Be careful what you wish for. You just might get it.

That winter storm everyone hoped for last weekend turned out to be mostly hype. The real thing shows up in two days.

Snow? Maybe. Ice? Much more likely. Not exactly the winter wonderland anyone had in mind. Not for me either. Ice does not make good snowmen, snowballs, or snow cream.

I read online last night that black ice is the devil’s saliva. It sounds like a southern saying, but it’s not entirely wrong.

Black ice is no joke. Four-wheel drive can handle fluffy snow, but very few vehicles can grip a solid sheet of ice. Traction does not care how tough your truck looks.

If you’ve lived here long enough, you probably remember the ice storm of 2002. Meteorologist Brad Panovich calls it the Hugo of winter storms, and he’s right.

I was living in Gastonia at the time. The city shut down for nearly a week. Some areas saw up to an inch of ice. Trees fell, power lines snapped, and more than a million homes lost electricity. 

You never forget something like that. I did not realize ice could do that kind of damage until I experienced it firsthand.

Weather models can only guess where the snow, ice, and rain will land. That uncertainty is just part of the deal. All we can do is prepare, stay put if we can, and hope for the best.

Stay safe out there, Gaston!

Quick note: The events listed in this newsletter are all subject to change. Please double check with the event organizers for the most up-to-date information.

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The Gaston Gazette reports that First Watch is coming to Gastonia, filling the former On The Border location on Franklin Boulevard. The daytime dining spot will serve breakfast, brunch, and lunch favorites. No opening date has been announced yet.

Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week begins tomorrow (1/23) and runs through February 1, offering special prix fixe dinner menus across the region. Gaston County participants include Drift on Lake Wylie, Old Stone Steakhouse, Floyd & Blackie’s, and Southern Artisan Spirits. Reservations are encouraged.

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The City of Mount Holly has released its 2026 event calendar, packed with returning favorites and several new additions throughout the year. From spring races to summer concerts and holiday traditions, residents are encouraged to plan ahead as details are announced.

Crowders Camps will celebrate the opening of Crowders Springs, its newest camp facility, with a ribbon cutting on January 29 from 4–5 p.m. The site includes new cabins, leader lodging, a worship center, dining pavilion, and expanded recreation areas designed to serve groups beginning in 2026.

Webb Custom Kitchen is celebrating its 10 year anniversary after welcoming more than two million guests. Owner Jim Morasso thanked the 97 associates and loyal diners who helped grow the restaurant into a community gathering place over the past decade.

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

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The Chutes: Winter Tubing
📍 Crowders Springs, 4914 Linwood Road, Kings Mountain
📅 Now through Saturday, February 28
⏰ times vary
Snowless tubing lanes, campfire treats, and family fun supporting Crowders Camps near Crowders Mountain. Recommended for ages five and up. More Details. ($)

Opioid Forum
📍 Haid Building, Belmont Abbey College
⏰ 7–9 p.m.
Local leaders discuss fentanyl and opioid misuse, community impact, and prevention efforts during this free, public forum open to students, parents, and residents. More Details.

Gaston WDB Job Fair
📍 Hilton Garden Inn, Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Meet more than 35 employers, explore job openings, and connect with workforce and training resources. More Details.

Business After Hours w/ Mullen Holland & Cooper
📍 301 S York Street, Gastonia
⏰ 5–7 p.m.
Network with local professionals while celebrating 75 years of a trusted Gastonia law firm. More Details.

Mount Holly Matters - Community Meeting
📍 The Grand Hall, 400 E Central Avenue, Mount Holly
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Community meeting covering downtown park and redevelopment plans with city leaders and partners present. More Details.

Thursday Night Trivia
📍 Belmont Social House, 508 Woodlawn Street, Belmont
⏰ 7–9 p.m.
Not your grandma’s trivia. Music-infused questions, four prizes, bragging rights, and high-energy fun hosted by Hooks and Harmony Entertainment. More Details.

Bingo Bonanza at the Warlick Family YMCA
📍 Warlick Family YMCA, Gastonia
⏰ 6–8 p.m.
Enjoy a fun-filled night of bingo, themed prize baskets, snacks, and friendly competition for all ages. More Details.

Laser Shows: Taylor Swift (5 p.m.), Electric Guitars (6 p.m.), Led Zeppelin (7 p.m.), & Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon (8 p.m.)
📍 The Schiele, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia
⏰ 4  shows
Enjoy your favorite music paired with stunning laser graphics! More Details.

Homesteading: Backyard Basics Conference
📍 1303 Dallas–Cherryville Highway, Dallas
⏰ 8:30 a.m.– 3 p.m.
Learn gardening, beekeeping, sourdough, livestock care, and more at this hands-on homesteading conference. More Details.

The History of School Segregation and Desegregation in Gaston County
📍 Gaston County Public Library, Gastonia
⏰ 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Panel discussion exploring Gaston County’s school history, recommended for adults and teens. Free to attend. More Details.

Laser Show: Taylor Swift
📍 The Schiele, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia
⏰ 12:30 p.m.
A dazzling laser light show set to Taylor Swift hits inside The Schiele’s immersive planetarium dome. More Details.

Coffee & Cows
📍 Whitewater Center, Charlotte
⏰ 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Meet highland cows up close while enjoying coffee, pastries, and hands-on experiences for all ages. More Details.

Chili Cook-Off at 115 Craft
📍 115 Main Street, McAdenville
⏰ 2–5 p.m.
Sample chili entries, vote for favorites, and enjoy a fun afternoon competition with free tastings while supplies last. More Details.

Laser Shows: Elton John
📍 The Schiele, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia
⏰3:30 p.m.
Enjoy your favorite music paired with stunning laser graphics! More Details.

Mad Science Night @ Main
📍 1555 E Garrison Boulevard, Gastonia
⏰ 6–7 p.m.
Hands-on STEAM stations and experiments designed for Pre-K through 5th grade students and families. More Details.

Morbidly Curious Book Club
📍 Belmont Bookshop, Belmont
⏰ 6 - 8 p.m.
An 18+ nonfiction book club exploring true crime, cults, ghosts, and death. January’s selection is Blazing Eye Sees All by Leah Sottile author investigation.. More Details.

Travels with the Museum
📍 Gaston County Museum, Dallas
⏰ 9:15 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Travel with the Gaston County Museum for a curated day trip to Asheville Art Museum, including admission and a private tour celebrating art, culture, and community. More Details. 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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