Hello, Gaston! It’s Thursday, you know what that means.

Here we go — issue #33 coming at you. Hard to believe I’ve hit “send” on this newsletter 33 weeks in a row. Even I’m impressed. Especially since it took me 10 years to send the first one.

But everything meaningful starts with one. One idea. One action. Going from zero to one is the hardest part.

Now, with each send, this newsletter keeps growing — little by little, week by week. That’s because of you.

I’m grateful for your support, your stories, your feedback… even your corrections. (Yes, even those.)

Eight months in, and I’m ready to take this thing to the next level — more events, more good news, and hopefully, more ways to support local. If you know someone looking to get their business, service, or event in front of Gaston County folks, send them my way. I’d love to help.

Thanks again for letting a little Gaston County sunshine sneak into your inbox each week! It means a lot.

Ben

P.S. If you enjoyed this week’s newsletter, please pass it along to someone who you’d think would enjoy it!

Arbor Coffee is celebrating the grand opening of its new location inside historic Loray Mill with a ribbon cutting tomorrow (April 11) at 10 a.m. Hosted in partnership with the Gaston Business Association, the event invites the community to enjoy fresh coffee, connect with others, and support this exciting new local business.

WSGE’s Spring Membership Drive is here—and this year includes a special MerleFest giveaway! MerleFest, held in Wilkesboro, NC, is one of the top roots music festivals in the country. Donate any amount on today (April 10) to enter to win 4-day passes (April 24–27, 2025). Support Carolina music with WSGE!

Ruby's Soul Food & BBQ opens this Saturday, April 12! Enjoy soul food classics and Chicago-style BBQ, including ribs, rib tips, and pork or turkey hot links. Find them at 2431 East Ozark Ave in Gastonia, the former home of Mr. 3’s Crab Pot.

George Pappas' Liberty Lanes will host the Rhino Bowl-A-Rama on Saturday, May 3 benefiting the Gaston College Foundation Fund. Participants will bowl to raise funds for scholarships, Mo's Pantry, the Student Emergency Assistance Program, and Athletics. With a goal of $15,000, their support will help Gaston College students thrive.

John Le of Queen City News profiles the Gaston County Honor Guard, a devoted group of veterans—many now in their 80s—who have honored nearly 1,800 fallen service members since 2011. As they reflect on their own legacies, they hope for younger veterans to continue this meaningful mission of final salutes and patriotic service.

Wondering when it’s safe to clean off the porch? WCNC’s Brad Panovich says we’re in peak pollen season—so hold off just a bit. His advice: do a deep clean now to tackle winter grime and pollen, then a lighter water rinse in May once the worst has passed.

WBTV recently featured Butch Ziegler, an 83-year-old blind and autistic Holy Angels resident whose piano skills are nothing short of remarkable. Butch has been playing since he was four and knows thousands of songs by heart. Check out the full story here.

After eight wonderful years, Mona’s on Main in McAdenville will close its storefront by the end of May 2025 and transition to an online-only boutique. The team at Mona’s is grateful for the support of loyal customers and dedicated staff. They invite the community to follow along on social media for sales, updates, and what’s next.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue in Gastonia
📅 Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
⏰ 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (April - October)
Locally sourced fresh produce. Meats from nearby farms. Homemade baked goods. Fresh flowers grown locally. More Details.

Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Stowe Park in Belmont
📅 Every Thursday (April - October)
⏰ 4 - 7 p.m.
Stop by to purchase local fruits, veggies, sustainably-raised meat, fresh baked goods, and unique crafts. More Details.

Eggs in the Park
📍Harold Rankin Park in Lowell
⏰6 p.m.
Eggs filled with toys, erasers, bracelets, and stickers, plus more prizes for each age group. Snap a pic with our Easter backdrop and meet “Bunz” the Easter Bunny. Enjoy funnel cakes, popcorn, fried Oreos, lemonade, and cotton candy by Funnel Cakes by Pam! More Details.

Belmont Drive-In featuring Minecraft and Mickey 17
📍Belmont Drive-In in Belmont
📅 Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12
⏰Gates open at 6 p.m.
Kick off the season with two great features: Minecraft and Mickey 17! For just $25 per carload, enjoy both movies! Arrive early for a good spot and tasty bites at the snackbar. More Details.

