There are some people in this world who seem to get more than 24 hours in a day. They get like 28, and they use every minute of it. They probably don’t sleep, either.

Isaac Vargas is one of those people, I bet. You may not know the name, but you know where he lives. He’s the guy in Mount Holly’s Deerfield neighborhood who goes above and beyond, turning his yard into an elaborate Halloween wonderland for everyone to enjoy.

And the day after Halloween, what does he do? Oh, he tears it all down. To do what exactly? Oh, you know, create another elaborate festive display, this time of the Christmas variety. He’s a one-man McAdenville. He’s the Pumpkin King and Sandy Claws all rolled up into one.

Creating two holiday displays on steroids in three months means you’re allowed to take nine months off.

Every year, my family makes it out to both displays. We visited his Halloween display this past Saturday night. We made an evening out of it, grabbing dinner at Traust Brewing Company beforehand, then stopping by the Vargas house on our way home.

When we pulled up, the whole cul-de-sac was alive. Cars eased in and out, headlights bouncing off skeletons and pumpkins. Families strolled around with kids pointing, parents snapping photos, everyone oohing and aahing at the spectacle Isaac had built.

Standing there watching it all, I couldn’t help but smile. This wasn’t just about spooky skeletons or ghastly ghouls. It was about someone creating a little magic for the whole community to enjoy.

There was a time when you hit a certain age, say middle school, and you were too cool for Halloween. Your trick-or-treating days were over. Halloween seemed to be for kids only.

But something’s changed in the last 20 years. The script has flipped. Isaac Vargas is proof you’re never too old to enjoy Halloween.

We all may not get 28 hours in a day, but we can all enjoy Halloween, no matter how old we are. Some might even say it’s for kids from one to ninety-two.

So channel your inner child and take a ride out to Mount Holly (113 Scaleybark Court). Soak in the spooky, feel all the fright, and let yourself smile a little too wide.

Because you’re never too old to have a little fun. That’s what Halloween is all about, Charlie Brown.

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Halloween Town is back and open to the public! Mount Holly’s Isaac Vargas has once again filled his yard with handmade haunts and eerie details. Since it’s a private residence, he simply asks visitors to be respectful of neighbors. Open nightly from sunset to 11:30 p.m. at 113 Scaleybark Ct, Mount Holly.

Our State Magazine just spotlighted Gaston County’s culinary scene! In the new YouTube feature, Webb Custom Kitchen’s Jim Morasso shares top local dining spots from Belmont’s Nelly’s Southern Kitchen to Mount Holly’s The Holland and Cherryville’s Cherry Pit. Watch and taste why Gaston County shines.

In a heartwarming story by John Le from Queen City News, Cherryville’s Debbie Zurbriggen, a Carolina Caring hospice patient, fulfilled her lifelong dream of feeding a giraffe. With help from the Carolina Caring Foundation, her wish came true at the North Carolina Zoo, surrounded by family and care staff.

Alchemy Coworking has launched its third location, Alchemy LRY, inside Gastonia’s historic Loray Mill. Founder Keanu Trujillo calls it the place where his dreams began, and now it’s where new ones will be built—fostering connection, creativity, and community in a space made for dreamers.

The Mount Holly Creative Art Initiative has been refreshed with six stunning sculptures placed throughout the city. From parks to greenways, each piece adds color, movement, and creativity to public spaces. With cooler weather settling in, it’s the perfect time to explore them all and discover your favorite.

Disclaimer: News items marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.

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The Topless Cruise: Convertibles for a Cause
📍First Presbyterian Church in Belmont
📅 Saturday, October 25
⏰Check-in at 9 a.m.; Cruise starts at 10 a.m.
Founded by Denise Price Thomas in 2013, this scenic cruise raises funds for Cancer Services of Gaston County. All vehicles welcome; donations support local families affected by cancer. More Details.

Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Glenway Street, Belmont
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
Shop local produce, meats, baked goods, flowers, and handmade items in downtown Belmont’s open-air market. More Details.

