Hello, Gaston! It’s Thursday, you know what that means.

The Savannah Bananas are rolling into town this weekend, and for Jesse and Emily Cole, it's a bit of a homecoming. Sure, they played in Kannapolis back in 2023, but this time, they’re stepping onto the big stage—Bank of America Stadium—for not one, but two games. Just 21.7 miles from Sims Legion Park, the very place where the show first began not too long ago.

I still remember cruising around town, spotting those road signs. If memory serves, they were yellow and black, emblazoned with the Gastonia Grizzlies logo and the bold proclamation: “SHOW TONIGHT!”

Show? I thought it was a baseball game. That wording always stuck with me. Why “show”?

Because for Jesse Cole, it was never just about baseball. Sure, there was a game—and a good one—but that was only one (very big) part of something more. It wasn’t just a show; it was an experience—something the whole family could rally around.

Gaston County seems to have embraced the Ghost Peppers, and that’s great. This area has always loved its hometown baseball. We didn’t realize it at the time, but we were spoiled back in the Grizzlies days—and by what they became.

The Savannah Bananas may be in town this weekend, but many of us know where the origin story begins.

It started with a baseball game—and became an unforgettable fan experience, where the fans always came out on top.

Thanks for reading!

Ben

P.S. If you enjoyed this week’s newsletter, please pass it along to someone who you’d think would enjoy it!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GASTON COLLEGE FOUNDATION

✨ 1 WEEK LEFT : The Band of Oz Headlines Gaston College's Special Night ✨

Momentum Makers unite on June 13, 2025 at Gaston Country Club to celebrate 60 years of educational excellence.

• Dance to Carolina's beloved beach music legends

• Indulge in complimentary drinks and appetizers

• Support student scholarships through the silent auction

Your ticket creates opportunities while you enjoy an unforgettable evening in beach cocktail attire. The event is almost sold out - purchase your tickets today!

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🍌 BANANA BALL RETURNS—AND IT BEGAN IN GASTONIA

The Savannah Bananas, baseball’s most entertaining team, are selling out stadiums—including this weekend at Bank of America in Charlotte. But the viral sensation started in Gastonia. Founders Jesse and Emily Cole tested their wild ideas with the Gastonia Grizzlies, got engaged on the field, and still live in Gaston County. [The Charlotte Observer]

🎄 CHRISTMASTOWN 5K RETURNS—SIGN UP FOR UPDATES!

McAdenville’s jolliest race is back! Be among the first to know when the 2025 ChristmasTown 5K goes on sale by joining the email list. Last year’s event sold out in just 12 days—don’t get left behind in the holiday dust!

🍕 CHERRYVILLE’S PAPA’S PIZZA CLOSING, PIZZA INN MOVING IN

After two and a half years under Cathy Moore’s ownership, the Cherryville location of Papa’s Pizza will close June 8. Other Papa’s locations in Dallas and Maiden remain open. The spot won’t stay empty long—Pizza Inn is set to move in soon!

🎖️ VETERANS INVITED TO JOIN BELMONT’S AMERICAN LEGION POST 144

Located at 202 Park Drive, the Auten-Stowe American Legion Post 144 in Belmont meets tonight—and on the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. (except July). The post supports local veterans and youth by sponsoring a Legion Baseball team since 1957 and sending students to academic summer camp. Hall rentals help fund these efforts.

🥪 FREE SUMMER MEALS NOW AVAILABLE ACROSS GASTON COUNTY

The Gaston County Schools Summer Feeding Program is back! Children 18 and under can enjoy free meals at schools, camps, parks, churches, and neighborhood sites across the county—no matter where they live or go to school. Community sites are open now, and take-home meal bundles are available June 9–July 31 with pre-registration.

🎉 GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION WITH PRIZES ON JUNE 21

Join Hungry Howie’s and Penn Station in Gastonia on Saturday, June 21 for a Grand Opening Celebration full of family fun! Enter raffles to win free pizza or subs for a year, Gastonia Ghost Peppers and Knights baseball tickets, and Monster Truck Bash passes.

🎧 ANDREA STEPHENS SPOTLIGHTED ON GASTON’S GREAT

This week’s Gaston’s Great features Andrea Stephens of the United Way of Gaston County, sharing her journey, passion, and leadership lessons. Tune in for inspiring insights on purpose, service, and building a better Gaston County.

📰  QUICK BITES

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

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, JUNE 5

Downtown Gastonia Caffeine & Conversation
📍 First United Methodist Church, Gastonia
⏰ 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Come out and enjoy some coffee with community members in downtown Gastonia. More Details.

Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 4 – 7 p.m.
Shop fresh produce from local vendors and enjoy a community atmosphere. 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. More Details.

FRIDAY, JUNE 6

Belmont Drive-In Movie Night featuring Lilo & Stitch and Karate Kid: Legends (2025)
📍 314 McAdenville Rd, Belmont
📆 Friday, June 6 - Saturday, June 7
⏰ Dusk
Catch a classic or family flick under the stars. More Details.

Mount Holly Nights Concert Series featuring Shot Thru The Heart
📍 Downtown Mount Holly
⏰ 6 p.m.
Experience Shot Thru the Heart, the Bon Jovi tribute band, live at Mount Holly Nights. More Details.

 Arts Mount Holly
📍 Downtown Mount Holly
📆 Friday, June 6 - Saturday, June 7
⏰ times vary
Enjoy live art demos Friday night and a juried show with awards Saturday evening downtown. More Details.

National Trails Day: Bigfoot Edition!
📍 George Poston Park, Lowell
⏰ 6 p.m.
What could be more fun than spending Trails Day hunting for Bigfoot? More Details.

Charity Softball Game – Gastonia Fire vs. Police
📍 Sim's Legion Park, Gastonia
⏰ 5:30 p.m.
Free event with food trucks, raffle, emergency vehicles, and family fun for a cause. More Details.

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

 Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced produce, meats, baked goods, and flowers at this bustling weekend market. More Details.

Kings Mountain Farmers Market
 📍 313 South Battleground Ave, Kings Mountain
 ⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items, and more every Saturday in downtown Kings Mountain. More Details.

Juneteenth Celebration
📍 Gazebo Mini-Park, 219 E Main St, Cherryville
⏰ 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Celebrate freedom and community at Cherryville’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth event with music, food, and family-friendly activities. More Details.

SoundWaves Music Festival
📍 Dallas Park Amphitheater, 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Hwy, Dallas
⏰ 2 – 9:30 p.m.
A free, family-friendly music festival featuring live performances by The Coconut Groove Band, Zeb Spencer, MVP, and The Breakfast Club. Enjoy local brews from Cavendish Brewing, food trucks, and fun for all ages. More Details.

Music in the Park featuring ACE Party Band
📍 McCord Family Park, Lowell
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Enjoy a free evening of live music with ACE Party Band, performing a variety of Top 40 hits across genres. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the show! More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
One of the area's largest markets featuring produce, flowers, and specialty items. More Details.

Live at Patriots Park featuring Departure (The Journey Tribute Band)
📍 Liberty Falls Amphitheatre, Patriots Park, Kings Mountain
⏰ 6 p.m.
Free concert, food trucks, and fun this Saturday with live music at Patriots Park! More Details.

The 8th Annual Gaston County Public Library Comic-Con
📍 Gaston County Public Library
⏰ 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Join us for this celebration of fandom, comics, cosplay, and fun. More Details.

Belmont Pride Bar Crawl & Community Day
📍 Downtown Belmont
⏰ 3 p.m.
Celebrate Pride with music, vendors, and bar crawl fun—buttons unlock local discounts! More Details.

South Carolina Ag + Art Tour
📍 York County, SC
📆 Saturday, June 7 - Sunday, June 8
⏰ times and location vary
Explore local farms, meet artisans, and enjoy live demos across York County. More Details.

SUNDAY, JUNE 8

 2025 Summer Carillon Recital Series featuring The FPC Belles
📍 First Presbyterian Church, 102 S. Central Ave., Belmont
⏰ 6 p.m.
Rain or shine, enjoy the sounds of the carillon under the summer sky. More Details.

Belmont Farmers Market (Monthly Sunday Market)
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Join this second Sunday pop-up for fresh goods, crafts, and community vibes. More Details.

Plant Swap and Shop
📍 Traust Brewing Company, Mount Holly
⏰ 12 p.m.
Bring a plant to swap or shop for something green—kid- and pet-friendly. More Details.

TUESDAY, JUNE 10(🌕Full Moon Tonight!)

 Cherryville Main Street Farmers Market
 📍 Cherryville Mini Park, Cherryville
 ⏰ 4–7 p.m.
Midweek market featuring local growers, artisans, and small-town community charm. More Details.

Free Tuesday at The Schiele Museum
📍 The Schiele Museum, Gastonia
⏰ 4 – 8 p.m.
Enjoy free admission to explore science, nature, and history exhibits for all ages. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Stop by for locally sourced produce, meats, baked goods, and flowers. More Details.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11

 Vinyl Night at Confluence
📍 Confluence, Cramerton
⏰ 6–8 p.m.
Spin your favorite records or just listen while sipping a local brew by the river. 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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