Hello, Gaston! (my old friend),

Labor Day weekend came and went, and with it, so did the summer. Or so I hope.

When I stepped outside on Tuesday morning, I was greeted by a 62°F fall-like morning. It was only Sept. 3 and I had already experienced my first fall morning of the season.

The air was crisp and cool. The humidity was low. And for the first time in a long time, I could actually breathe again.

How would you describe a crisp fall morning? I don’t know if it can truly be put into words. It’s something you feel. It’s something you just know only when you experience it.

I guess we know what it’s not. Humid air is not crisp. Nobody brags about the crispy August heat. Words that mean the opposite of 'crisp' or 'crispy': soft, drooping, wilted, and withered.

Yeah, that’s August. And July. And June. Summer just seems to have a way of overstaying its welcome.

Like a week-long visit from distant relatives — you're glad to see them come and glad to see them go. The same goes for summer. We love you, Summer, but how can I miss you if you don’t go away?

Fall is (probably) here and there’s plenty to do. So read on and make the following cooler days count. It doesn’t last forever. Summer will be back before you know it!

Thank you for reading,

Ben

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

• As August gives way to September, apple picking comes to mind. Check out this list of some of the great apple picking sites that are within a two hour drive or less. (Axios Charlotte)

• Save the Rooster! A beloved Gastonia music venue, The Rooster, is fighting to stay open amid financial struggles. The venue hosts concerts and open mic nights weekly. Fundraising efforts include a GoFundMe campaign and a big benefit concert featuring local punk and metal bands this Saturday, Sept. 7.

• Construction has begun on Five Spur Steakhouse in Downtown Cherryville. While there’s no opening date yet, I have a feeling it’s going to be worth the wait. (I mean, have you tried Johnny Ray’s Smokehouse in Fallston?) Menu will include hand-selected steaks, flame-grilled burgers, and their famous fried cheese curds.

• The exhibit "C.M. Kakassy: A Retrospective" opens this Friday, September 6, at the Gaston County Museum of Art & History in Dallas. Featuring bold abstract works, the exhibit highlights Kakassy’s decades of influence in Gaston County’s arts scene. The exhibit runs through the end of the year.

• As a Dallas resident, I am excited about last weekend’s opening of Sweet Grace, a new locally-owned ice cream shop located in the Windsor Shopping Center. They offer 24 hand-dipped flavors, shakes, sundaes, floats, and soft serve. They are open daily from 12 - 9 p.m. 

• Hope Fest will be held Saturday, September 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Gastonia. The event provides free resources for those experiencing homelessness, including showers, laundry, meals, and supplies. Volunteers and donations are needed. For more info, call 704-862-7641. Details are here.

• Firehawk Brewpub, known for its North Carolina wood-fired barbecue, has closed permanently one year after opening in Mount Holly's historic firehouse, per a statement posted on their Facebook page.

• Waterbean Coffee has canceled plans for its original Gastonia location due to high renovation costs and will now open in the FUSE district on West Franklin Boulevard. The 4,115-square-foot shop will feature a bakery, espresso, and unique drinks, aiming for a Spring 2025 opening.

• On the “Becca and Dan eat” YouTube channel, they posted a food review of Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ in Kings Mountain, where they both tried a Chicago hot dog and brisket mac and cheese.

• Sometimes it takes an outsider to remind us of the beauty around us. Bridge hunter Calvin Sneed has photographed over 1,250 bridges, capturing around 33,000 images during his travels. He recently photographed the now defunct High Shoals Bridge, calling it a "work of art." [QueenCityNews]

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

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.

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, SEPTEMBER 6

First FRIDAY Fires
📍Kings Mountain National Military Park
⏰6 – 8 p.m.
Enjoy campfire talks, weapons demonstrations, and hands-on colonial crafts. Bring chairs if desired. No reservations needed. More Details.

Friday Night Football (Week 3)
📍Locations vary
⏰Times vary (either 7:00 or 7:30 p.m.)
 - Ashbrook at West Meck
- Hunter Huss at Providence
- Stuart W. Cramer at East Gaston
- Bessemer City at Avery County
- Buford at Highland
- Cherryville at Blacksburg
- Burns at Kings Mountain
- Freedom at Forestview - More Details.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Hope Fest
📍First United Methodist Church in Gastonia
⏰10 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
This annual event offers vital resources to those in Gaston County who are unhoused or facing a housing crisis, providing support and hope for the community. More Details.

Blues Out Back feat. The Giftt
📍Gaston County Museum in Dallas
⏰6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Bring your lawn chair and enjoy live music in the Museum's back gardens. Food trucks and drinks available. Open lawn seating, and the whole family is welcome! Free for members, $5 for non-members. 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.

Gastonia FC vs. Soda City FC
📍Martha Rivers Park Gastonia (Field #4)
⏰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.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍226 S. Main St. Mount Holly 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.

Clear The Shelter (hosted by Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement)
📍1491 Business Park Court in Gastonia, NC,
⏰11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Looking for your next best friend? Help clear the shelter by adopting a pet for free! Enjoy food vendors, pet-related items, a raffle, and more. Come out and bring home a new cuddle buddy! More Details.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints
📍Away
⏰1:00 p.m. (FOX)
The Panthers face NFC South rivals New Orleans Saints in their NFL season opener. Both teams aim to bounce back after tough seasons, with the Panthers currently ranked as division underdogs. More Details.

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. 

Dallas NC Farmers Market
📍Sandcastle Farms in Dallas
⏰12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Enjoy Sunday brunch, local vendors, food trucks, and The Bar serving beer, wine, and mimosas! More Details.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Free Tuesday at The Schiele Museum (sponsored by Duke Energy)
📍The Schiele Museum in Gastonia
⏰4 - 8 p.m.
Explore the museum’s fascinating exhibits at no cost. No registration needed—just drop by for an unforgettable afternoon and evening of discovery! 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.

 PLAN AHEAD

“Taste of the Town” benefitting the Mount Holly Community Relief Organization
 📆 Saturday, Sept. 28
📍  Mount Holly Municipal Complex (420 E Central Ave.)
⏰ 6 - 9 p.m.
Enjoy food from local restaurants, auctions, and games. Tickets are $100, with proceeds helping neighbors in need and replacing the aging food transport truck. 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!