The Food Lion Weekly Ad arrives at our house like clockwork every Tuesday. The new sales go into effect on Wednesdays.

You best not call it the weekly ad or circular in our house. It’s affectionately referred to as “The Menu”, thanks to my four-year-old daughter, Amelia. Most weeks she’ll plough through it and start circling the things she wants us to buy for her. Fruit snacks. Doritos. Coca-Cola.

This week, it was something completely out of left field: Barbie Ice Cream.

I had no idea such a thing existed—but of course it does. Instead of just circling it, Amelia went all in. She begged and pleaded until we agreed to pick some up.

So we did. Well, I didn’t. My wife, Jillian, did. She became the Ice Cream Woman.

She made the trip to Food Lion and picked up Amelia’s special request. Turns out it was a Barbie buy-one-get-one-free week. So along with a half gallon of Frosted Cupcake, we also got Strawberry Marshmallow for good measure.

If you’re four years old and you’ve been running around daycare all day, there’s nothing better than Barbie Ice Cream from the Ice Cream Woman.

Unless, of course, the Ice Cream Man decides to show up.

Midway through Amelia’s bowl of her Barbie-brand Frosted Cupcake, the ice cream truck rolled through the neighborhood. And when that signature ice cream truck music starts playing, every kid within a two-block radius knows to grab their loose change and scrunched up dollar bills and head outside.

Amelia did just that. She knew exactly what she wanted: a Blue Bunny Tweety Bird Ice Cream Bar with the blue gumball eyes. Her go-to order. 

While she stood outside beaming from ear to ear, slurping Tweety’s face off, her Barbie ice cream sat inside the bowl slowly melting on the table.

But that’s how it goes in the summer. In fact, it’s one of the unspoken rules of summer. You know the one: When the ice cream man rolls through, you better drop what you’re doing and go get yourself a treat.

Even if you’re already eating ice cream. (We won’t tell Barbie.)

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this week’s newsletter, please pass it along to someone who you’d think would enjoy it!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OPTIMLIFE HEALTH

✨WHY YOUR SCALE IS LYING TO YOU ✨

The hidden truth about "weight loss" that most doctors miss:

• You're losing muscle, not fat - traditional diets make you skinny-fat

• Your hormones are sabotaging every effort you make

• One simple test reveals what's really holding you back

Nurse Practitioner Jessica Goins spent a decade in healthcare watching patients struggle with the same failures. Her wellness-focused approach addresses what traditional medicine overlooks - the root causes keeping you stuck.

DISCOVER WHAT’S MISSING →

_{Dallas location: 120 West Wilkins Street - Limited consultations available}

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🔥 CHERRYVILLE STEAKHOUSE NEARS OPENING DAY

The Five Spur Steakhouse is nearly ready to open in downtown Cherryville. Housed in a beautifully restored Main Street auto parts store, the transformation is turning heads. The team promises it’s coming very soon. Stay tuned, steak lovers!

🌿 FRIDAY NIGHTS BLOOM AT DANIEL STOWE

Every Friday through August, enjoy $5 admission to Daniel Stowe’s formal gardens after 5 p.m. Relax with golden hour views, stroll the grounds, and unwind at the Big Leaf Café + Patio. Tickets available online or at the door—pick your date and make it a summer evening to remember.

⚾ GHOST PEPPERS TICKET GIVEAWAY FROM GASTON TOURISM

Gaston County Tourism Development is giving away Ghost Peppers tickets on Facebook! Just comment your hometown or favorite local activity for a chance to win. Bonus entry if you shout out both! Winners announced August 4.

🖌️ BUILD A BRAND THAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT WITH FARMHOUSER DESIGN

Belmont-based Farmhouser Design helps small businesses and nonprofits launch with confidence. Designer Leslie Boyd creates branding that makes you stand out—building trust, attracting your ideal clients, and giving your visual identity a polished start. ($)

🍺 GASTONIA CITY SIGHTS: LARESA TAKES ON DURTY BULL

Laresa Thompson is back and getting "Durtyyy" at Durty Bull Brewing in downtown Gastonia. She’s serving up bold brews, local charm, and reasons this taproom should be on your weekend radar. Catch her latest edition of Gastonia City Sights and plan your visit to 126 S. Trenton Street!

