Hello, Gaston! (my old friend),

The other day at work, we got on the topic of movies—specifically, that one film you can’t help but watch whenever it’s on TV.

It’s like comfort food, a movie you can jump into at any point, and it just feels good. We all have one, even if we don’t realize it.

I’m not sure what mine is, but my wife says it’s Forrest Gump—and she’s probably right. Every time it’s on, I have to watch it.

Maybe it’s the story, the music, or those Southern film locations standing in for Greenbow, Alabama. I don’t know why, but I always stop and watch.

I bet you have that one movie too. Click here and tell me yours.

Thanks for reading!

Ben

P.S. If you enjoy this week’s newsletter, please share this with someone you think would enjoy it!

IN PARTERSHIP WITH WSGE 91.7 FM

🎶 Don’t Miss an Unforgettable Night with WSGE 91.7 FM! 🎶

Join WSGE members and supporters at Gastonian Halls on Sunday, Nov. 3, from 5 - 9 p.m. for a night of live music, delicious food, and great company.

Enjoy performances by A Sign of the Times, hosted by Toni & Tyrone from R&B House Party. Plus, a portion of the proceeds benefits the NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund, supporting local artists impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Tickets are just $80—secure yours now and be part of this magical evening of music, community, and giving back! Buy Tickets Here!

THE GAS-TEN
(The ten things you need to know about Gaston County this week.)

INTRODUCING THE GASTONIA GHOST PEPPERS!

Last night, the Gastonia Baseball Club officially became the Gastonia Ghost Peppers! After fans voted in late August on eight potential names, Ghost Peppers won the title. It’s time to get spicy, Gastonia! 

IVORY CRAIG'S AMERICAN DREAM: STORIES OF HOPE AND COMMUNITY

Local realtor Ivory Craig releases the second episode of The American Dream. In this episode, he interviews Kim Webb, co-founder of Strong Like AK, a nonprofit providing free housing for families traveling for pediatric cancer treatment. Craig also meets with Officer Kevin Eudy, a TikTok star turned comedian, at Cramer Mountain Club in Cramerton.

40 YEARS OF NOURISHING HEARTS

In celebration of National School Lunch Week, Gaston County Schools pays homage to Jill Brackett, Cherryville High School's cafeteria manager, for her 40 years of dedicated service. Known for her commitment to ensuring every student is fed and cared for, Jill has formed lasting bonds with students and colleagues alike. 

HERO COP SAVES SHOT DOG IN GASTONIA!

Shoutout to Gastonia Police Officer Matthew Whisnant for saving Paco! After the dog was shot, Whisnant and neighbor Patricia Starling acted quickly, rushing him to a clinic. Paco has recovered, and police are investigating the shooter, who may face charges. [WSOC-TV]

BEARS SPOTTED IN GASTON COUNTY

Black bears have been spotted in Gaston County lately, including a recent sighting on security footage from October 4, where a bear wandered through a Ranlo yard. It has also been seen in Dallas. Police advise residents to exercise caution and avoid approaching the bear. [WBTV]

NORTH CAROLINA ZOO OFFERS $5 ADMISSION FOR HURRICANE HELENE VICTIMS

Now through Nov. 15, the North Carolina Zoo is offering $5 admission to residents of counties impacted by Hurricane Helene. Simply show ID from eligible counties. (Gaston County is on the list.) This special promotion is valid for up to five guests per party.

VOTE EARLY: YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

Now we don’t do politics in this newsletter, but we will inform you when and where you can cast your vote. Early voting kicks off today and runs through Saturday, November 2! Discover when and where to cast your vote in Gaston County by checking out this information sheet from the Gaston County Board of Elections website.

NEW INDOOR SPORTS HUB OPENS IN KINGS MOUNTAIN

Exciting news! The Yard Sports Facility in Kings Mountain opens this Monday (10/21) featuring 9,700 ft² of indoor, climate-controlled space offering baseball and softball cages, a golf simulator, pickleball, 3v3 soccer, and more. Book rentals now or inquire about team sessions and birthday parties at [email protected].

LOCAL TRAILS & PARKS UPDATE POST-HURRICANE HELENE

The Carolina Thread Trail (located on Catawba Lands Conservancy preserves), Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, and Whitewater trails are open. Crowders Mountain State Park is closed until Oct. 31. Goat Island and Riverside Parks in Cramerton remain closed, but the Goat Island walking trail is open. Full recovery expected by month’s end.

SPOOKY SEASON AT THE BELMONT DRIVE-IN!

Spooky season is upon us at the Belmont Drive-In! For the next two weekends this month, they will be showing Halloween-themed movies with a family-friendly first feature followed by a scarier second show. This Friday and Saturday, enjoy The Haunted Mansion (2003) and stick around for Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974). Gates open at 6:00 p.m.

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17

Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Stowe Park in Belmont
⏰4 - 7 p.m.
Stop by to purchase local fruits, veggies, sustainably-raised meat, fresh baked goods, and unique crafts. More Details.

Gaston School of the Arts presents Disney's Moana, Jr.
📍825 Union Road in Gastonia
📆 10/17 - 10/27/24
⏰times vary
Enjoy this heartwarming musical adventure as Moana and Maui journey across the Pacific to save her village and discover her true destiny. Showtimes vary. More Details.   

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍410 E. Long Avenue in Gastonia
⏰7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced fresh produce. Meats from nearby farms. Homemade baked goods. Fresh flowers grown locally. More Details.

