Hello, Gaston! (my old friend),

Here it is - the very first Hello, Gaston! newsletter. Thanks for taking a chance on me!

Feels like I have I have been thinking about doing this newsletter in some form or fashion for nearly 10 years now. For one reason or another, I never was able to move it forward. I always had a reason. That is, until now. Now has come.

What’s even more mind-blowing to me than that is the fact that I have lived in Gaston County for nearly 25 years. That’s 23 years longer than I had initially planned on staying. I’ve now lived here longer than I did when I grew up in Charlotte.

I actually love this place now. That wasn’t always the case. But over time, Gaston County has softened my heart. I love all of the small towns and their distinct personalities. I love that in this one county you can experience the urban flare of big city living and in just a few minutes find yourself cruising down a two lane highway enjoying the open fields.

I love it all. From Cramerton to Kings Mountain and Belmont to Bessemer City. And all points in between.

I love the ROs barbecue slaw and the Diet Sun Drop. I also love that the Shrimp Boat is known more for their fried chicken. And what about the only FM radio station in Gaston County? WSGE 91.7 FM has been playing our music since 1980.

But most of all, it's about the people—people like you who chose to hit that subscribe button and give me a few minutes of your time each week. I appreciate you!

So dig in to the first edition. Please let me know what you think. And if you enjoy it, please pass it on to your friends and neighbors. Let’s grow this thing together!

Thank you for reading,

Ben

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

• Beverly Hills 90210 had the Peach Pit. Cherryville 28021 now has the Cherry Pit! This is the town's first true bar and grill since the early 1900s. It is now open and can be found at 201 North Mountain Street. (Wise News Network)

• Gaston County has been designated as an Outdoor NC Trail Town and will be part of the  launch of the Official NC Trail Town Guide, highlighting 15 destinations across the state promoting responsible travel and outdoor recreation. 

• Big (and exciting) changes are coming! The Stowe Family YMCA in Belmont is celebrating its upcoming expansion project with a Groundbreaking Ceremony next Thursday (Sept. 5) at 4 p.m. The nearly 25-year-old facility will be adding 10,000 sq ft of new space and renovating 17,000 sq ft of the existing facility.

• Sweet news, Gaston! Chick-fil-A is bringing back its beloved Banana Pudding Milkshake for the first time in 13 years. It’s available now, but only for a limited time. If anyone tries it, please let me know! 

• Local music lovers will appreciate this! Gastonia native and Ashbrook High alum Jason Arthurs, along with his wife Liz McLaughlin, have completed a documentary on The Milestone Club, West Charlotte’s iconic music venue that is still rockin’ and rollin’ for over 50 years. (Southpark Magazine)

• Cramerton native Jennifer Reep has been named president of the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce, announced by Chamber Board Chair Mark Yount on Monday. Reep, a long-time Gaston County educator, spent the past eight years as principal of East Gaston High.

• Dallas native, Dr. Caitlin Rubow, is the new owner of Applewood Animal Hospital. After 42 years, Dr. Carl Dutterer is retiring and passing the torch to Dr. Rubow. We know she will be a great fit for our community!

• There's still time to vote on a new Gastonia Baseball Club name! Cast your vote for one of eight options by tomorrow (Aug. 30). Vote HERE.

• HomeGoods is opening at the Shops at Gaston Mall in Gastonia! Join the grand opening on Aug. 29, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. They will be in the old Bed, Bath and Beyond location.

• This isn’t your father’s planetarium anymore! The Schiele Museum recently renovated its planetarium, one of North Carolina's largest. Head of Education Candice Jordan shared details on the upgrades with WBTV and invited visitors to come explore the exciting new features. (QC Life/WBTV)

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29

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. 

Pickleball for Beginners
📍Lowell Recreation Center (715 N Main St.)
⏰6 - 8 p.m.
New to pickleball? This beginner-friendly session is for you! Bring your own paddle or borrow one from the center. More Details. 

Gastonia Baseball Club vs High Point Rockers
📍Caromont Health Park in Gastonia
⏰6:30 p.m.
 The heat is back. It’s a perfect night for a Thirsty Thursday at the ballpark. More Details. 

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. 

 FRIDAY, AUGUST 30

End of Summer at the Splash Pad
📍Dallas Park in Dallas
⏰5:00 p.m.
Celebrate the end of summer at the Dallas Park splash pad. Hosted by Gaston County Parks and Recreation. More Details. 

NC Apple Festival
📆 Aug. 30 - Sept. 2
📍Main Street in Hendersonville
⏰times vary
Now in its 78th year, this four-day festival celebrates the apple industry with a popular Main Street street fair, live music, crafts, food, and parades. More Details. 

Friday Night Football (Week 2)
📍Locations vary
⏰7:30 p.m.
North Gaston at Bessemer City
Hibriten at Hunter Huss
Forestview at East Lincoln
Cherryville at West Lincoln
Chase at Stuart W. Cramer
Charlotte Christian at South Point
Catawba Ridge at East Gaston
Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy at Highland
More Details. 

Gastonia “Yarniaks” vs Hagerstown Flying Boxcars (4-game series)
📆 Aug. 30 - Sept. 2
📍Caromont Health Park in Gastonia
⏰Times vary
There’s no better way to celebrate the unofficial end of summer than taking in a little baseball. More Details. 

Carolina Sprint Tour and More
📍Carolina Speedway in Gastonia
⏰8:00 PM
Enjoy a night of high-speed car racing on dirt tracks. Exciting action for motorsports fans! More Details. 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31

Fork Fest - A South Fork River Festival (sponsored by the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation)
📆 Aug. 31 - Sept. 1
📍Cramerton/McAdenville
⏰times vary
Enjoy live music, 5K and kayak races, plein air art, local vendors, food trucks, and a floating concert on the river! More Details. 

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia 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.    

Movies in the Park presenting Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
📍Stowe Park in Belmont
⏰8:00 p.m.
Cowabunga dude! Bring your friends, chairs, and blankets for a fun-filled movie night under the stars. 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. The Joe Haverty Band will be performing and there will crafts for kids. More Details.  

 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

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, SEPTEMBER 3

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia 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

Murder at the USO
📆 Saturday, Sept. 28
📍Gaston County Museum
⏰7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
 The Gaston County Museum's annual Murder Mystery Fundraiser is back! Go back to the 1940s for an evening of dancing, music and murder! 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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