Hello, Gaston! (my old friend),

A Charlie Brown Christmas debuted on network television 59 years ago and aired every year after until 2020, when Apple purchased the rights to the “Peanuts” properties. Since then, this slice of Americana Christmas has been placed behind a paywall on Apple TV+.

I’ve been thinking about subscribing to Apple TV+ for a month just to watch it, but now I might not have to. This weekend, Apple TV+ is streaming A Charlie Brown Christmas for free on Saturday and Sunday. This will be the perfect opportunity to continue to share my love for Charlie Brown with my four-year old Amelia.

She’s not fully bought in yet, but she’s coming around. Maybe watching it a few more times will help her to better appreciate the greatness that is Charlie Brown.

It may not. I guess we’ll see. If it doesn’t, we can always fall back on the Grinch.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoy this week’s newsletter, please pass it along to someone else!

Ben

P.S. Only 12 days until Christmas!

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

GRINCH COTTON CANDY STEALS THE SHOW IN BELMONT

Downtown Belmont’s Cotton Candy Factory is spreading holiday cheer with The Grinch, its newest festive cotton candy creation. This sweet treat sold 40 spins on its opening day and has become a hit. Don’t miss this Instagram-worthy holiday delight—it will make all your friends jealous!

SNEAK PEEK: DOWNSTAIRS ICE CREAM COMING TO DOWNTOWN GASTONIA

Downstairs Ice Cream is opening soon in Downtown Gastonia at 167 W. Main Ave. Featuring house-made ice cream with NC farm-fresh dairy and no artificial additives, the shop invites you to a sneak peek on Tuesday, Dec. 17, from noon to 5 p.m. There will be free samples of a small menu of their flavors along with pints for sale if you want to take some home.

MOUNT HOLLY SHINES ON IVORY CRAIG’S AMERICAN DREAM TV

Ivory Craig’s latest American Dream TV episode spotlights Mount Holly, featuring the groundbreaking for Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s new location. The episode also showcases local gems like Catawba Coffee, Summit Beer Shop, Bolton’s Curbside Cookery, Traust Brewing Company and Local Logic.

FIND YOUR FUTURE AT UPCOMING JOB FAIR

Looking for a new career? The Gaston Workforce Development Board’s next Job Fair is this Tuesday, Dec. 17, from 10 AM to 1 PM at Gaston County Public Library. Meet 25+ employers across industries, network, and explore opportunities. Bring your resume and dress to impress for your next career move!

BELMONT BUZZES AS BUTCHER SHOPPE TAKES SHAPE

Excitement is building as progress continues on the New York Butcher Shoppe and Wine Bar coming to Belmont! Located behind NC Budo at 100 Bryant Street, the 3,640-square-foot space is taking shape. Locals are thrilled to see signs of its arrival, with an anticipated opening in early summer 2025.

DOWNTOWN GASTONIA RECORD STORE OPENING SOON

Gastonia’s is getting a new record store! JG’s Vinyl and More, opening downtown on December 21 at 11 a.m will feature over 2,000 vinyl records, CDs, memorabilia, t-shirts, music gear, and more. It will be located next to The Rooster at 322 W. Main Ave. Don’t miss the grand opening!

LOST BLANKET FINDS ITS WAY HOME

A young Belmont boy was reunited with his beloved blue blanket thanks to a kind stranger who turned it in to Belmont Police. Initially lost at the Belmont Christmas Parade, the blanket was later found near the old pharmacy. Its return sparked gratitude from his family and highlighted the community’s heartwarming generosity.

WEBB CUSTOM KITCHEN OWNER SHARES HIS GASTONIA JOURNEY

Jim Morasso, owner of Gastonia’s Webb Custom Kitchen, appeared on the Getting Real with Rob podcast earlier this month. He discussed his move to Gastonia a decade ago, the creation of his iconic restaurant, and his passion for combining community and development. Listen now for insights from this Gastonia changemaker.

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12

Holidays at the Garden
📍Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont
📆 Now through 12/28
⏰5 - 10 p.m.
Celebrate the season with twinkling lights, cozy fireside s’mores, festive treats, and unique gifts. Don’t miss new highlights: train rides, Santa visits, and an adults-only speakeasy. Capture the magic at the dazzling Orchid Tree! More Details.

