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

Today marks the unofficial first day of summer in Gaston County! At least if you ask the kids (and their teachers), who just wrapped up their last day of school yesterday.

There’s nothing quite like that feeling—knowing you’ve got two and a half months ahead with hardly a care in the world. Okay, maybe not nothing expected of them… but we all know there won’t be any homework.

And while the season’s just getting started, the heat and humidity aren’t far behind. Kind of a package deal, right?

That’s why I wanted to share this great list that Gaston County Tourism Development put together last year. It’s full of splash pads, pools, beaches, and other great places to cool off close to home.

So, to all the kids out there—soak up the summer. Enjoy those lazy, hazy, crazy days while you can. They don’t last forever—just ask your parents.

Thanks for reading!

Ben

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

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GASTON COLLEGE FOUNDATION

✨ 3 WEEKS LEFT: Dance the Night Away for a Great Cause! ✨

Gaston College Foundation presents A Night for Momentum Makers - Friday, June 13 at Gaston Country Club.

• Groove to beach music sounds of The Band of Oz

• Enjoy complimentary drinks & hors d'oeuvres

• Secure your spot for an exciting silent auction and "fund the need" opportunity

• Don't wait! Don’t miss this special 60th anniversary celebration 

Support 60 years of Gaston College while making unforgettable memories in your favorite beach-inspired cocktail attire! Purchase your tickets today!

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

💦 BEAT THE HEAT IN GASTON COUNTY

Looking to beat the heat this summer? Dive into this handy guide from Gaston County Tourism Development! It’s packed with the best spots for cooling off, including beaches, public pools, splash pads, and more. Originally published last year, it’s still your go-to resource for summer fun!

🍖 CHUBBY’S BBQ COMING TO BESSEMER CITY

Local food truck favorite Chubby’s BBQ is going brick-and-mortar at 101 Pennsylvania Ave in Bessemer City. Owner Steven Daniels plans to open by fall, serving ribs, brisket, and weekly smoked specials. He says it’s “something Bessemer City needs.”

🕊️ MCADENVILLE MOURNS THE LOSS OF MAYOR JIM ROBINETTE

Mayor Jim Robinette, 80, passed away after serving McAdenville since 2016. A dedicated leader, he guided projects like Town Hall and Greenway Park. A U.S. Army veteran and long-time resident, Robinette spent nearly 20 years in public service, earning deep respect from the community.

🥎 RHINOS ROLL INTO WINNER’S BRACKET AT WORLD SERIES

Gaston College softball notched its 29th straight win, beating Rose State 11–1 in five innings. Grace Kealy’s first-inning homer set the tone. The Rhinos face NW Florida State tonight in Yuma, Arizona, with eyes on the NJCAA Division I title. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+. [WCNC]

🍷 THE HOLLAND OPENS ITS DOORS IN MOUNT HOLLY

The wait is over! The Holland Wine Bar & Restaurant is now open for soft launch dinners through May 25—reservations only. Full dinner service begins May 26. Expect bold American-Asian flavors and wines from France to California, right on North Main Street!

🎖️ FREE SUMMER ADMISSION FOR MILITARY AT THE SCHIELE

Active military, veterans, and their families can enjoy free museum admission to The Schiele Museum now through Sept. 1, thanks to a partnership with Blue Star Museums and Dignity Memorial. Includes regular exhibits and Farm. Visit often—there’s no limit! I.D. is required. 

🍗 MS. HAZEL’S KITCHEN NOW OPEN IN GASTONIA

Serving up hot Southern comfort food and warm hospitality, Ms. Hazel’s Kitchen opened yesterday at 1910 W. Franklin Blvd. This week’s specials include fried and baked chicken—with more soulful favorites to come. As they say, “Oh, we gonna get you right.”

📰  QUICK BITES

🟡  The Carolina Panthers’ 2025 schedule is out—season opens Sept. 7, Monday Night Football in Week 12.

🟡 Roosterlympics raised $7,127 last weekend, bringing the three-year total to $21,043 for Webb Street School!

🟡  Belmont Drive-In shines in the spotlight for nostalgic double features and family legacy in this Charlotte Ledger feature.

