Kids and puddles. Somehow they always find each other.

It’s a summertime rite of passage when your kids are little. Sometimes you just have to let the shoes and socks get wet. Even the shorts. They can be washed. Everything will be okay.

The rain came down hard yesterday. A true summer downpour. And the kids ran straight for the puddles. Socks, shoes, shorts and all. The works.

Jillian and I looked at each other and said, “Why not?”

We aren’t strict parents, but we know a moment when we see one. And this felt like one worth saying yes to.

For a few minutes, nobody cared about the mess.

That’s the thing about summer. It invites a few more “why not” moments. Longer days. Later bedtimes. Wet shoes. Popsicles before dinner. Tiny memories you don’t realize you’re making until they’re already happening.

Because there’s nothing quite like being a kid in the summer. And if you’re lucky, every now and then you get to feel a little of it too.

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Property division is one of the most consequential parts of any divorce. Sodoma Law Belmont helps clients navigate equitable distribution with clarity, strategy, and strong advocacy. They offer:

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Catawba Nation opened the first phase of its $1 billion Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort last week, replacing the temporary casino that debuted in 2021. The new space includes 1,350 slot machines, table games, dining, and sports betting kiosks, while the full 24-story resort remains on track for a spring 2027 opening. [WBTV]

Gastonia Ghost Peppers PA announcer Isaac Wilson is turning heads with his booming ballpark voice, but he says it all started taking drive-thru orders at Bojangles. Wilson, featured recently by Queen City News reporter John Le, hopes to one day announce in the NHL or Olympics. 

The Belmont Rowing Center is offering youth summer rowing camps for ages 12 and older, with opportunities for all skill levels. Programs range from beginner learn-to-row sessions to advanced development camps focused on racing, endurance, and technique, all while promoting teamwork and outdoor fitness on the water. 

Locally owned Oliv+Oak Coffee will officially soft open June 1 in Stanley, offering espresso drinks, lattes, refreshers, spritzers, pastries, and a cozy gathering space. The new coffee shop, located at 301 Highway 27 South, will be open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cherryville opened the 2A State Championship series with a big win yesterday and now sits one victory away from bringing home a state title. The best-of-three matchup against Rosewood continues today in Burlington with championship momentum on Cherryville’s side.

Newly opened Belmont Batcave is giving the Carolinas’ goth, emo, and punk communities a new gathering spot in Belmont. The alternative-themed market features more than 50 vendors selling clothing, art, leather goods, collectibles, and more, while also serving as a hangout and event space for the region’s growing alternative scene.

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

Simply American Dog Treat Company – North Carolina's only mobile dog treat truck from Belmont!

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Belmont Farmers Market — Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Dallas Farmers Market — Select Sundays, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Gastonia Farmers Market — Tuesday, Thursdays & Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 
Kings Mountain Farmers Market — Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Mount Holly Farmers Market — Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Friday (5/29) — Charleston Dirty Birds @ 7 p.m.
Saturday (5/30) — Charleston Dirty Birds @ 7 p.m.
Sunday (5/31) — Charleston Dirty Birds @ 4 p.m.
Tuesday (6/2) — Lancaster Stormers @ 6 p.m.
Wednesday (6/3) — Lancaster Stormers @ 6 p.m.

Muddy River Distillery Summer Festival
📍 250 N. Main Street, Mount Holly
📅 Saturday, June 20
⏰ 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Kick off summer at Muddy River Distillery with waterfront views, craft drinks, live music from Unknown Artist, and a festival atmosphere. Organizers are also seeking vendors featuring pet products, plants, outdoor goods, vintage finds, and specialty items. More Details. 

Gaston County Job Fair
📍 Gaston County Public Library, Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Meet with more than 25 employers and local resources during this free Gaston job fair. Bring your resume and connect with hiring teams. More Details.

Kings Mountain May Nights feat. Coming Up Brass
📍 Patriots Park, Kings Mountain
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Coming Up Brass brings yacht rock favorites and danceable classics to downtown Kings Mountain for a free family-friendly concert night. More Details.

