The Towns of Lake Norman — Cornelius

THE CHARLOTTE DRAGON BOAT TEAM COMPETITION.

Festivals, community engagement, and lake fun

BY RENEE ROBERSON

While known mostly for having the largest amount of Lake Norman shoreline (approximately 520 miles), Cornelius has a compelling origin story (many historians have traced the town’s origins to a dispute over cotton weighing) and has quickly grown to attract families and celebrities alike.

SIGNATURE EVENTS:

All American Dog Show. Pets and their caregivers gather each October at Robbins Park to visit with pet-related vendors, concessions, and vie for the title of “Best Kisser,” “Best Puppy Dog Eyes,” “Cutest Puppy,” and “All American Dog.” www.cornelius.org.

Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival and Asian Festival. The team competition that is part of a Chinese tradition that’s more than 2,000 years old attracts visitors to Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius each year. Stay for an Asian Cultural Program that features performers, exhibits, and vendor booths. The event takes place each October. www. charlottedragonboat.com.

Laketoberfest. Craft beer enthusiasts won’t want to miss this community event held at Bailey Road Park each October. Attendees enjoy live music, beer from local North Carolina breweries, family-friendly games and activities, and food trucks. www.cornelius.org.

Cornelius Jazz Festival. This annual event held each May benefits the Smithville CommUNITY Coalition includes the area’s best jazz music, food trucks, children’s activities, local business, artists, and more. www.cornelius.org. Symphony in the Park. Every June, The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra travels to Cornelius to perform at the Bailey Road Park Bandshell. After the performance, guests get to enjoy a spectacular fireworks show. www.cornelius.org

Tawba Walk Arts & Music. Festival Each September, this festival in Old Town Cornelius features two stages of entertainment, more than 100 local artists and vendors, craft breweries, food trucks, street art, games, giveaways, a kid zone, and more. www.oldtowncornelius.com.

Light Up Cornelius. Residents look forward to this annual Christmas kick-off event and tree lighting held at Town Center each November. It features community group performances, family activities, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more. www.cornelius.org. CRAFT BEER ENTHUSIASTS WILL LOVE THIS ANNUAL FESTIVAL.

Cornelius by the numbers

Year incorporated: 1905 Population: 31,412 Median household income: $90,377 Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $352,600 Source: www.census.gov

Contact: Town of Cornelius www.cornelius.org