Disclaimer: News items marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, MAY 22

 Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 4 – 7 p.m.
Shop fresh produce from local vendors and enjoy a community atmosphere. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced produce, meats, baked goods, and flowers. More Details.

 Behind-the-Scenes Tour at Gaston County Museum
📍 Gaston County Museum of Art & History, Dallas
⏰ 6 p.m.
Join Museum Curator Alicyn Wiedrich for an insider look at the making of the Tony’s exhibit. This special tour offers a unique perspective on the exhibit's development. More Details.

Memorial Day Service
📍 Lowell, NC
⏰ 10 a.m.
Honor and remember those who served at the annual Memorial Day Service. A community gathering to pay respects and reflect. More Details.

Salute to Business Gala
📍 Gaston Country Club, Gastonia
⏰ 6 – 9 p.m.
Presented by First Horizon Bank, this gala recognizes local business leaders and changemakers. More Details.

Strates Shows Carnival
📍 Eastridge Mall, 246 N. New Hope Rd, Gastonia
📆 Thursday, May 22 - Sunday, June 1
⏰ times vary
Enjoy funnel cakes, thrill rides, and family fun at this classic carnival experience outside Eastridge Mall. More Details.

FRIDAY, MAY 23

 The Cherryville Little Theatre presents She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition
📍301 West Academy Street, Cherryville
📆 Friday, May 23 - Sunday, June 1
⏰ times vary
Enjoy a local theatrical performance featuring a high-octane journey of grief, adventure, and self-discovery. More Details.

Jazz In The Garden
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Belmont
⏰ 6 - 10 p.m.
Relax and unwind with live jazz in a beautiful garden setting. More Details.

Hadestown: Teen Edition!
📍 The Little Theater of Gastonia, Gastonia
📆 Friday, May 23 - Sunday, May 25
⏰ times vary
A fresh, youthful take on the Broadway hit. More Details.

 Cramerton Concert Series presents Chairmen of the Board
📍 Centennial Center, Cramerton
⏰ 6  –8 p.m.
Enjoy a lively evening with the legendary Chairmen of the Board as part of the Cramerton Concert Series. More Details.

Ghost Peppers Baseball vs. High Point Rockers (3-game series)
📍 CaroMont Health Park, Gastonia
📆 Friday, May 23 - Sunday, May 25
⏰times vary - - More Details.

SATURDAY, MAY 24

Butterfly Festival
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Belmont
📆 Saturday, May 24 - Monday, May 26
⏰ times vary
Celebrate butterflies with activities for all ages. More Details.

Family Movie Morning featuring Winnie The Pooh
📍 Gaston County Public Library, 1555 E. Garrison Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy a family-friendly movie morning at the library. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced produce, meats, baked goods, and flowers. More Details.

Kings Mountain Farmers Market Opening Day
📍 313 S Battleground Ave, Kings Mountain
⏰ 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Kick off the season with fresh produce, local crafts, and community spirit. More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S Main St, Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
One of the largest in the county, with seasonal produce and handmade items. More Details.

 Alive Concert Series featuring Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot
📍 Centennial Park, Bessemer City
⏰ 6 p.m.
Dance the night away with Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot. More Details.

SUNDAY, MAY 25

Chicken Hill Buckin' Bulls - Bull Riding
📍716 Old Stubbs Road, Cherryville
⏰6 p.m.
Enjoy sheep riding, calf riding, steer riding, amateur and open bulls! Every Sunday. Don’t forget to bring your chair! More Details.

TUESDAY, MAY 27

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced produce, meats, baked goods, and flowers. More Details.

Veterans Lunch
📍 Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 805 S. York St., Gastonia
⏰ 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Soup and sandwich lunch honoring veterans. Please RSVP to 704-864-0378. More Details.

 Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs. Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (3-game series)
📍 CaroMont Health Park, Gastonia
📆 Tuesday, May 27 - Thursday, May 29
⏰times vary - - More Details.

PLAN AHEAD

Rhino Classic Golf Tournament
📍 Gaston Country Club, 3700 Country Club Dr, Gastonia
📆 Monday, June 23
⏰ 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tee off for a great cause! Join the Rhino Classic to support Gaston College Athletics. Enjoy golf, a tiki bar, snow cones, slushies, food stations, and more. 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. Events marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.

#GASTONGRAM

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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