Creative Collective | May Edition
📍 400 E. Central Avenue, Mount Holly
⏰ 6–7:30 p.m.
Adults 18 and older can create flower vases and beaded garden stakes during this free hands-on craft workshop. More Details.

Gaston County Celebrates America 250 Trivia Night
📍 Confluence, 117 Center Street, Cramerton
⏰ 7–9 p.m.
Show off your Gaston County history knowledge during this free trivia competition celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. More Details.

Friday Night Live featuring Night Years
📍 South Main Street, Belmont
⏰ 5–9 p.m.
Night Years headlines this free downtown Belmont concert featuring 90s and 2000s music, food trucks, and a beverage garden. More Details.

The Belmont Drive-In featuring The Sheep Detective & The Mandalorian and Grogu
📍 314 McAdenville Road, Belmont
📅Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30
⏰ Gates open at 6 p.m.
Catch a double-feature movie night at the drive-in with family-friendly films, snacks, and a nostalgic outdoor movie experience. More Details.

Cramerton Legacy of Golf Tournament
📍 Cramer Mountain Club, Cramerton
⏰ 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Golfers will gather in Cramerton for this community tournament supporting local connections, competition, and a day on the course. More Details.

Little Theater of Gastonia presents And Then There Were None
📍 Little Theater of Gastonia, Gastonia
📅Friday, May 29 through Sunday, May 31
⏰ times vary
Agatha Christie’s classic mystery comes to life as ten strangers trapped on a remote island face deadly secrets and shocking twists. More Details. 

Friday Night Racing
📍 Carolina Speedway, 6355 Union Rd, Gastonia
⏰ 7 p.m.
Feel the adrenaline at this high-energy race night as drivers compete for points on the dirt track. A classic local motorsports experience for all ages. More Details.

Community Yard Sale
📍 Harold Rankin Park, Lowell
⏰ 7–11 a.m.
Browse community treasures and hidden finds during this public yard sale event at Harold Rankin Park in Lowell. More Details.

Gastonia High School Lawn Party
📍 Gastonia High School, Gastonia
⏰ 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Enjoy a picnic-style lawn party celebrating the historic Gastonia High School campus with tours, fellowship, and community history. More Details.

Native Plants and Pollinators Program
📍 Gaston County Public Library, Gastonia
⏰ 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Learn how to attract pollinators, support local ecosystems, and incorporate native plants into your home garden during this free educational program presented by Gaston County Master Gardeners. More Details.

Fresh Fruits and Summer Greens Cooking Workshop
📍 Lucile Tatum Extension Homemakers Center, Gastonia
⏰ 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Learn healthy seasonal cooking techniques while preparing fresh salads and homemade strawberry vinaigrettes using local ingredients. More Details.

Hope City Jam
📍 3100 City Church Street, Gastonia
⏰ 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Live music, guest speakers, food trucks, and vendors highlight this community event centered on recovery, mental health awareness, and hope. More Details. 

Genealogy Exploration: The Gray Family
📍 Gastonia
⏰ 2–5 p.m.
Explore the history and legacy of Gastonia’s influential Gray family during this storytelling and genealogy-focused community discussion. More Details.

Music in the Park feat. The Embers with Craig Woolard
📍 Harold Rankin Park, Lowell
⏰ 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Relax under the evening sky with beach music favorites from The Embers during Lowell’s outdoor concert series kickoff. More Details.

Monday Movie Matinees
📍 Gaston County Public Library, Gastonia
⏰ 2–4 p.m.
Kick off the summer with free movie matinees at the Main Library featuring family-friendly films throughout June and July. More Details.

Gather in the Garden
📍 Rotary Community Garden of Gastonia
⏰ 6–7:30 p.m.
Enjoy gardening, picnic suppers, and community fellowship during this weekly gathering hosted by Rotary Community Garden volunteers. 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.

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