The Gaston Multicultural Arts Xperience, or Gaston MAX, is coming back to Downtown Gastonia, and it’s going to be “bigger and better,” according to the festival’s organizers. The event will be Saturday, March 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rotary Centennial Pavilion, 107 N. South St.
Gaston MAX is a collaboration between the Gaston County Public Library, Gaston County Government, and the City of Gastonia.
This community festival showcases local art, music, and literature, as well as offers attendees the opportunity to experience international cultures.
Sponsored by CaroMont Health, the North Carolina and Gaston Arts Councils, and the Friends of the Gaston County Public Library, the family-friendly event is free to attend and open to all.
What they're saying: “This year’s event is so much bigger,” said Dandria Bradley, Gaston County’s Deputy Communications Director and co-chair of the Gaston MAX Planning Committee. “We have a great lineup of performers, which includes Gastonia’s own Stardusters Big Band and Furia Tropikal is coming back.”
Other performers include Nashville recording artist Stacy Antonel and Greensboro-based singer/songwriter, Colin Cutler. Both have been featured in a special Gaston MAX Preview episode of Gaston County Government’s music series, Savvy Sounds.
As in previous years, the festival will feature food trucks, a beer garden, a vendor marketplace, crafts, and children’s activities.
Local government and civic organizations will be on site to provide information about available services.
Gaston County’s Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services will have its new All Hazards Simulation Trailer on site as well.
For the complete list of participating vendors and organizations, visit the Gaston MAX Eventeny page.
“We have more than 70 vendors and organizations this year, including the food trucks and beer garden,” said Christine Ingle, Event Planner and Resource Manager for the City of Gastonia, who serves as the planning committee co-chair. “We completely filled all of our vendor slots.”