Hello, Gaston! (my old friend),

One of my favorite Christmas cards of all time is Edward Gorey’s “Fruitcake”. The image, set at night in the cold and dark of winter, shows people coming from all over to dispose of the fruitcake they’d been given at Christmas.

Apparently, this is such a common problem at the turn of the new year that people continue to look for ways to rid themselves of the fruitcake they’d been given. There’s even a date on the calendar to mark the occasion.

The national holiday gods have anointed January 3 as National Fruitcake Toss Day. This day is for those who wish to throw, slingshot or catapult their fruitcakes into the sky, instead of throwing them in the trash. (That would be too easy).

The great folks in Manitou Springs, Colorado have been celebrating this for quite some time. In fact, next January will mark their 30th year of fruitcake tossing!

I love this idea of a festival and I wish someone would bring it down here. In the meantime, if you want to dispose of your unused and unwanted pumpkins, the Schiele is hosting its annual Pumpkin Chunkin’ event this Saturday. Children of all ages (from 1 to 92, I suspect) can join the fun by catapulting a pumpkin in the air at the “castle” target.

Halloween may be over after tonight, but we can always keep the fall fun alive a little bit longer!

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 this 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!

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

1. GASTONIA K-9 BO WINS NATIONAL HERO DOG AWARD

Gastonia Police Department’s K-9, Bo, and handler Sgt. Dave Rowland have won the 2024 Hero Dog Award in the Law Enforcement category from the American Humane Association. Bo’s scent-tracking has helped locate missing children and suspects, making him a community hero. Bo now advances to compete for the national Top Dog title. Stay tuned!

2. NEW CAROMONT HOSPITAL OPENING IN BELMONT THIS JANUARY

CaroMont Health and Belmont Abbey College have set an opening date for the CaroMont Regional Medical Center-Belmont. It will open to the public this coming January, and will feature a 78-bed hospital and create 300 jobs. The medical pavilion, now open, offers cardiovascular, pulmonary, surgical, and women’s services.

3. MCADENVILLE UNVEILS FESTIVE HOLIDAY EVENT LINEUP

The holiday season is near, and McAdenville’s festive calendar is here! Enjoy events like the Christmas Tree Lighting, Yule Log Parade, and the nightly Christmas lights display. Follow them on Instagram for event updates, parking tips, and holiday fun!

4. EARLY VOTING COMING TO AN END

Early voting wraps up soon! You can vote in Gaston County until Saturday, Nov. 2, or on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5. For locations and times, check out the Board of Elections information sheet. So far, 43% of eligible voters have already cast ballots in the county as of Tuesday night.

5. RICO’S ACAI OPENS NEW BELMONT LOCATION

Belmont's spot for fresh, healthy treats is now open! Rico’s Acai, located at 202 S. Main St., specializes in acai bowls and smoothies with a variety of toppings and flavors. 

6. JOB FAIR & CAREER EXPO COMING TO GASTONIA

Looking for a new job? Come out to the Gastonia Conference Center on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 3 – 7 p.m. for the Gaston County Job Fair & Career Expo! Network with top local employers and explore exciting career opportunities. Bring your resume for on-the-spot interviews! Register here.

7. OLE CAROLINA BBQ CLOSES ON UNION ROAD

It’s true—Ole Carolina BBQ on Union Road in Gastonia has permanently closed. Locals are saddened by the closure, and Google now lists the location as permanently closed. No word yet on the reasons behind the shutdown.

8. GASTON COUNTY HITS 1,000-DAY SNOW DROUGHT

Last week marked 1,000 days since Gaston County’s last measurable snowfall on January 29, 2022—the longest snow-free stretch in our history! Will we finally see flurries this winter?

9. JOIN CATAWBA RIVERKEEPER’S MOUNTAIN ISLAND LAKE CLEANUP

Help restore Mountain Island Lake with Catawba Riverkeeper’s cleanup this Saturday (11/2)! Volunteers are needed on land, in the water, or by boat to tackle debris from Hurricane Helene’s floods. Motorboat owners are especially encouraged to join. Register now to make a difference for our waterways.

10. HOLLYWOOD COMES TO GASTONIA: MOVIES FILMING LOCALLY

Gastonia is in the Hollywood spotlight! Crews for a Christy Martin biopic starring Sydney Sweeney and Roofman with Channing Tatum recently filmed around town. Roofman shot on Spencer Mountain Road and the Gaston County Courthouse, while the Christy Martin project filmed near East Ozark Ave. More filming to come from what I hear!

