With permission, The Beacon is archiving past issues of Matthews Record (also called Matthews News and Record and The Matthews News) articles online. Throwback Thursday articles will include relevant content still facing Matthews today. This story was originally published July 12, 2007 and was written by Janet Denk.

A Fantastic Fourth

Matthews Town Green is filled with red, white, and blue, as residents celebrate the 4th

Above: Matthew Hasting, age 11, and his service dog, Dusty, await the start of the People’s Parade. The Family Fun Festival was held on the green in front of Matthews Town Hall.

Below: (Top) Kaleb Goodine was in the spirit of the day while waiting for the 4th of July Peoples’ Parade to begin. (Second photo) Kids and parents decorate bikes at the Family Fun Festival. The event was held on the green of Matthews Town Hall. (Third photo) One year old Adam Cassidy awaits the start of the Peoples’ Parade. He is the son of Mike and Cathy Cassidy. (Bottom left) Carrisa Craig of Matties Vending at the concert at Stumptown Park. The event was sponsored by Matthews Parks, Recreational, and Cultural Resource Department, and the Arts and Sciences Council. (Bottom right) Fireworks explode at one of the many neighborhood displays.