Today marks the second anniversary of Hello Gaston! As I alluded to last week, we have officially hit the big Number 2.

And with any birthday, presents are usually involved.

But the truth is, you give me a present every time I send one of these babies out. Whether you read every word with a fine-tooth comb or simply skim the headlines, I appreciate it more than you know.

However you read it, I want Hello Gaston to be an oasis of good news you can count on finding in your inbox twice a week.

I do have one small favor to ask, though.

Last year, many of you completed an anonymous reader survey. Your answers helped me better understand who reads Hello Gaston and gave me useful information to share with local advertising partners.

We’ve grown quite a bit since then, so I’d love for you to fill it out again. It should only take two or three minutes, and your answers will help me continue growing this thing.

So, no presents needed. Just your presence in the reader survey.

Year 3 starts now. Let’s keep shouting how much we love Gaston County from the mountaintops.

Which one, you ask? We do have two now. Crowders or Spencer?

I’ll let you choose!

Child support calculations in North Carolina are more complex than most parents realize. Sodoma Law Belmont helps families navigate the process with confidence and less stress. They offer:

Ready to take the first step? LEARN MORE AT SODOMALAW.COM →

In a moving Facebook post, The Gaston Literacy Council remembered Dolly Parton through the father who inspired her work. Robert Lee Parton could not read or write, leading Dolly to launch the Imagination Library. The council honored her service to children while pledging to help adults failed by opportunity, not ability.

Miami Fusion Café ended daily restaurant service in Lowell this past Sunday and will transition into a full-time catering kitchen, private event space and custom bakery. Owners cited rising food costs, staffing challenges and family balance. Its Denver, Lincolnton and Indian Land locations remain open.

A clogged dryer vent, neglected generator or aging smoke detector can put your home and family at risk. Serene Home Maintenance helps keep the systems protecting your home working as they should, giving your family one less thing to worry about. Protect your home. Learn more ($)

Voters chose sαk tirúu Yį íswą ikįčare (pronounced “sahk tee-roo yeeng ees-wong ee-keeng-cha-reh”) for Spencer Mountain’s park. Suggested by the Catawba Nation, the name means “Hill large Catawba belongs to us.” The park, featuring trails and an observation deck, is expected to open in 2027. 

Local artists team with Owl Legs Coffee in Downtown Mount Holly for “Third Spaces,” an exhibit exploring how people find comfort and community beyond home and work. Meet the artists, enjoy coffee and see the exhibit Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. at 101 W. Central Ave., Mount Holly.

Belmont’s second annual Literary Festival returns Sept. 5 with author readings, story times, book signings, panel discussions, games, prizes, contests and live entertainment. Presented with Belmont Bookshop, the Labor Day weekend celebration offers free general admission, with panel passes and special VIP author experiences available separately.

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

A clogged dryer vent, a neglected generator, an aging smoke detector — some of what gets checked isn't about saving money. It's about keeping your family safe. Serene Home Maintenance keeps the systems that protect your home working the way they should. They offer:

Use code HELLOGASTON for 10% off your first service. LEARN MORE →

Belmont Farmers Market — Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Dallas Farmers Market — Select Sundays, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Gastonia Farmers Market — Tuesday, Thursdays & Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 
Kings Mountain Farmers Market — Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Mount Holly Farmers Market — Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Tuesday (9/1) - High Point Rockers @ 6 p.m.
Wednesday (9/2) - High Point Rockers @ 12:30 p.m.
Thursday (9/3) - High Point Rockers @ 7 p.m.

Friday (8/28) - Houston Texans (7 p.m.)

Live Music feat. Drew Nathan
📍 55 Glenway St., Belmont
⏰ 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Head to downtown Belmont for dinner and live music from Drew Nathan alongside the local crowd at Pita Wheel. More Details.

Business After Hours
📍 Catawba River Antique Mall, 400 E. Catawba St., Belmont
⏰ 5–7 p.m.
Meet local business professionals while enjoying food, drinks and casual networking during the Gaston Business Association’s monthly gathering. More Details.

Crafted With Carolina Caring
📍 Muddy River Distillery, 250 N. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a guided rum flight, paired small bites and a distillery tour while supporting Carolina Caring’s work with local families. More Details.

Nature Photography Walk
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont
⏰ 6–7:30 p.m.
Professional photographer Nelson Stegall leads a free outdoor walk focused on slowing down, noticing nature and capturing meaningful images. Cellphone cameras are welcome, too. More Details. 

Tales for Tails
📍 1491 Business Park Court, Gastonia
⏰ 5:30 p.m.
Children can practice their reading skills while providing companionship and enrichment to shelter pets. Books are available, and registration is not required. More Details.

Sturgeon Moon Full Moon Paddle
📍 170 Lake Mist Drive, Belmont
⏰ 7 p.m.
Paddle Lake Wylie beneath the full moon with equipment provided for $30. Participants bringing their own equipment may join for free. More Details.

Gastonia Mahjong 4 Fun Tournament
📍 116 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Gastonia
⏰ Check-in at 12:30 p.m.; play from 1–5 p.m.
Seasoned mahjong players can enjoy four hours of friendly play, snacks, drinks, raffle prizes and community. Tickets are $25, with equipment provided for all players. More Details.

Make ’m Smile NC
📍 CaroMont Health Park, Gastonia
⏰ 9:30 a.m.
Make ’m Smile NC returns to Gastonia for a family-friendly celebration filled with fun activities, community connections and plenty of smiles. More Details.

Family History & Genealogy Fair
📍 Gaston County Public Library
⏰ 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Meet local history organizations and hear presentations about separating family fact from fiction and using DNA testing to uncover family stories. More Details.

Ron Keel: An Acoustic Storyteller Performance
📍 The Rooster, Gastonia
⏰ 7 p.m.
Ron Keel brings an acoustic storytelling performance to Gastonia, featuring unplugged opening sets from Unthreaded and Mikey Black. Tickets start at $25. More Details.

Benefit Rodeo for Turner Morris
📍 Prices Arena, Bessemer City
⏰ 7 p.m.
The rodeo, silent auction and bake sale will raise money to help Turner Morris and his family with ongoing medical expenses. More Details.

Live Music feat. Ashes & Tone
📍 Tannin Wine House, 113 Center St., Cramerton
⏰ 7 p.m.
Settle in at Tannin Wine House for drinks and a live acoustic performance from Ashes & Tone in downtown Cramerton. 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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Was there something I missed this week? Let me know at [email protected]. Want to get your business in Hello, Gaston!? Let’s talk!