Gothic Punk Flea Market
📍Cavendish Brewing Company in Gastonia
⏰5:30 - 9 p.m.
Join us for a one-of-a-kind gathering filled with oddities, mystical tarot readings, and unique vendors. Whether you're hunting for treasures or looking to soak in the atmosphere, this event is sure to spark your imagination. More Details.

The SpongeBob Musical
📍Ashbrook High School in Gastonia
📅 Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12
⏰times vary
Dive into a world of laughter and music! Join SpongeBob and friends for an unforgettable adventure under the sea! More Details.

Chalk the Walk
📍400 E. Central Ave. in Mount Holly
⏰10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
A free event where artists of all ages and skill levels create colorful sidewalk masterpieces! Compete in youth, teen, and adult categories (individual or group), with prizes for top entries. Enjoy music, food trucks, and activities. More Details.

Earth Day at the Gateway Trail
📍Kings Mountain Gateway Trail in Kings Mountain
⏰11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day with live zoo animals, dinosaurs, and Woody the Owl! Enjoy a Drum Circle, woodworking, food vendors, and a Music Jamboree. Help release 200 Painted Lady butterflies to support pollinators. More Details.

Easter Egg Hunt
📍Historic Town Square in Dallas
⏰1 p.m.
The Gaston County Museum and Town of Dallas host this free event featuring thousands of eggs, age-group zones, family activities, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Families are encouraged to bring baskets and enjoy a festive afternoon on the Historic Court Square. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue in Gastonia
📅 Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
⏰ 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (April - October)
Locally sourced fresh produce. Meats from nearby farms. Homemade baked goods. Fresh flowers grown locally. More Details.

Master Gardeners of Gaston County present Growing Microgreens
📍1555 East Garrison Boulevard in Gastonia
⏰11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Learn how to grow microgreens at home with Master Gardener Judy Hudgins! Presented by the Gaston County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Group, this program is perfect for beginners and plant lovers alike. More Details.

Monthly Pinball Tournament
📍CityCade in Gastonia
⏰7 - 10 p.m.
Test your pinball skills at the IFPA Monthly Tournament every 2nd Saturday! More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S. Main St. in Mount Holly
📅 Every Saturday (April - October)
⏰ 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This market supports local farms, promotes fresh local food, and educates the community on growing their own food. More Details.

Spring Community Yard Sale
📍 Ranlo Ballpark
⏰10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Whether you're clearing out clutter or hunting for hidden gems, this event is for you. Sellers can begin setting up at 8 a.m., and the sale runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It all takes place in the grass field at the Ranlo ballpark.  More Details.

Dallas NC Farmers Market
📍 Sandcastle Farms in Dallas
📅 Various Sundays through the growing season
⏰ 11 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Enjoy Sunday brunch, local vendors, food trucks, and The Bar serving beer, wine, and mimosas! More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue in Gastonia
📅 Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
⏰ 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (April - October)
Locally sourced fresh produce. Meats from nearby farms. Homemade baked goods. Fresh flowers grown locally. More Details.

Veterans Coffee Connection
📍Outback Steakhouse in Gastonia
⏰8:30 a.m.
Join fellow veterans on the third Tuesday each month for free coffee, doughnuts, and camaraderie. Sponsored by Carolina Caring, this welcoming group is open to veterans of all ages and branches. More Details. (Disclaimer: I am an employee of Carolina Caring.)

Master Gardener Group of Gaston County presents Brie Arthur
📍Citizens Resource Center in Dallas
⏰10 - 11 a.m.
Everyone is welcome to attend the presentation by bestselling author and horticulturist Brie Arthur. Discover stunning plant pairings, native varieties, and practical tips to create a vibrant, easy-to-grow garden that thrives year-round. More Details.    

30th Annual Walk For Aids
📍Sacred Heart Campus in Belmont
📅 Saturday, May 3
⏰10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Enjoy music by DJ Buddy Luv, community vendors, and meaningful connection—all while supporting a great cause. Contributions from participants, donors, and sponsors help provide housing, case management, and vital services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. More Details.    

Disclaimer: Event details are subject to change or cancellation. Please check with the event organizers for the most up-to-date information. We are not responsible for any changes after publication.

And thank you for reading! If you found something useful, please share it with a friend!

Was this email forwarded to you? Signup here!

Was there something I missed this week? Let me know at [email protected]. Want to get your business in Hello, Gaston!? Let’s talk!