Hello, Gaston! (my old friend),

Let’s face it. We don’t get many weekends like this each year. This may be as close to perfect as it ever gets.

That’s October for you. You’ve got four shots at a perfect weekend, and this just may be one of them.

Between the football, fall festivals, and Halloween-themed events, there’s something going on in every nook and cranny of the county. And no heat, humidity, or rain in sight. Now that’s perfect!

Just face it—you’ll be wishing for days like this come January. Get out there and soak it up!

Ben

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

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

HELP “SCARE AWAY HUNGER” FOOD DRIVE: Erica Southers of BNT Realty and Love Always Photography are hosting the first ever Scare Away Hunger food drive at 411 Elizabeth St. in Gastonia throughout October. Donate non-perishable foods or other basic necessities to support Moving Mountains Ministries in their fight against hunger. You are also invited to attend their DIY haunted house on October 19—bring a food donation and tour the ruins of Southers Cemetery!

WIN A FALL GETAWAY IN GASTON COUNTY! Enter to win this Our State Magazine promotion featuring a two-night stay for two at Hilton Garden Inn, plus dining at Honeycomb Café, Webb Custom Kitchen, and Veronét Vineyards. Enjoy scenic views, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, and some of our charming downtowns. Experience the outdoor beauty of our county this fall! 

MARRELLI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT SHINES IN BELMONT: In the Food & Wine Chickie’s latest food review, she and her husband try Marrelli’s Italian Restaurant in Belmont. Taking over the former Heirloom space, Marrelli’s brings authentic Italian flavors to the town’s vibrant dining scene. With a cozy atmosphere and standout dishes, she says it’s a must-visit for food lovers everywhere.

SAVANNAH BANANAS COMES TO CHARLOTTE! Former Gastonia Grizzlies owner, Jesse Cole, brings the wildly entertaining Savannah Bananas to Bank of America Stadium on June 7, 2025. Expect dancing, on-field antics, and the first baseball (and banana ball) game ever at Charlotte’s largest venue. Don’t miss out—enter the ticket lottery here!

EXPERIENCE HALLOWEEN THRILLS AT HICKORY GROVE HAUNTED TRAIL: For over 30 years, Hickory Grove Haunted Trail has terrified Gaston County with its spine-chilling tradition. Experience Halloween as it was meant to be—no Hollywood gimmicks, just pure, eerie suspense. Open every weekend in October. 

LOCAL ORGANIZATION NEEDS PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY: Who doesn’t love a good PB&J? The Mount Holly CRO (Community Relief Organization) needs your help! Each month, the CRO distributes 140-175 pantry bags, and each one contains peanut butter and jelly. You can drop off your donation at 2120 Spring Street, Mount Holly (between Food Lion and the ABC store), Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m

GASTON HOSPICE JOINS CAROLINA CARING: As of October 1, 2024, Gaston Hospice is now operating under the name Carolina Caring through a partnership with CaroMont Health. The transition will be seamless for patients, with no disruptions to care teams or services. This partnership expands Carolina Caring’s hospice and palliative services with three hospice houses, pediatric care, and home-based primary care. (Disclaimer: I am an employee of Carolina Caring.)

BUZZ INTO BEEKEEPING THIS JANUARY! Register now for the 2025 Beginners Bee Course by the Gaston County Beekeepers Association! This 10-week class covers bee biology, hive management, and more. Enjoy hands-on workshops, door prizes, and discounted equipment. Seating is limited. 

COFFEE ORIGINS OPENS IN MOUNT HOLLY: A new coffee shop opened its doors in Mount Holly last weekend. Located on 613 S. Main Street, Coffee Origins allows Gaston County coffee lovers to experience the rich heritage of Yemeni coffee.  

DISCOVER BLACK GOLD: PURE COMPOST! Gastonia's Black Gold premium compost returns this weekend (Oct. 11 & 12) and next weekend (Oct. 18 & 19)! Made exclusively from locally collected leaves, it contains no dyes or additives. Pricing is $20 per scoop and is available Fridays from 1 – 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. at 3100 Duke Street.

