Matthews ALIVE Sponsored by Hendrick Automotive Group

What can bring more than 150,000 people to Matthews? What can receive the support of more than 40 sponsors? What will more than 2,000 local residents be willing to volunteer for? What can bring all aspects of our community – Business, Residents, Non-Profit Organizations and Government – together for a common cause? What happens over four days, once a year?

The answer is Matthews Alive! An event whose primary mission for the past 16 years is to produce a quality four day family oriented festival. An event that is run by a voluntary board of directors. An event that gives its profits to the non-profit organizations that work during the four day event.

This year we will see the return of the Matthews Chamber of Commerce Auto & Motorcycle Classic to downtown Matthews. This annual event will be held on Labor Day Monday around the village green in front of the Town Hall/Library. Folks will have an opportunity to not only see some outstanding vehicles, but also tour our 1874railroad depot and caboose. What a venue!!

How blessed we are to live in a community where businesses and people are willing to give back to their community. It would not be possible without all of these partnerships working together in harmony. From the parade (125 units) to arts and crafts (more than 100 booths) to the climbing wall and the quilt show. Not to mention the food and the entertainment, family fun area and vintage cars – it gives everyone an opportunity to truly “Discover Matthews”.

Why travel away from home this Labor Day? Stay close by and visit Matthews Alive! Check out the scheduled events found in the insert in this newspaper, or online at www.matthewsalive.org. From one end of Matthews to the other, we have something for everyone as you come to Matthews and discover our town.

I look forward to seeing and meeting as many of you as possible over these four days. I will be busy counting strollers, which is the way I measure the true success of Matthews Alive! 2008.