Moos and Brews
📍The Schiele Museum in Gastonia
⏰6 - 8 p.m.
This family-friendly evening on the farm will feature live music by Caleb Davis and drinks from Keepsake Brewery. Enjoy food truck treats, meet the animals, including Hereford steer, and tour the grounds. More Details.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18

Carolina Balloonfest
📍531 Old Airport Rd. in Statesville
📆 10/18 - 10/20/24
⏰times vary
Enjoy a weekend packed with hot air balloon flights, special shapes, balloon glows, live entertainment, a wine & craft beer garden, Ninja Warrior course, and more! Bring your lawn chairs, cameras, and blankets for this special event. More Details.

Cherryville Little Theatre presents Alice By Heart
📍Cherryville Little Theatre
📆 10/18 - 10/20
⏰times vary
Cherryville Little Theater presents Alice by Heart, a musical from the creators of Spring Awakening. This touching tale follows Alice and Alfred as they escape into Wonderland during the London Blitz. Performances run through October 20. More Details.

Friday Night Football (Week 9)
📍Locations vary
⏰7:30 p.m.
  - Hunter Huss at North Gaston
  - South Point at Ashbrook
  - Kings Mountain at Stuart Cramer
  - Shelby at Bessemer City
  - Cherryville at Thomas Jefferson
  - Crest at Forestview
  - Burns at East Gaston -- More Details

Haunted Gaston Ghost Tours
📍Gaston County Museum in Dallas
⏰Two times (7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.)
Join a lantern-lit tour through Historic Downtown Dallas, the most haunted town in the county. Hear chilling stories of the Red Eyed Devil and the Gentleman Caller. Ages 12+ encouraged. Bring your courage—spirits await! More Details.

Moonlight Carnival
📍Stowe Park Upper Field in Belmont
📆 10/18 - 10/19
⏰times vary
Enjoy two nights featuring aerial circus shows, food trucks, games, trick-or-treating, a pumpkin patch, and more. Enjoy the Beer Garden, costume contest, and more. More Details.

ScaryVille
📍Downtown Cherryville in Cherryville
⏰6 - 10 p.m.
Enjoy a spooky night in downtown Cherryville! Explore Hocus Pocus Alley, meet your favorite Halloween characters, and rock out with Off The Record, a Totally 80s Tribute. Don’t forget to shop with our downtown merchants!  More Details.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19

Gastonia Fall Festival
📍Downtown Gastonia in Gastonia
⏰3 - 7 p.m.
Enjoy food trucks, a beer garden, live music, vendors, and a KidsZone with free rides and games! More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍410 E. Long Avenue in Gastonia
⏰7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced fresh produce. Meats from nearby farms. Homemade baked goods. Fresh flowers grown locally. More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍226 S. Main St. in Mount Holly
⏰8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This market supports local farms, promotes fresh local food, and educates the community on growing their own food. More Details.

Mount Holly Lantern Parade
📍Downtown Mount Holly in Mount Holly
⏰7 p.m.
This year’s theme is "The Fantastical World of Flight." Celebrate this magical event with over 1,000 glowing creations. More Details.

Lincoln County Apple Festival
📍Downtown Lincolnton in Lincolnton
⏰9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Enjoy a family-friendly celebration filled with food, craft vendors, a kids' orchard with train rides, a farmers market, entertainment, and more. More Details.

Fall Festival
📍Gainsville Baptist Church in Lincolnton
⏰5:30 p.m. - 8: p.m.
Enjoy this family-friendly fall festival with hotdogs, hayrides, bounce houses, corn hole, and the classic cakewalk!! More Details.

NC Liver Mush Festival: Mush, Music & Mutts
📍Uptown Shelby
⏰9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Enjoy family-friendly event featuring contests, an eating competition, live music on two stages, and over 100 craft and food vendors. More Details.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20

Carolina Panthers (1-5) at Washington Commanders (4-2)
📍Away
⏰4:05 p.m (CBS)
Carolina has lost three straight since Andy Dalton's Week 3 win. As the Panthers struggle, will they stick with the veteran QB or make a change? Week 7 could determine their season's direction.

Chicken Hill Buckin' Bulls - Bull Riding
📍Chicken Hill in Cherryville
⏰6 p.m.
Enjoy Sheep Riding, Calf Riding, Steer Riding, Amateur and Open Bulls! Every Sunday. Don’t forget to bring your chair! More Details.

The Sunday “Spooky” Market
📍Downtown Bessemer City
⏰1 – 6 p.m.
This event will feature artisans, crafters, local food, live music, and a food truck. There will be a pumpkin bouncy house, face painting, and all the vendors will be giving candy out to all the kids.  More Details.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍410 E. Long Avenue in Gastonia
⏰7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced fresh produce. Meats from nearby farms. Homemade baked goods. Fresh flowers grown locally. More Details.

PLAN AHEAD

Music Under the Stars feat the music of Metallica
📍The Schiele Museum in Gastonia
📆 11/22 - 11/23
⏰two shows (5:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.)
Experience Metallica like never before! Join The Album Series featuring Caleb Davis in the planetarium for Music Under the Stars. Enjoy live performances of Metallica’s iconic albums Ride the Lightning, Black, and Master of Puppets, all set to stunning 360-degree graphics under the planetarium dome. 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.

#GASTONGRAM

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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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!