Carolina Caring Ribbon Cutting Celebration
📍 Robin Johnson House, 5005 Shepherds Way Drive, Dallas
⏰ 4–6 p.m.
Celebrate the one-year anniversary of Gaston Hospice joining Carolina Caring with a special ribbon cutting hosted by the Gaston Business Association and the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce. All are welcome to attend this community celebration. More Details. ($)

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced fresh produce, meats from nearby farms, homemade baked goods, and colorful flowers grown right here in Gaston County. More Details.

Faith & Blue Weekend
📍 various locations
📅 Friday, October 10 - Sunday, October 12
⏰ times vary
Join local law enforcement, clergy, and citizens for a weekend of unity, music, food, and community connection across Gaston County. More Details.

Friday Night Football
📍 Various stadiums
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
Local lights shine bright as Gaston County teams take the field: Crest at Hunter Huss, East Gaston at Cherryville, Highland Tech at Bessemer City, Kings Mountain at Ashbrook, South Point at North Gaston, and Stuart Cramer at West Lincoln.

38th Annual Cotton Ginning Days Festival
📍 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Highway, Dallas
📅 Friday, October 10 - Sunday, October 12
⏰ times vary
Antique engines, tractors, crafts, and southern heritage fun at Dallas Park. Family-friendly and free to attend. More Details.

Haunted Dallas Ghost Tours
📍 131 W Main St, Dallas
⏰ 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Every Friday in October (except Halloween). $10 per person, free for members. More Details.

Mount Holly Nights featuring On The Border
📍 Downtown Mount Holly
⏰ 6–10 p.m.
Live music, food trucks, beer garden, and a drone show highlight this family-friendly Main Street event in downtown Mount Holly. More Details.

Gardening Your Way
📍 Gaston County Public Library, Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.–Noon
Learn fall gardening tips from local experts and discover how to create year-round beauty in your home garden. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced fresh produce, meats from nearby farms, homemade baked goods, and flowers grown locally. More Details.

Gypsy Farm Fair
📍 Redbone Willy’s Trading Company, Lawndale
⏰ 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Artisan goods, vintage finds, live music, and handmade treasures fill this one-of-a-kind country fair experience. More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S. Main St, Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m.–Noon
Find farm-fresh produce, baked goods, local honey, and handcrafted products every Saturday morning downtown. More Details.

Opossum Outing
📍 The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Meet Noodle the Virginia opossum and learn about these amazing marsupials in this family program included with admission. More Details.

McAdenville Oktoberfest 2025
📍 115 Craft, 115 Main St, McAdenville
⏰ 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Live music, food trucks, contests, and craft beer at 115 Craft and The River Room. More Details.

4th Annual Strong Like AK Building Hope Gala
📍 The Casey, 1801 N. Tryon St, Charlotte
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Elegant evening benefitting Strong Like AK House and children battling cancer, featuring dinner, auctions, and live entertainment. More Details.

Belmont Farmers Market (2nd Sunday)
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Monthly market featuring local farmers, artisans, and food vendors offering fresh seasonal goods in beautiful downtown Belmont. More Details.

Carolina Panthers vs. Dallas Cowboys
📍 Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
⏰ 1 p.m. (FOX)
High-profile showdown as Dallas comes to town. Game airs on FOX.

October Plant Swap & Shop at Traust
📍 Traust Brewing, 128 S. Main St, Mount Holly
⏰ Noon–3 p.m.
Bring a plant to swap or shop local vendors at Traust Brewing’s community plant event. More Details.

Bluegrass Jam
📍 Park Street United Methodist Church, Belmont
⏰ 7–9 p.m.
Bring your instrument or just enjoy the music at this fun, community jam session featuring bluegrass favorites and fellowship.

Free Tuesday at The Schiele
📍 The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 4–8 p.m.
Enjoy free admission to explore exhibits, planetarium shows, and hands-on learning for the whole family. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Shop local for produce, meats, baked goods, and more—fresh from Gaston County farms every Tuesday morning. 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. Events marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.

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