Catchy Tunes, Then and Now

“Mommy.”

I hear Finnley’s little voice come from down the hall. It’s 4:55 a.m. as I write this, and I’m not picking him up yet—he can sleep another 35 minutes. Still, that sweet call makes you want to scoop him up right away.

Our little guy turned 18 months old last week. Somehow it snuck up on us. I guess this is the point where you stop tracking the months and start counting in years.

He loves his music. Elmo, Ms. Rachel, and all the singalongs on YouTube are on repeat in our house. Every now and then, I’ll sneak in a classic Muppets tune, and he’s especially hooked on the “Mahna Mahna” performance from The Ed Sullivan Show in 1969. I was a Muppets kid, too—it’s nice to see him carrying that torch.

Speaking of catchy songs, we’ve also been playing the new KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack from Netflix, thanks to my almost 5-year old, Amelia. The single “Golden” has racked up over a billion listens since it was released this past summer.

Don’t let the name fool you - it’s pretty catchy. And I’m fairly certain Amelia has contributed a few million plays herself.

Music doesn’t sound the way it did when I was almost five. Back then, it was Air Supply or Kenny Rogers, and it was when the DJ decided to play it on the radio.

But I suppose music is music. I’m just glad it’s still filling our house.

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

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SIMPLY AMERICAN DOG TREAT COMPANY

✨WATCH YOUR FURRY FRIENDS GO CRAZY FOR THESE TREATS ✨

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

• Pure Single Ingredients – Local meat, fish, or sweet potatoes with absolutely no fillers or additives

• Ultimate Convenience – Track our mobile truck @simplyamericandog or enjoy free local delivery service

• Local Quality Promise – Handcrafted treats your pets will love, made by a company that understands what dogs deserve

Ready to spoil your pups with premium local treats? ORDER AT SIMPLYAMERICANDOG.COM →

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🎃 FALL WAGON RIDES AND PUMPKINS AT LINEBERGER’S FARM

Lineberger’s Farm wagon rides are rolling again, offering pumpkin patch trips and scenic rides through the fields. Open Saturdays 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and Sundays 12–5:30 p.m. in September, plus daily in October. Pick the perfect pumpkin straight from the vine!

🦖 TODD VENTURE EXPLORES THE SCHIELE

Gastonia’s own Schiele Museum takes center stage in Todd Venture’s YouTube video, posted earlier this month. From towering dinosaurs and planetarium shows to wildlife and hands-on science exhibits, you’ll see familiar favorites through a fresh set of eyes. 

🌟 HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN GASTON COUNTY

Carolina Caring, formerly Gaston Hospice, is looking for compassionate volunteers to provide companionship, caregiver respite, and support for patients. No direct care required, and men are especially needed. Your presence can bring comfort and peace. ($)

⚾ GHOST PEPPERS CLINCH PLAYOFF BERTH

The Gastonia Ghost Peppers are ALPB South Division second half champs, earning their fourth straight postseason trip. After a rocky start, Gastonia surged with key winning streaks. They’ll host High Point in Games 1 and 2 at CaroMont Health Park this weekend on Sept. 20–21.

🍔 TIKTOK FOODIE RAVES OVER BRIGHTSTAR

Field correspondent Kristi in Mount Holly shared NCFoodie’s viral TikTok review of BrightStar Grill with me on the heels of the Smoke Pit review. The buzz left no cheese curds for her usual lunch, but the LottaBurger still delivered its cheesy, slaw-topped goodness.

🎶 MUSIC TAKES OVER DOWNTOWN GASTONIA

Downtown Gastonia will be alive with sound on Saturday, September 27. Start with the Carolina Sound Music & Record Expo at the Gastonia Conference Center, then head to The Rooster for Brewstock Music Festival featuring live bands, food trucks, and vendors.

📰  QUICK BITES

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

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FARMHOUSER DESIGN

✨ STOP SETTLING FOR GENERIC LOGOS ✨

Meet Leslie Boyd of Farmhouser Design – 20+ years creating custom brands for Gaston County small businesses!

