A Thanksgiving Reminder From a Small Town

Today we look toward Thanksgiving and say thank you. If you live, work, or spend time in Dallas, you are especially grateful. Grateful to have running water again.

If you missed it, or you happen to live one town over, the Town of Dallas lost access to running water on Monday. It was repaired, broke again, and was finally fixed on Tuesday night. Around 8 p.m. the water began flowing again. Call it a Christmas miracle. Or in this case, a Thanksgiving miracle.

Residents were frustrated. Business owners were even more frustrated. That frustration is fair. Running water, like electricity, is something we take for granted. You flip a switch or turn a faucet and expect it to work. And almost every day, it does. Until it doesn’t.

Today is not the place to argue about what happened and why. There will be a time for the Town to explain what went wrong and how they plan to prevent it from happening again.

So on this day we call Thanksgiving, instead of focusing on anger or blame, let’s be grateful for the water now moving again through the pipes in Dallas.

Let’s be grateful for Mayor Hayley Beaty for keeping us up to date. The news wasn’t always good, but it was clear and steady, and sometimes simply knowing what’s happening is half the battle.

Let’s be grateful for the men and women who worked around the clock to install a brand new water line.

There will be a time for answers and a plan. But for now, on Thanksgiving, let’s think about how good we actually have it.

We say we’re thankful. Today is our chance to mean it.

A special Giving Tuesday edition of Hello, Gaston! will drop on Tuesday, thanks to your nominations. Together we’ll spotlight the good work of our local nonprofits and share simple ways you can support them.

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

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GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🎄 GASTON COUNTY TRANSFORMS INTO CHRISTMAS COUNTY

Gaston County Tourism highlights how our community becomes Christmas County each year, showcasing sparkling lights, festive events, and small town traditions. Their new guide captures the joyful spirit, local charm, and holiday magic that make this season one of Gaston County’s brightest.

🎙️ GASTON’S GREAT GOES ALL-IN ON GHOST PEPPERS

Host Steven Long sits down with Gastonia Ghost Peppers’ Chris Ballard to unpack the team’s origin, community-driven rebrand, and spicy new mascot. They talk record-breaking crowds at CaroMont Health Park, concerts, movie nights and why this fast-growing, family-friendly club is betting big on Gaston County.

🎄 GIANT GRINCH HAND TAKES OVER MOUNT HOLLY ROOFTOP

Christmas is coming and Isaac Vargas is already crafting something wild in Mount Holly. His house isn’t fully decorated yet, but he released a YouTube video showing exactly how he built his eight foot Grinch hand climbing out of the roof. A fun behind the scenes look for DIY fans.

🔥 FIRESIDE HISTORY SERIES RETURNS WITH FOUR EVENTS

The Gaston County Museum brings back its four part Fireside History Series, with January through March sessions covering long rifles, James Rhyne, and influential local women. Free with reservation in a cozy fireside setting. NOTE: December’s kickoff event is already fully booked.

🛒 PUBLIX IS OFFICIALLY COMING TO CRAMERTON

Cramerton Mayor Nelson Wills announced that Publix is officially coming to town, with the lease now signed. The store will anchor the new Redhawk development between Armstrong Ford Road and South New Hope Road. Opening timelines and additional retail announcements are expected soon.

📰  QUICK BITES

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

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

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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. ($)

The Chutes: Winter Tubing
📍 Crowders Springs, 4914 Linwood Road, Kings Mountain
📅Saturday, November 29 - 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. ($)

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28

Holidays on the Farm
📍 1500 E. Garrison Boulevard, Gastonia
⏰ 5–8:30 p.m.
Holiday lights, bonfires, cocoa, and hands on crafting await during this festive outdoor farm experience at the Schiele. More Details.

Shop Small Weekend - Downtown Belmont
📍 Downtown Belmont, Belmont
⏰ All weekend, hours vary
Kick off Shop Small Weekend in downtown Belmont with local boutiques, cafes, and markets offering festive deals, cozy vibes, and hometown holiday cheer together. More Details.

Holiday Laser Shows
📍 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sing along to classic holiday hits inside The Schiele’s planetarium as lasers, lights, and sound transform the dome into a dazzling indoor winter wonderland. More Details.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29

Cherryville Christmas Tree Lighting
📍 219 E. Main Street, Cherryville
⏰ 6 p.m.
Celebrate the season as the city lights its tree at the mini park, complete with holiday cheer and community fun. More Details.

Breakfast with Santa at Cherubs Café
📍 25 N. Main Street, Belmont
⏰ 9–11 a.m.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast while Santa visits your table for photos, hugs, and wish lists. More Details.

Shop Small in Mount Holly, NC
📍 Downtown Mount Holly, Mount Holly
⏰ 8–11 a.m.
Spend Small Business Saturday visiting Mount Holly’s shops, breweries, and eateries, discovering unique gifts, friendly faces, and neighborhood spots that make this town special. More Details.

Small Business Saturday at Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Support local growers and makers at Gastonia Farmers Market with produce, baked goods, handmade gifts, and flavors perfect for holiday meals and stocking stuffers. More Details.

Small Business Saturday Events – Mount Holly, NC
 📍 104 South Main Street, Mount Holly
⏰ 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Make Mount Holly your Small Business Saturday headquarters with sales, pop ups, raffles, and downtown surprises hosted by independent merchants all celebrating local shopping. More Details.

Vetrnætr Festival (Winter Night Festival)
 📍 Traust Brewing Company, Mount Holly
⏰ Noon–6 p.m.
Warm up at Traust Brewing Company with Viking inspired winter festivities, local artisans, cozy candles, and craft beer celebrating the season and long winter nights. More Details.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 30

Carolina Panthers vs. Los Angeles Rams
📍 Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
⏰ 1 p.m. (FOX)
The Rams visit Charlotte in this cross-conference clash. 

Stanley Tree Lighting Ceremony
📍 Main Street, Stanley
⏰ 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season with local country artist Bailey Marie and Stanley’s annual tree lighting downtown. More Details.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1

City of Belmont's Festival of Trees
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
📅Monday, December 1 - Tuesday, December 30
⏰ 5–8 p.m.
Stroll through Stowe Park’s decorated Christmas trees created by local groups and businesses, enjoying lights and displays that transform the park into a festive forest. More Details.

Belmont Christmas Tree Lighting
📍 37 N Main St, Belmont
⏰ 6 p.m..
Join neighbors in front of City Hall as Belmont lights its towering community Christmas tree, with music, hot cocoa, and festive activities for families. More Details.

McAdenville Tree Lighting
📍 102 Main Street, McAdenville
⏰ 5:30 p.m.
Watch as McAdenville, Christmas Town USA, lights up its tree to officially open the season. More Details.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2

Belmont Christmas Parade
📍 Downtown Belmont, Belmont
⏰ 3–6 p.m.
Line Main Street for Belmont’s beloved Christmas parade featuring floats, marching bands, dancers, and Santa closing the show with waves, smiles, and holiday magic. More Details.

Jingle Bell Gents
📍 Gastonia Conference Center, Gastonia
⏰ 12 p.m.
The Gaston County United Way hosts a luncheon featuring guest speaker Rod Smith with proceeds supporting local programs. 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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