Hello, Gaston! (my old friend),

This past Saturday night, my family decided to descend upon Downtown Mount Holly to take in the 7th annual Mount Holly Lantern Parade. With near-perfect fall weather, we all had a great time taking in the beautifully hand-crafted lanterns as they paraded down the street.

People of all ages lined up all along main street in the middle of October for this special event. They gathered to be entertained, but not in a fall-harvest kind of way or to be scared and spooked. Instead, everyone came together to celebrate the light - and more importantly, the glow.

The lantern parade is a truly unique event. In a time when every city and town offers summer concerts, Christmas parades, and seasonal festivals, this parade stands out as something completely different. Now in its seventh year, with growing participation from schools across the county, it continues to expand and captivate the community.

It’s a feather in the cap for the city of Mount Holly and I hope to see it get bigger and bigger with each passing year. In a digital world dominated by screens and apps, it's refreshing to see friends and neighbors come together for one night to marvel at the beauty of the light and the glow.

Thanks for reading!

Ben

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IN PARTERSHIP WITH WSGE 91.7 FM

🎶 Don’t Miss an Unforgettable Night with WSGE 91.7 FM! 🎶

Join WSGE members and supporters at Gastonian Halls on Sunday, Nov. 3, from 5 - 9 p.m. for a night of live music, delicious food, and great company.

Enjoy performances by A Sign of the Times, hosted by Toni & Tyrone from R&B House Party. Plus, a portion of the proceeds benefits the NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund, supporting local artists impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Tickets are just $80—secure yours now and be part of this magical evening of music, community, and giving back!

THE GAS-TEN
(The ten things you need to know about Gaston County this week.)

BLACK SHEEP COFFEE IS COMING TO MOUNT HOLLY

Black Sheep Coffee is launching its mobile coffee business in a 1998 Daihatsu Atrai van, offering specialty espresso, matcha, and cold brew in downtown Mount Holly and at local events. The grand opening kicks off Sunday (10/27) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Summit Beer Shop.

GASTONIA FIREFIGHTER ASSISTS IN HELENE RESCUE EFFORTS

Gastonia firefighter, Jim Landis, talked to Bo Thompson and Beth Troutman on WBT Radio last week to share his experiences aiding rescue and recovery efforts in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. He discussed ongoing challenges, including power outages, road repairs, and the community’s resilience, as well as the importance of tourism in local recovery.

WHATABURGER COMING TO GASTONIA!

Whataburger is set to open its first Gastonia location, replacing the former Backyard Burgers on Franklin Blvd. No construction timeline has been announced yet. Founded in 1950, Whataburger has grown into a Texas icon with over 1,000 locations nationwide, known for its signature burgers and 24/7 service.

LOWELL MAYOR LAUNCHES ‘1000 COATS AND 1000 BLANKETS’ DRIVE FOR HURRICANE RELIEF

Lowell Mayor Larry Simonds is spearheading the "1000 Coats and 1000 Blankets for Western NC" drive, aiming to collect essential items for Hurricane Helene relief. Donations can be dropped off at Lowell City Hall this Saturday (Oct. 26) starting at 7:30 a.m.. Items needed include coats, blankets, hats, scarves, and hot chocolate. [Gaston Gazette]

FRYEDAY COFFEE ROASTERS REVIVES "PAY WITH A POST-IT"

Fryeday Coffee Roasters in Lowell is bringing back their "Pay With a Post-It" campaign! Buy a Post-it to cover a coffee for someone in need, or take a note if you need a pick-me-up. It's a simple way to spread kindness and support the community!

DANIEL STOWE BOTANICAL GARDEN CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF GROWTH

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden recently celebrated 25 years of beauty and inspiration! Since opening in 1999, the garden has flourished on 380 acres of woodlands and lakefront, thanks to the vision of founder Daniel J. Stowe and the support of the community. Here’s to the next 25 years!

PARTS OF WESTERN NC WELCOMES FALL VISITORS

Many Western North Carolina communities, like Bryson City, Sylva, and Brevard, remain open and welcoming visitors despite Hurricane Helene's impact. Enjoy scenic train rides, outdoor adventures, and vibrant local culture. Check with individual businesses before traveling, and prioritize visiting areas actively requesting tourists to support recovery efforts.

CHRISTMASTOWN USA APPAREL NOW ON SALE

ChristmasTown USA apparel is on sale now for the 2024 holiday season! Shop this year's cardinal red shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies online or at Mona's Boutique on Main Street. All profits support the local community. Limited stock available, including at packet pick-up and race night.

EARLY VOTING CONTINUES

It's our civic duty to remind you to exercise your right to vote! (That’s as political as we get here!) Early voting runs through Saturday, Nov. 2. Find out when and where to vote in Gaston County by visiting the Board of Elections information sheet. As of Wednesday night, X people have already cast their votes in the county.

THREE STUDENTS WIN GASTON COUNTY'S FIRST-EVER 'I VOTED' STICKER CONTEST

The Gaston County Board of Elections are now handing out the winning entries of the first-ever "I Voted" Sticker Contest. Out of 68 entries from 12 schools, Chloe Sorrell, McKinzley Turner, and Rori McCorkle artwork were selected. Their winning designs are now being distributed to local voters during this current election. [Hint: click their names to view their winning artwork!]