• Local & Accessible — Quick turnaround with real collaboration, not cookie-cutter templates

• Lasting Partnerships — Leslie builds ongoing relationships, not one-and-done projects

• Complete Brand Solutions — From logos to marketing materials, everything your business needs to shine 

Work with a designer who gets it (and gets you). CONNECT WITH LESLIE TODAY →

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

PLAN AHEAD

The Buccaneer’s Ball
📍 Muddy River Distillery, 250 N. Main Street, Mount Holly
📅 Saturday, October 11
⏰ 7 – 11 p.m.
Pirate-themed fundraiser with live music, magic, costumes, fortune telling, raffle, and silent auction supporting Arts on the Greenway. More Details.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18  

Master Gardener Group presents Jason Reeves
📍 Citizens Resource Center, Dallas
⏰ 10–11:30 a.m.
Month-by-month garden care tips and top-performing plants for each season from horticulture expert Jason Reeves. More Details.

Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Glenway Street, Belmont
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
Fresh produce and goods from local farmers and artisans at Belmont’s weekly outdoor market. More Details.

Gastonia Concert Series: Petty Rewind
📍 Rotary Pavilion, Downtown Gastonia
⏰ 6 p.m.
Free concert featuring Petty Rewind, a Tom Petty tribute band. Enjoy food, drinks, and classic hits under the stars. More Details.

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs Hagerstown Flying BoxCars
📍 800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Season’s final Thirsty Thursday pours $2 pints, live local band, and high-stakes diamond action as Gastonia chases postseason berth. More Details.

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Friday Night Football (High School)
📍 Various stadiums
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
This week’s matchups include: Burns at Bessemer City, Cherryville at Shelby, East Gaston at Lincolnton, Highland Tech at Stuart Cramer, Hunter Huss at North Gaston, Kings Mountain at Forestview, South Point at Ashbrook.

The Belmont Abbey Players present Oslo
📍 Haid Theater, Belmont
📅 Friday, September 19 - Sunday, September 28
⏰ times vary
The Belmont Abbey Players perform the Tony Award–winning play Oslo. More Details.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

Camp Centurion’s Open House
📍 2126 Bess Town Rd, Bessemer City
⏰ 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Learn about Camp Centurion’s mission while touring the facilities during this community open house. More Details.

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

Kings Mountain Farmers’ Market
📍 313 South Battleground Ave, Kings Mountain
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Shop seasonal produce and goods from local vendors in downtown Kings Mountain. More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S. Main St, Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
One of the largest in the region with farm-fresh produce, meats, eggs, and baked goods. More Details.

Ransom Hunter Park – Ribbon Cutting
📍 325 W. Glendale Avenue, Mount Holly
⏰ 9 a.m.
Celebrate the opening of Mount Holly’s newest park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. More Details.

Autumn Festival
📍 The Schiele Museum of Natural History, 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Pumpkin patch, hayrides, seasonal crafts, planetarium show, games, and museum admission included. More Details.

Trails + Tunes
📍 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont
⏰ 2–9 p.m.
Guided hikes, art classes, trail masterplan updates, and an evening concert with David Childers & the Serpents. More Details.

Movies in the Park: Tangled
📍 24 S. Main Street, Belmont
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
Let your hair down for a magical evening with Tangled at this cozy fall movie night. More Details.

Vendor Market at Falls Family Farms
📍 2954 Forbes Rd, Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Monthly outdoor market with local vendors and handmade goods at the farm—family-friendly shopping. More Details.

Gastonia FC vs. North Carolina FC
📍 George Poston Park, Lowell
⏰ 1 p.m.
Catch Gastonia FC at home as they take on North Carolina FC in league play. More Details.

Fall Fest at Hickory Grove Coffee Roasters
📍 507A Woodlawn Street, Belmont
⏰ 7 a.m.–3 p.m.
Family fun all day with a bouncy house, games, roasting demos, prizes, pumpkin decorating, and more. More Details.

Coolin’ Out Concerts on Main: Too Much Sylvia
📍 114 S. Main Street, Stanley
⏰ DJ 6 p.m., Concert 7 p.m.
Enjoy Too Much Sylvia live downtown with food trucks, friends, and fun. Bring lawn chairs! More Details.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons
📍 Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
⏰ 1 p.m. (FOX)
Home opener versus division rival Atlanta.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

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.

Veterans Lunch
📍 Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 805 S. York St, Gastonia
⏰ 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Soup and sandwich lunch honoring veterans, hosted every other month. RSVP by prior Friday at 704-864-0378.

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!

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

Was this email forwarded to you? Signup here!

Was there something I missed this week? Let me know at [email protected]. Want to get your business in Hello, Gaston!? Let’s talk!