McAdenville Yule Log Parade and Ceremony
📍100 Main Street in McAdenville
⏰5:30 p.m.
Celebrate the 76th annual Yule Log Parade! Enjoy a 3rd-5th grade chorus performance, parade to Legacy Park, caroling, and the Yule Log lighting. Roads close at 5:15 p.m. More Details.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13

Nativity @ Crossfix
📍6131 W Wilkinson Blvd in Belmont
📆 12/13 - 12/15
⏰two times each night (6 - 7:30 pm)
Celebrate the season with a free live nativity on the front lawn. Enjoy music, hot chocolate, treats, and community spirit. Two half-hour showings nightly. Bring a chair! More Details.

Santa’s Village & Family Movie Night featuring The Polar Express
📍CaroMont Health Park in Gastonia
⏰5 p.m.
Celebrate the holidays with Santa’s Village, featuring kids’ activities, caroling, and a hot chocolate bar. At 6:30 p.m., enjoy a showing of The Polar Express. Admission is free, courtesy of Watson Insurance and Auto-Owners Insurance. More Details.                    

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 (🌕Full Moon Tonight!)

Belmont Bavarian Holiday Fest
📍Downtown Belmont
⏰12 - 7 p.m.
Enjoy Bavarian beers, artisan goods, and live polka music by OOPS. Celebrate with festive performances and cheer for all ages! More Details.

Cherryville Christmas Parade
📍220 E Main St. in Cherryville
⏰10:30 a.m.
Celebrate the season with festive floats, marching bands, and holiday cheer at Cherryville’s beloved Christmas Parade! Fun for the whole family. More Details.           

Kids Holiday Fun Day
📍CityRec Center (1315 E. Catawba Street in Belmont
⏰4 - 6 p.m.
Wear your favorite holiday outfit and enjoy photos with Santa, arts and crafts, cookie decorating, games, movies, and more. More Details.      

Historic Christmas Village Market
📍Dallas Park in Dallas
⏰12 - 5 p.m.
Enjoy a vendor market, food trucks, and coffee around the gazebo. There will also be kids’ crafts, games, photos with Santa, and time-period fun. Explore festive 1900s-style decorations, write letters to Santa, and visit the General Store for old-fashioned candy. More Details.                             

Mount Holly Christmas Parade
📍Downtown Mount Holly in Mount Holly
⏰5:30 p.m.
Experience the magic of the season at this light-filled parade along Central Avenue and Main Street. Enjoy colorful floats, festive music, and holiday cheer with family and friends. More Details.                     

Movies in the Park presenting A Christmas Story
📍Stowe Park in Belmont
⏰6 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. 

Wreaths Across America
📍Belmont, Gastonia, Stanley, Kings Mountain and Cherryville (location details)
⏰12 p.m.
Residents are invited to attend ceremonies across Gaston County to honor veterans with the laying of remembrance wreaths on their graves. Community members can support the tribute by sponsoring a wreath or volunteering at one of these meaningful events to help remember and honor local heroes. More Details.    

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15

Dallas Cowboys (5-8) at Carolina Panthers (3-10)
 📍Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte
 ⏰1 p.m. (FOX)
After tough losses, the Panthers catch a break hosting the 5-8 Cowboys, who are without Dak Prescott. Carolina is favored for the first time in two years.

Winter Wanderland Holiday Market
📍900 S Fork Village Dr. in Belmont
⏰1 - 5 p.m.
Enjoy Santa photos, live music by Elijah Ray, ornament painting, local vendors, and treats from The Wandering Cup. More Details.                                         

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17

Veterans Coffee Connection
📍Outback Steakhouse in Gastonia
⏰8:30 a.m.
Join fellow veterans on the third Tuesday each month for free coffee, doughnuts, and camaraderie. Sponsored by Carolina Caring, this welcoming group is open to veterans of all ages and branches. More Details. (Disclaimer: I am an employee of Carolina Caring.)

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

Check out the #GastonGram honorable mentions this week here and here.

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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