Hello, Gaston! (my old friend),

I guess we didn’t see last week coming, did we? I know I didn’t. And I’ve weathered some wild hurricanes, including Hugo, Bertha, Fran, and Floyd. Helene came through and earned her spot on the list.

My plan after the storm was to list all the ways we could pitch in and help those in need. Make no mistake, the need is there.

But instead of offering a small collection of businesses and non-profits organizing aid for the western part of the state, I found that there are simply too many ways to list. (A good problem to have.)

I’m seeing individuals setting up GoFundMe pages to buy bottled water and supplies. Churches are collecting supplies and making daily runs when they can. The Red Cross and Samaritan’s Purse are accepting monetary donations and sending them where they’re needed most.

That’s what makes this community special. It’s not one person, one group, or one business doing all the heavy lifting. It’s been a grassroots effort since the storm ended.

In a divisive political season (and we don’t do politics here), it’s refreshing to see so many helping their neighbors—both those they know and those they don’t. It’s a bit of light shining through the devastating darkness that so many in the western part of the state are experiencing.

I hope it continues. Thanks for reading!

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.)

HALLOWEENTOWN IS NOW OPEN! Homeowner Isaac Vargas, known for his over-the-top yet mesmerizing Halloween and Christmas displays at 113 Scaleybark Ct. in Mount Holly, is back at it again. His latest creation is on display nightly from sunset until midnight. Just remember to avoid blocking driveways, stay on designated paths for safety, and keep noise low. Enjoy this year’s spooky fun and take plenty of photos.

CHEERS TO 50 YEARS! Wiener Works in Kings Mountain is celebrating 50 incredible years! Since 1974, the Jarvis Family has been serving some of the best hotdogs in town. They were recently honored with the Kings Mountain 150th Anniversary Celebrate-A-Citizen award. Congratulations to the entire Jarvis family on this amazing milestone!

BIG SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES is coming thanks to the Montcross Area Chamber's Small Business Booster Program, thanks to a $50,000 Duke Energy Grant. This program offers Gaston County small businesses microgrants of $1,000 to $5,000 for upgrades and growth. Deadline to apply is Friday, October 11 with winners announced on November 1.

GASTONIA BASEBALL CLUB ANNOUNCES NEW NAME at CaroMont Health Park on Wednesday, October 16! You can join the festivities for the big reveal of Gastonia’s new baseball team name! Doors open at 6pm, with the press conference starting at 7pm. If you plan to attend, be sure to RSVP.

AFFORDABLE PET CLINIC THIS WEEK: The Animal League of Gaston County is hosting a walk-in vaccination clinic on Monday, October 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Most vaccines for dogs and cats are just $16 for one-year and $22 for three-year shots. No income or residency requirements—everyone is welcome! The only thing they ask is only bring the number of animals you can handle.

DID YOU KNOW that Jim Nantz, the CBS sports broadcaster, has strong ties to Mount Holly? Born in Charlotte, Nantz's family has deep roots in the area, particularly through his grandfather, who served as the local postmaster in Mount Holly. Reflecting on his family legacy, Nantz feels a sense of home every time he calls a tournament at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte. [Charlotte Observer]

CROWDERS MOUNTAIN STATE PARK remains indefinitely closed due to Hurricane Helene's impact. There are 20+ miles of trails that need extensive clearing. Volunteer offers are appreciated, but due to heavy equipment in use, help isn't needed yet. Once major cleanup is complete, a volunteer day will be announced.

CONFLUENCE SEEKS FALL ART SUBMISSIONS from local artists, with priority for works featuring the South Fork River, Gaston County, or goats (of course!). Art will be displayed October 28 through January. All forms of media are welcome. Proceeds support the South Fork River's health. Submission details are here.

BOLTON'S CURBSIDE COOKERY JOURNEY: On episode #61 of EXIT 27, host Greg Blackwood chats with lifelong Mount Holly residents Lee and Jenny Bolton, owners of Bolton's Curbside Cookery. Hear the story behind their new restaurant and how they launched their food truck four years ago.

EXPERIENCE LIVE MUSIC AT THE ROOSTER: In the latest episode of Gastonia City Sights, Laresa Thompson spotlights The Rooster, a local venue offering live music and showcasing local talent weekly. Whether you're dancing, discovering new artists, or relaxing with friends, The Rooster has something for everyone. 

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3

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.

Thursday Night Football (Week 7)
📍Winston-Salem
⏰7:30 p.m.
  - Mountain Island Charter at Winston Salem Prep

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4

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

Cleveland County Fair
📍Cleveland County Fairgrounds in Shelby
📆 10/3 - 10/6/24
⏰times vary
Celebrate 100 years of tradition at the Cleveland County Fair! Enjoy classic rides, live entertainment, delicious fair food, and much more at this special anniversary event. 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 5

Carolina Renaissance Festival (opening weekend)
📍6445 Poplar Tent Rd. in Huntersville
📆  10/4 - 11/24/2024
⏰9:30 a.m - 5:30 p.m.
Step into the magical world of medieval times featuring jousting, circus acts, rides, artisan demos, shopping, and games. Costumed characters, music, and photo ops await. Grab a turkey leg, visit the falcon display, and immerse yourself in Fairhaven’s enchanting atmosphere! Open weekends only. More Details.

Country Fest
📍Downtown Stanley
⏰9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The Town of Stanley celebrates the changing of the seasons with a fun-filled fall celebration! Enjoy live music, exciting rides, arts and crafts for all ages, and delicious food. Bring the whole family for a festive day of autumn delights! More Details.

Cramerton Concert Series feat. Small Town Sunday
📍Goat Island Park in Cramerton
⏰6 - 8:00 p.m.
Get ready for a night of music and fun! Enjoy live music, delicious food from local food trucks, and nearby downtown restaurants. Parents can relax while kids have a blast on the playground’s ropes and slides! More Details.

Broken Arrow Ranch Fall Festival
📍Broken Arrow Ranch in Cherryville
⏰12 - 4:00 p.m.
Enjoy a day of pony rides, vendors, food trucks and live music! 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
⏰8:00 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.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6

Carolina Panthers (1-3) at Chicago Bears (2-2)
📍Away
⏰1:00 p.m. (FOX)
After a Week 3 win, the Carolina Panthers fell to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4. Now, they're underdogs heading into Week 5 against the Chicago Bears, led by No. 1 pick Caleb Williams, who just secured a home victory against the Los Angeles Rams. 

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.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8

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

WSGE 91.7 FM presents “This Magic Moment”
📆 Sunday, November 3
📍Gastonian Halls (181 W Main St) in  Gastonia
⏰5 - 9:00 p.m.
Celebrate WSGE’s accomplishments with a night of music, food, and fun! Enjoy a meal, drinks, dancing, and entertainment with performances by Kevin McGuire and Tyrone Jefferson & A Sign of the Times. Tickets are $80 per person, including VIP reception. Get yours today and support WSGE! 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!