🎆 PANTHERS FAN FEST RETURNS TO BANK OF AMERICA STADIUM 

See your favorite Panthers up close at Fan Fest during rday’s full-team practice at Bank of America Stadium, owed by fireworks, lasers, autographs, and family fun. Tickets are $5, with proceeds benefiting Panthers Charities. Gates open at 5 p.m.

💔 GASTONIA WOMAN STARTS FUNDRAISER AFTER DEADLY I-485 CRASH

Saturday’s tragic crash on I-485 killed six people, including four family members of Gastonia’s April NaCole. She has started a fundraiser to help cover funeral costs. Her 16-year-old daughter survived and is recovering. The crash involved three vehicles and remains under investigation.

📰  QUICK BITES

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

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ANCHORED SOUL

✨CELEBRATING OUR GENEROUS BON TEMPS SPONSORS✨

The Bon Temps Paddle Battle On Wylie on Saturday, August 16th wouldn't be possible without our incredible community partners!

• Headlining Sponsor Thanks – The Learning Experience-Belmont, Gaston County Travel & Tourism, Belmont Tourism & Muddy River Distillery

• Kid-Friendly Family Fun – Guppies races, fenced play area for safe exploration, and entertainment perfect for children of all ages

• Community Partnership Magic – Local businesses supporting family adventures that bring Lake Wylie neighbors together

Ready to join our sponsor-supported family event? SEE ALL OUR SPONSORS →

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 31

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.

FRIDAY AUGUST 1

Belmont Drive-In featuring The Fantastic Four: First Steps and I Know What You Did Last Summer
📍 314 McAdenville Rd, Belmont
📅 August 1 - 2, 2025
⏰ Sunset
Catch a movie under the stars! More Details.

Birding Walks
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Belmont
⏰ 9 - 10 a.m.
Morning walk to discover native bird species with naturalists. More Details.

Friday Night Live Music featuring LoblollyGags
📍 Confluence, Cramerton
⏰ 7 - 9 pm.
Live tunes with food and drinks after a long week. More Details.

SATURDAY AUGUST 2

Movies In The Park: Wreck-It Ralph
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Family movie night under the stars featuring Spy Kids! Bring a blanket or chair. 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 vendors. More Details.

Kings Mountain Farmers' Market
📍 313 South Battleground Avenue, Kings Mountain
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Local goods, produce, and neighborly vibes in the heart of Kings Mountain. More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S. Main Street, Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
A bustling market with produce, crafts, and coffee in charming downtown Mount Holly. More Details.

Cars & Coffee in the Park
📍 Martha Rivers Park, 1515 Neal Hawkins Rd, Gastonia
⏰ 8 a.m.–11 a.m.
Classic rides and coffee come together in this free Saturday morning community car meetup. More Details

Plant Swap and Sell at Falls Family Farms
📍 2954 Forbes Rd, Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Free event where locals gather to shop, swap, and sell houseplants and garden greenery. More Details

Ready, Set, Grow: A Community Back to School Event
📍 Eastridge Mall, Gastonia
⏰ 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Backpacks, school supplies, free food, and games to get kids ready for a strong school start. More Details

Summer Floating Concert
📍 South Fork River Greenway, McAdenville
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
A riverside concert you can enjoy by kayak, tube, or from the shoreline. More Details

SUNDAY AUGUST 3

Dallas Farmers Market
📍 147 Sandcastle Rd, Dallas
⏰ 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Vendors, food truck, bar, music, and local produce at Sandcastle Farm. More Details.

TUESDAY AUGUST 5

Cherryville Main Street Farmers Market
📍 Cherryville Mini Park
⏰ 5–7 p.m.
Downtown market featuring local produce and community vendors. 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.

National Night Out
📍 Cloninger Park, Dallas
⏰ 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Join local law enforcement for food, games, and neighborhood fun. More Details.

National Night Out / Back 2 School Bash
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Celebrate community with first responders, free school supplies, family games, and live entertainment. More Details

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 6

Downtown Gastonia Caffeine and Conversation
📍 Durty Bull Brewing, Gastonia
⏰ 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Grab a cup and connect with downtown business owners and neighbors. 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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