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31 (🎃HAPPY HALLOWEEN!🎃)

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

Trick or Treat on the Square
📍Downtown Dallas
⏰5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
The town square shuts down for the annual Trick or Treat! Enjoy treats, games, and spooky fun activities for all ages. Costumes encouraged! 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.

Great Pumpkin Parade
📍City Hall in Kings Mountain
⏰10 - 11 a.m.
All little pumpkins (ages 0 to first grade) and their parents are welcome for a spellbinding Halloween parade! After the parade, there will be music, inflatables, games and more. More Details.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Friday Night Football (Week 11)
📍Locations vary
⏰7:30 p.m.
  - Hunter Huss at Ashbrook
  - Kings Mountain at Crest
  - South Point at North Gaston
  - Bessemer City at Cherryville
  - Stuart Cramer at Forestview
  - Highland at East Gaston
  - Corvian Community at Mountain Island Charter -- More Details

Confluence is Turning 2 Celebration
📍Confluence South Fork in Cramerton 11/3/2024
📆 11/1 - 11/3
⏰times vary
Celebrate Confluence's 2nd birthday all weekend! Enjoy live music daily, starting with Blue Twisted Steel on Friday, Saturday brings No Whammies with 80s and 90s hits, and Sunday features the Singer/Songwriter series. More Details.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 (DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS🕑)

Pumpkin Chunkin'
📍The Schiele Museum in Gastonia
⏰10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Grab a pumpkin and launch it at the "castle" target with the museum's giant catapult. Fun for all ages—while supplies last! More Details.

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration
📍Gaston County Museum of Art and History in Dallas
⏰11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Experience this vibrant Mexican holiday with altars, sugar skulls, and an ofrenda where visitors can leave mementos for loved ones. Family-friendly and open to all. More Details.

Goat Island Games
📍Goat Island Park in Cramerton
⏰9 a.m.
Rescheduled from May, the Goat Island Games return with free tournaments and fun for all! Enjoy ping pong, disc golf, cornhole, and a Turkey Shoot (first shot free) on Saturday morning. Walk-ups welcome. 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.

Cramerton Concert Series: Totally 80s Night with Kids in America
📍Goat Island Park in Cramerton
⏰6 - 9 p.m.
Get ready for 80's hits, food trucks, and fun! Wear your neon gear and leg warmers, and enjoy eats from Lobster Dogs, Hope's Helping Hands Lemonade, and Majesty Munch Bar. More Details.

Gastonia Police Donut Dash
📍Rankin Lake in  Gastonia
⏰9 a.m.
This fun event encourages healthy relationships between the community and officers. Choose between the Donut Dash 5K (complete with 6 glazed donuts!), Donut-Free 5K, Mini-Donut Fun Run, or Donut-Free Fun Run. Proceeds will support officer-led events, including Angels in Blue, Shop with a Cop, and Back-to-School initiatives. More details.

Lost Hollow Music Festival
📍Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont
⏰12 - 9 p.m.
Celebrate Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden's 25th anniversary with a magical day of music in Lost Hollow! Enjoy four bluegrass, country, and folk bands. Admission includes the festival, and food trucks will be available. Bring your blankets and chairs for a wonderful experience! More Details.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3

Downtown Belmont Veterans Celebration
📍Downtown Belmont
⏰1 - 5 p.m.
Enjoy live music from the Gaston Symphonic Band, a flag ceremony by South Point High School JROTC, a military vehicle display, and a Christmas card station for service members. More Details.

New Orleans Saints (2-6) at Carolina Panthers (1-7)
📍Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte
⏰1 p.m. (CBS)
Bryce Young returns as the Panthers’ starter against the Saints this week, filling in for Andy Dalton, still sidelined with a thumb injury. New Orleans hopes to repeat its early-season success, having dominated Young in Week 1.

PLAN AHEAD

An Evening with Claire Jimenez (presented by the Gaston Literacy Council)
📆11/6/24
📍Gaston Country Club in Gastonia
⏰6:30 p.m.
The Gaston Literacy Council welcomes PEN/Faulkner winner Claire Jimenez. Enjoy appetizers, drinks, and a Q&A. Proceeds from this event will support their mission to help adults and children in Gaston County improve their literacy and language skills.. More details.

Hickory Christmas Show
📆12/6 - 12/8/24
📍Hickory Metro Convention Center
⏰times vary
The event, now in its second year will feature over 230 vendors offering handmade items, jewelry, holiday treats, and more! Enjoy live performances, a Festival of Trees competition, and kids can visit Santa for free. VIP tickets available for early access. 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

Here are some other great photos I found this week that I just had to share:
#GastonGram Honorable Mention #1
#GastonGram Honorable Mention #2

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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