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24

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

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍410 E. Long Avenue in Gastonia
⏰7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced fresh produce. Meats from nearby farms. Homemade baked goods. Fresh flowers grown locally. More Details.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25

Friday Night Football (Week 10)
📍Locations vary
⏰7:30 p.m.
  - Crest at Hunter Huss
  - Ashbrook at Kings Mountain
  - North Gaston at Stuart Cramer
  - Cherryville at Burns
  - Thomas Jefferson at Highland
  - Forestview at South Point
  - East Gaston at Shelby
  - Winston-Salem Carver at Mountain Island Charter -- More Details

SCARYtarium
📍The Schiele Museum in Gastonia
⏰4 times (6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.)
Dare to enter the planetarium for a bone-chilling Halloween show that explores the scariest things in the cosmos! Seating is limited, so grab your tickets now! Ages 8+. More Details.

Haunted Gaston Ghost Tours
📍Gaston County Museum in Dallas
⏰Two times (7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.)
Join a lantern-lit tour through Historic Downtown Dallas, the most haunted town in the county. Hear chilling stories of the Red Eyed Devil and the Gentleman Caller. Ages 12+ encouraged. Bring your courage—spirits await! More Details.

History and Ghost Tour: Down The Catawba River
📍Riverside Marina in Belmont
⏰7 p.m.
Love ghost stories mixed with history? This nighttime kayak ghost tour features tall tales under the full moon. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now. More Details.

Little Monsters March
📍First Baptist Church in Cherryville
⏰10 a.m.
Join the Halloween parade for children in kindergarten and younger! Starting at First Baptist Church, participants will march down Main Street, led by the Cherryville High School band, and end with trick-or-treating at downtown merchants. More Details.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26

Topless Cruise
📍First Presbyterian Church in Belmont
⏰10 a.m.
Calling all vehicles—convertibles, motorcycles, or others for this parade! The $100 entry fee per vehicle goes directly to help Gaston County residents battling cancer. Last year, the cruise raised over $10,000! Don’t miss your chance to contribute to a great cause. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍410 E. Long Avenue in Gastonia
⏰7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced fresh produce. Meats from nearby farms. Homemade baked goods. Fresh flowers grown locally. More Details.

Rush United FC at Gastonia FC
📍Martha Rivers Park, Field 4 in Gastonia
⏰7 p.m.
Catch the action as Gastonia’s own semi-professional, non-profit soccer team hits the field! Come support local talent and enjoy an exciting match!  More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍226 S. Main St. in Mount Holly
⏰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.

First Annual Pumpkin Piddle Paddle!
📍River Street Park in Mount Holly
⏰5 - 8 p.m.
Watch 36 community-carved jack-o’-lanterns float down Dutchman’s Creek in a unique display. Enjoy live entertainment by Mr. Musicman DJ, a bounce house, playground fun, food trucks, and treat trails. Bring your chairs and blankets for a night of family-friendly fun. More Details.

Movies in the Park presenting The Addams Family
📍Stowe Park in Belmont
⏰7 p.m.
Enjoy a big screen experience with immersive sound, free retro arcade games, and snacks for purchase. Don’t forget your chairs and blankets! More Details.

Trick-or-Trail, featuring a 5K and 1-mile Fun Run
📍Warlick Family YMCA in Gastonia
⏰8 - 11:30 a.m.
Enjoy a 1-Mile Fun Run on the scenic Blue Trail, followed by an exciting After-Party with bounce houses, crafts, games, a DJ, and costume awards. Fun starts at 9 AM. Costumes encouraged! More Details.

Howl-O-Ween
📍Stowe Park in Belmont
⏰9:30 a.m.
Parade your pet around the park and end at the Amphitheatre for a chance to win prizes for best costume. Pet registration is $10, and all proceeds benefit Gaston County Animal Control. More Details.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27

Carolina Panthers (1-6) at Denver Broncos (4-3)
 📍Away
 ⏰4:25 p.m. (CBS)
The Denver Broncos (4-3) are riding high after a Thursday night win, while the Carolina Panthers, with the NFL's worst record, have lost four straight. Denver is heavily favored, as the Panthers' struggling defense and offense face more challenges.

Chicken Hill Buckin' Bulls - Bull Riding
📍Chicken Hill in 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, OCTOBER 29 

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍410 E. Long Avenue in Gastonia
⏰7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced fresh produce. Meats from nearby farms. Homemade baked goods. Fresh flowers grown locally. More Details.

Halloween Trick or Treating at the Ballpark
📍CaroMont Health Park in Gastonia
⏰5 - 7 p.m.
Enjoy trick-or-treating, costume contests, a dance party, and games on the field. Bring the whole family for an evening of spooky fun and get into the Halloween spirit! More Details.

 PLAN AHEAD

Bright Lights 5K and Fun Run
📍Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont
📆 11/27
⏰6 p.m.
Start a new family tradition with the Bright Lights 5K and Fun Run at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden! Enjoy a race through the Holiday Lights display, and receive a custom bib, race shirt, and sneak peek entry before Thanksgiving. Register now for this festive pre-holiday run! 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.

#GASTONGRAM

Here are some other great photos I found this week that I just had to share:
#GastonGram Honorable Mention #1
#GastonGram Honorable Mention #2

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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

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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!