Somewhere Between Candy Corn and Candy Canes

It’s a new week, and I think we’re all in that Halloween hangover. Christmas is coming, you can feel it, but right now we’re in that strange in-between where pumpkins still linger on porches and twinkling lights are starting to creep in.

It won’t last long. There’s a good chance Christmas will show up at my house this weekend.

And let’s be honest, the Black Friday sales have already begun. One big retailer, whose name escapes me, started theirs today. Yes, today. Thursday. A Black Friday sale that starts on Thursday. You read that right.

These days, if it’s a sale in November, it’s a “Black Friday” sale. What was once one special shopping day has turned into a month-long marathon of markdowns, as long as the calendar ends in “ember.”

I used to fight against Christmas creeping into my November, but that’s a losing battle. And honestly, it could be worse. Who can really argue with a season built on peace on earth and goodwill toward men?

So here’s my thought: let’s lean into that goodwill. Giving Tuesday is coming up on December 2, and many of our local nonprofits are gearing up for it. I’d love to use this space to shine a light on the good work happening across Gaston County.

Tell me about your favorite Gaston County charity and why you support them. Deadline to submit is Thursday, November 20.

You can either fight the wave or ride it. Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat, and I’ve got my surfboard ready. I’m riding this one out, baby! 

Thank you for reading! Please share with your friends and neighbors!

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GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🍗 DAVE’S HOT CHICKEN MAY BE COMING TO GASTONIA

The Gaston Gazette reports that one of America’s fastest-growing restaurant chains, Dave’s Hot Chicken, has submitted permits and plans for a Gastonia location. City Economic Development Director Kristy Crisp confirmed the Nashville-style chain’s proposal is under review for 2230 E. Franklin Blvd., the former Noodles & Company site.

🧺 THE WASH HUT OPENS ITS DOORS TO HELP NEIGHBORS IN NEED

A sponsored ministry of Myers Memorial UMC, The Wash Hut behind 301 S. New Hope Road offers free laundry, showers, snacks, and a safe, welcoming space for unhoused neighbors every Monday from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Volunteers provide dignity, respect, and community—one load at a time.

🎙️ JENNIE STULTZ SHARES LEADERSHIP JOURNEY ON GASTON’S GREAT

Former Gastonia mayor Jennie Stultz joins the Gaston’s Great podcast to share her inspiring journey from early-childhood education to public service. Hear how she became the city’s first female mayor, led community revitalization, and continues shaping local nonprofits and partnerships today. 

🥖 5 SPURS STEAKHOUSE ADDS BREAD AFTER CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

After a customer praised 5 Spurs Steakhouse but mentioned the absence of bread, owner Johnny Ray responded personally, saying, “We hear you loud and clear. We’ll have bread this week!” Now that’s how you listen to your customers!

🏛️ MOUNT HOLLY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM REOPENS AFTER $800K RENOVATION

The Mount Holly Historical Society Museum has reopened inside the municipal complex after an $800,000 renovation. The new space replaces the former South Main Street location and will now operate at least five days a week, offering expanded access and future virtual tour upgrades. [WSOC]

📰  QUICK BITES

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

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GO-SEE-DO GASTON

PLAN AHEAD

Holidays at the Garden
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont
📅 Friday, November 28 - Saturday, December 27
⏰ 5–10 p.m.
Step into a sparkling wonderland with millions of lights, festive fountains, and cozy fireside treats. Enjoy Santa visits, train rides, live music, and an adults-only speakeasy. More Details. ($)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Downtown Gastonia Caffeine & Conversation
📍 Gastonia Conference Center, Gastonia
⏰ 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Coffee and conversation with downtown business leaders, residents, and civic folks. Hear an oral history panel on the Fish Camp Jam. More Details.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7

The Belmont Abbey Players present Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
📍 Haid Theater, Belmont Abbey College
📅 Friday, November 7 - Sunday, November 16
⏰ times vary
The beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber musical returns to Belmont Abbey with colorful costumes, timeless songs, and inspiring performances for the whole family. More Details.

