It’s a tale of two Martys this week. One we know, and one we don’t. One from the past (and the future), and one arriving soon.

Tonight, the Gastonia Ghostpeppers are putting Marty McFly in the spotlight with a postgame showing of Back to the Future—the 1985 classic that made time travel cool and introduced us to a kid with a skateboard and some interesting family dynamics.

Meanwhile, just a few blocks away in downtown Gastonia, a sign hangs from a storefront—the former home of Cool Beans Cat Café. It reads only one word: Marty’s.

And with that simple sign, the speculation begins. Who is this Marty? What’s it going to be?

I haven’t known many Martys in my life. There was Marty Rankin—my sister’s best friend’s brother growing up. Not sure what happened to him, but he was the first.

There are some famous Martys, of course. NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer. Country legends Marty Stuart and Marty Robbins.

But the one that’s always stuck with me is Marty McFly—the teenager who accidentally traveled from 1985 to 1955 in a DeLorean. We know how his story ends. Still, it’s worth revisiting now and then. (Like tonight at CaroMont Health Park!)

As for this new Marty—we wait. We wonder. We speculate. Who will this Marty be? What’s he (or she) all about? 

If only we had a DeLorean to find out. But maybe the anticipation is half the fun. 

I guess knowing the answer doesn’t matter. Because where we’re going, we don’t need answers. Just a good story.

Welcome to Gastonia, Martys.

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!

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GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🍌 BELMONT’S BANANA BAR SHINES ON QC LIFE

The Banana Bar hit local airwaves thanks to WBTV’s QC Life, showcasing its playful charm and chocolate-covered treats. Owners Kayla and Ray opened the Belmont dessert shop after a California honeymoon sparked their vision. From frozen bananas to cheesecake, it's a flavorful escape worth checking out!

🍻 DURTY BULL EARNS TWO NOMINATIONS IN CHARLOTTE'S BEST 

Downtown Gastonia’s Durty Bull Brewing is up for Best Brewery and Best Chicken Wings in Charlotte’s Best awards! Vote daily now through July 26 at 5 p.m. Let’s rally behind this local favorite and bring the wins home to Gastonia!

🌳 MOUNT HOLLY PARK HONORS A FREEDMAN’S LEGACY

Opening in mid-August, Ransom Hunter Park celebrates Gaston County’s first freed African American landowner. Located at Glendale Avenue and Hawthorn Road, the park features playgrounds, walking paths, and community pride—honoring a man who turned hardship into opportunity. [WSOC and The Gaston Gazette]

🎬 $1 SUMMER MOVIES AT REGAL FRANKLIN SQUARE 

Regal’s Summer Movie Express brings $1 family flicks to Regal Franklin Square in Gastonia every Tuesday and Wednesday through August 6! Next up: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie. Only four weeks left!

🎶 DAVID CHILDERS SHARES HIS FIGHT—AND HIS MUSIC

In Faces of the Carolinas, Queen City News’ John Le profiles Mount Holly’s David Childers. Nearly a year after a stage 4 cancer diagnosis, he’s still painting, performing, and headed for the NC Music Hall of Fame.

🌶️ GASTON’S OWN ELIJAH’S XTREME HEATS UP NYC

Elijah’s Xtreme Hot Sauce, a Gaston County brand, was featured at the NYC Fancy Food Show as the official hot sauce of Yellowstone. This bold, locally made favorite is turning heads—and taste buds—on the national stage.

📰  QUICK BITES

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

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GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

PLAN AHEAD

Rhino Run for Education
📍 Gaston College, 201 Hwy 321 S, Dallas
📅 Saturday, September 27
⏰ 7 – 11 a.m.
Join the 2K or 5K Rhino Run at Gaston College to support athletics and Gaston and Lincoln County schools. Enjoy WSGE DJs, coffee, donuts, food trucks, and more. $40 entry. More Details. ($)

THURSDAY, JULY 10 (🌕Full Moon Tonight!🌕) 

 Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
Browse fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade items from local growers and makers. More Details.

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

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs Charleston Dirty Birds
📍 CaroMont Health Park, Gastonia
⏰6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Celebrate Back to the Future's 40th on 80’s Night—neon fits, fast pitches, and a post-game movie showing! More Details.

FRIDAY, JULY 11

Belmont Drive-In featuring Elio and Jurassic World: Rebirth
📍 Belmont Drive-In, Belmont
⏰ Begins at dusk
Catch great movies under the stars—just like the old days, but with today’s biggest hits on screen. More Details

Christmas in July
📍 400 East Central Ave, Mount Holly
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Festive fun meets summertime vibes with vendors, games, music, Santa visits, and more. More Details.

Vino in the Village
📍 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Sip and stroll through Daniel Stowe Conservancy with wine tastings and live music. More Details.

SATURDAY, JULY 12

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

Kings Mountain Farmers' Market
📍 313 S. Battleground Ave, Kings Mountain
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Support local farmers and artisans at this Saturday market. More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
One of the county’s largest markets with produce, flowers, and baked goods. More Details.

Sunflower Festival
📍 2954 Forbes Rd, Gastonia
📅 Saturday, July 12 - Sunday, July 13
⏰ 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
This two-day event will feature pick your own sunflowers, shop vendors, and food trucks. Free admission. More Details.

Music in the Park featuring The Bailey Marie Band
📍 McCord Family Park, Lowell
⏰ 6 – 8 p.m.
Free outdoor concert hosted by the City of Lowell. More Details.

Kids Catfish Tournament
📍 Dallas Park, Dallas
⏰ 8 - 11 a.m.
Cast a line and catch memories at this kid-focused fishing event. More Details.

CityCade's 5-Year Anniversary
📍 122 South Oakland Street, Gastonia
⏰ 6 p.m.
Free '80s games, live music, karaoke, contests, and RAD Wood Cruise-In. More Details.

Board Game Saturday
📍 1555 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Bring family or friends and enjoy board games provided by the library. More Details.

SUNDAY, JULY 13

Belmont Farmers Market (Monthly Sunday Market)
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Pop-up Sunday edition with extra vendors and fresh finds. More Details.

MONDAY, JULY 14

Mary Cassatt: Film + Lecture
📍 Gaston County Public Library, Gastonia
⏰ 6 p.m.
Enjoy a free screening and mini-lecture exploring the legacy of artist Mary Cassatt. More Details.

TUESDAY, JULY 15

Cherryville Main Street Farmers Market
📍 Cherryville Mini Park, Cherryville
⏰ 5–7 p.m.
Local vendors, fresh produce, and a welcoming small-town feel. More Details.

Gardening with Kids
📍 Gaston County Public Library, Gastonia
⏰ 2 p.m.
Kids plant their own seeds and learn garden basics. All ages welcome. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and flowers from local farms. 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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