Fact Friday 79 – Lighting the Crown
Happy Friday everyone!
A lot of people who come to Charlotte's New Year's Eve Celebration look forward to the fireworks, and the lighting of the Queen City Crown. It's a tradition that's been part of the celebration since at least the 1980s.
The 13 by 10 foot crown is stored in several pieces. Then crews put it together, check all the lights and make sure it's ready to shine at midnight.
Photo from Charlotte Observer
Some say the crown is the perfect representation of what Charlotte is about.
"People across the country know Charlotte as The Queen City. So, what better way to ring in the new year, and think about all the great hopes and dreams we have for our city, and the year to come, than to light the crown," says Adam Rhew from Charlotte Center City Partners.
Historically, the crown was raised during the celebration, but in recent years, there's just been the midnight lighting. Growing up, the lighting ceremony was done at the Square at Trade and Tryon atop the buildings. Recent celebrations have moved to Romare Bearden Park, 300 South Church Street. It’s family-friendly and free to attend. The celebration starts at 8 p.m.
Photo from Charlotte Five
CLT New Year’s Eve, Presented by Ally. This annual Charlotte tradition will include Crown Town, food vendors, food trucks, a DJ, a live band, the lighting of the Queen City crown, and a huge CLT NYE fireworks display starting at midnight.
A DJ will start the festivities at 8:00 p.m. in Romare Bearden Park, along with Crown Town – a chance for revelers of all ages to decorate a crown to wear as we prepare to ring in the new year. Food vendors and trucks will be on hand, and the Royals, a high energy party band playing Top 40 hits and classics from the 60s, 70s, 80s and more. At midnight, the crown will be lit and the fireworks will start 2017 with a blast. This is an alcohol-free event.
Public parking is available at surface lots and parking decks throughout Uptown Charlotte at market rates. Mass transit options, including the Lynx Blue Line, Lynx Gold Line streetcar and CATS buses will be available as well.
The countdown to 2014, from WBTV's First Night Charlotte broadcast.
Until next week!
Chris.
Email me at chris@704Shop.com if you have interesting Charlotte facts you’d like to share or just to provide feedback!
Find all previous Fact Friday blog posts by clicking here.
Information taken from:
TWCNews.com – The New Year’s Eve Tradition of Lighting the Crown; Christina Watkins, 2015
CharlotteOnTheCheap.com – Details on CLT New Year’s Eve; Jody Mace, 2016
“We have to do with the past only as we can make it useful to the present and the future.” – Frederick Douglass