Holiday on the Greenway: Sip and Shop
📍 500 East Central Avenue, Mount Holly
📅 Friday, November 7 - Sunday, November 16
⏰ Times vary
Sip complimentary hot drinks while you browse local makers inside Arts on the Greenway. Festive vibes, winter gallery, and holiday shopping. More Details.

Belmont Drive-In presents Harry Potter
📍 314 McAdenville Road, Belmont
📅 Friday, November 7 - Saturday, November 8
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Four Harry Potter movies in two nights. Cash only for tickets and snackbar. No outside food or drink. Load up the car and settle in. More Details.

Merry Market (Preview Night)
📍 The Grand Hall, Mount Holly
⏰ 7–9 p.m.
Early-access shopping with 50+ local makers plus a $5 vendor coupon with each ticket. Cozy evening to kick off holiday gifting local. More Details.

Dashing Through the Snow
📍 Joy Performance Center, Kings Mountain
📅 Friday, November 7 - Sunday, November 16
⏰ times vary
A heartwarming holiday play filled with laughter and small-town charm. Perfect for families ready to jump into the Christmas spirit early. More Details.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced produce, meats from nearby farms, homemade baked goods, and fresh flowers grown right here in Gaston County. More Details.

Holiday Craft Show (First Wesleyan)
📍 510 E. Alabama Avenue, Bessemer City
⏰ 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Shop 20+ vendors, plus bake sale and hot dog sale. Proceeds support the Relentless Youth Group at First Wesleyan. More Details.

Merry Market
📍 The Grand Hall, Mount Holly
⏰ 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Area’s big indoor artisan market returns with 50+ makers. Find snacks, jewelry, toys, skincare, and more great gifts. More Details.

Garden Photography Walk
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont
⏰ 8–10 a.m.
Learn to slow down and capture nature’s beauty through your lens with photographer Nelson Stegall. Perfect for beginners or seasoned pros. More Details.

Faelight Festival
📍 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Hwy, Dallas
⏰ 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Open-air fantasy market with handcrafted wares, food trucks, pet-friendly “Parade of the Pixies,” and immersive whimsy under fairy lights. More Details.

Low Country Boil
📍 Falls Family Farms, 2954 Forbes Rd, Gastonia, NC
⏰ 6 p.m.
Seafood lovers unite for a classic low country boil with shrimp, sausage, and all the fixings. Family-friendly and full of flavor. More Details.

The Gaston Writers Expo
📍 Gaston County Public Library (Main Branch), Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Meet local authors, attend readings, and explore storytelling workshops celebrating Gaston County’s growing literary scene. Free and open to all ages. More Details.

Mountaineer Rumble Race
📍 Kings Mountain State Park, Kings Mountain
⏰ 8 a.m.
Trail run through scenic terrain at Kings Mountain State Park. Challenge yourself and enjoy the beauty of nature this fall. More Details.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9

November Plant Swap & Shop
📍 128 S. Main Street, Mount Holly
⏰ 12–3 p.m.
Free plant swap at Traust Brewing. Bring a plant to trade or shop vendors. Pet and kid friendly with food and drinks available. More Details.

Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints
📍 Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
⏰ 1 p.m. (FOX)
A classic NFC South rivalry game right in our backyard.

Belmont Farmers Market (2nd Sunday)
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Monthly market featuring local farmers, artisans, and food vendors offering fresh seasonal goods in beautiful downtown Belmont. More Details.

Sunday Afternoon with David Childers and Abe Partridge
📍 117 Center Street, Cramerton
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
Original artwork, storytelling, and live sets from David Childers and podcaster-songwriter Abe Partridge at Confluence. Limited space. More Details.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Veterans Day Parade
📍 Dallas Historic Courthouse, Dallas
⏰ 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Honor and celebrate area veterans as the county parade marches through Dallas. Hosted by the Town of Dallas and Veterans Council. More Details.

Free Tuesday at The Schiele Museum
📍 1500 E. Garrison Boulevard, Gastonia
⏰ 4–8 p.m.
Enjoy free evening admission to explore natural history exhibits, the planetarium, and interactive displays at Gastonia’s own Schiele Museum. More Details.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12

Roots + Relics
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Belmont
⏰ 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Discover heirloom plants and stories behind regional flora during this engaging Conservancy program. A must for gardeners and history buffs alike. 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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