staff last fall as temperatures began to drop to plan a coordinated display between the city and its largest attraction. Warm winter weather that was often springlike forced many bulbs, trees and perennials to bloom early this year. But that has not stopped the efforts.
A number of groups continued to work together throughout the year to plan and promote a robust schedule activities across the area. These include Pups and Perennials, one of the few weekends of the year when our furry friends can visit the Garden; a juried art exhibit produced in conjunction with Bliss Gallery and the Gaston County Art Guild; the Gaston symphonic band’s spring concert; a special Yard of the Month designation by Keep Belmont Beautiful and the kickoff to the Friday Night Live concerts on Main Street. Easter festivities are also included as well as the city’s annual, longrunning Garibaldi Festival.
“Vast preparations have been undertaken for this large-scale celebration,” said Patrick Larkin, the Garden’s executive director. “We’re excited for the debut and look forward to welcoming individuals from across the Charlotte metro and beyond to our area. We’re so happy about all of the partnerships that have come to fruition to make this celebration a reality.”
More information on the inaugural Belmont Blooms can be found online at www.BelmontBlooms.org