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10

Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Stowe Park in Belmont
⏰4 - 7:00 p.m.
Stop by to purchase local fruits, veggies, sustainably-raised meat, fresh baked goods, and unique crafts. 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.

Holy Angels Fall Plant Sale
📍6600 Wilkinson Blvd. in Belmont
📆 10/10 - 10/11/24
⏰10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Explore a wide variety of beautiful fall plants and flowers at affordable prices. Proceeds from this event directly support the horticulture therapy program, where residents are involved from planting to harvest. More Details.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11

Cherryville Little Theatre presents Alice By Heart
 📍Cherryville Little Theatre
📆 10/11 - 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.

Cotton Ginning Days
📍Dallas Park
📆 10/11 - 10/13/24
⏰times vary
Exhibitors from across the Southeast will showcase antique steam and gasoline engines and tractors. Enjoy a kids county fair, heritage arts, handmade crafts, live music, and delicious food. Free admission and parking. More Details.

Friday Night Football (Week 8)
📍Locations vary
⏰7:30 p.m.
  - South Point at Kings Mountain
  - East Gaston at Bessemer City
  - Forestview at Hunter Huss
  - Stuart W. Cramer at Ashbrook
  - Highland Tech at Cherryville
  - North Gaston at Crest
  - Christ the King at Mountain Island Charter -- 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.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12

Bit of Hope Ranch's 5K Trail Run/2K walk
📍Bit of Hope Ranch in Gastonia
⏰7:30 a.m.
Enjoy a timed race through beautiful private trails, with tees, giveaways, medals, and swag bags. Proceeds support equine-assisted therapy programs for individuals with mental and physical challenges.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.

North Carolina FC Academy at Gastonia FC
📍Martha Rivers Park (Field #4) in Gastonia
⏰7:00 p.m.
Catch the action as Gastonia’s own semi-professional, non-profit soccer team hits the field! Come support local talent and enjoy an exciting match! More Details.

Redbone Willy’s 4th Annual Gypsy Farm Fair
📍Redbone Willy's Trading Company in Lawndale
⏰10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Experience a juried event featuring local artisans and collectors offering high-quality, unique goods. Explore a variety of vendors, all curated to create an unforgettable boutique and general store experience. More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍226 S. Main St. in Mount Holly
⏰8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This market supports local farms, promotes fresh local food, and educates the community on growing their own food. More Details.

Mountaineer Day Heritage Festival
📍Patriot's Park in Kings Mountain
⏰12 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Enjoy live music, local cheerleading troupes, beard and mustache competitions, exhibitors, and more! Festivities begin at noon across multiple venues. More Details.

Movies in the Park presenting Hocus Pocus
📍Stowe Park in Belmont
⏰7:00 p.m.
Enjoy a big screen experience with immersive sound, free retro arcade games, and snacks for purchase. Don’t forget your chairs and blankets! More Details.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13

Atlanta Falcons (3-2) at Carolina Panthers (1-4)
📍Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte
⏰4:25 p.m. (FOX)
The Panthers face the Falcons amid contrasting momentum. Carolina's defense, plagued by injuries and poor tackling, allowed 30 straight points last week. Meanwhile, Atlanta’s offense surged, with Kirk Cousins throwing for 509 yards and four touchdowns.  

Chicken Hill Buckin' Bulls - Bull Riding
📍Chicken Hill in Cherryville
⏰6:00 p.m.
Enjoy Sheep Riding, Calf Riding, Steer Riding, Amateur and Open Bulls! Every Sunday. Don’t forget to bring your chair! More Details.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16 (Supermoon Tonight! 🌕) 

Gastonia Baseball Club - Team Name Unveil (Press Conference)
📍CaroMont Health Park in Gastonia
⏰7:00 p.m.
The Gastonia Baseball Club's new team name will be revealed at this event. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the press conference at 7:00 p.m. More Details.    

PLAN AHEAD

Gastonia Police Donut Dash
📆 Saturday, November 2
📍Rankin Lake in  Gastonia
⏰9:00 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.

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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