I read the news today, oh boy. Gaston County and the Town of Dallas are gearing up for a big Fourth of July celebration with, of course, fireworks. But also a parade, kids arts and crafts, free Tony's Ice Cream, and... yes, wait for it... The Great American Apple Pie Bake-Off!

This competition will take place at the Gaston County Museum of Art and History. It's open to home bakers of all ages in three different age categories. Entries will be judged on taste, appearance and creativity. The winner receives a $200 Webb Custom Kitchen gift card.

And my favorite part? The bake-off begins, get this, at High Noon on Main Street.

Does it get any more American than that? Maybe it could if we had an apple pie eating contest like they did in Stand By Me, but we're trying to keep it classy around here.

Well, as classy as we can keep it. This is Gaston County. We ain't always so neat and tidy, and we still have a few jagged edges that haven't been smoothed over yet.

But maybe that's the point.

A bunch of neighbors gathering on Main Street. Homemade apple pies. Kids running around with sticky ice cream hands. A parade. Fireworks after dark.

For one summer day, that sounds a lot like America to me.

The Professional Women's Association Luncheon, presented by Sodoma Law Belmont, brings together Nicole Sodoma (pictured center) of Sodoma Law and Angelia Black of Premier South for a fireside chat on:

Seats are limited for this Tuesday, June 23 at the Gastonia Conference Center, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Grab your tickets before they're gone at GASTONBUSINESS.COM →

Redevelopment is officially underway at Downtown Gastonia's former Citizens National Bank building. The project will transform the historic property into a mixed-use destination featuring 80 free public parking spaces, a new restaurant called The Fed, and a business club. Developer Jim Morasso is leading the effort alongside several local partners

A Gaston County infant is recovering after a life-saving liver transplant following a rare diagnosis of biliary atresia. Sadie underwent the surgery in Pittsburgh just weeks after doctors determined she needed a new liver. As she continues her recovery, the Gaston County community is rallying around the family through the upcoming Strides for Sadie 5K in Dallas. [WCNC]

Fitness personality Amy Schemper of BodyFit by Amy will lead a live workout during Gaston in Motion this Saturday, June 20 at CaroMont Health Park. The family-friendly event combines fitness, wellness and community while raising awareness and support for families impacted by cancer, including the Jablonka family. Get your tickets now. ($)

In a recent Downtown Partners newsletter, Steve D'Avria with the Gaston Business Association reflected on how a simple idea from a downtown study trip quickly took hold in Gastonia. After seeing restaurants elsewhere prominently display menus, several downtown businesses adopted the practice, proving that small improvements can make a meaningful difference.

Construction crews are putting the finishing touches on Holy Angels' Children's Campus Expansion in Belmont. The project includes three new state-of-the-art residential care facilities and a community center featuring amenities for residents, staff, and visitors. The expansion is designed to support Holy Angels' mission and enhance the lives of those they serve for years to come.

Chris and Britt have opened Toochi's inside Jazzy's Market on Baker Boulevard, serving specialty burgers, breakfast sandwiches and house-made hot sauces crafted from peppers grown in their own garden. The popular pop-up catering business has quickly become one of Gastonia's newest local food destinations. 

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

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Belmont Farmers Market — Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Dallas Farmers Market — Select Sundays, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Gastonia Farmers Market — Tuesday, Thursdays & Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 
Kings Mountain Farmers Market — Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Mount Holly Farmers Market — Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Thursday (6/18) — Staten Island FerryHawks @ 7 p.m.
Friday (6/19) — Staten Island FerryHawks @ 7 p.m.
Saturday (6/20) — Staten Island FerryHawks @ 7 p.m.
Sunday (6/21) — Staten Island FerryHawks @ 4 p.m.

Summer Art Film Series: Frida Kahlo
📍 Gaston County Public Library Main Branch, Gastonia
📅 Monday, July 6
⏰ 6 p.m.
Presented by the Gaston County Museum of Art & History and hosted by the Gaston County Public Library, this free documentary explores the life, art and enduring legacy of Frida Kahlo, one of the world's most celebrated and influential artists. More Details. 

Master Gardeners Present: Monthly Seminar Series
📍 Citizens Resource Center, Dallas
⏰ 10-11 a.m.
Urban ecologist and author Sara Gagné shares how everyday landscapes can support biodiversity and wildlife in our communities. More Details.

Bricks & Brews with the Library
📍 Durty Bull Brewing Company, Gastonia
⏰ 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Build, create and compete during a free LEGO-themed evening featuring custom LEGO artist Cody Wells. More Details.

Juneteenth in the Park
📍 Ransom Hunter Park, Mount Holly
⏰ 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Celebrate Juneteenth with public art unveilings, crafts, drum circles, family activities and sweet treats. More Details.

Cirque Du Luxe
📍 Dallas Park
📅 Friday, June 19 - Sunday, June 21
⏰ times vary
With shows all weekend long, this modern European circus brings world-class performers, dazzling visuals and thrilling acts under the big top for a fresh take on the classic circus experience. More Details. 

Ranlo's June MillTown Night
📍 Ranlo Ballpark
⏰ 5-9 p.m.
Enjoy live music, food vendors, craft vendors, bounce houses and family fun during this free community celebration. More Details

Belmont Drive-In presents Toy Story 5
📍 314 McAdenville Rd., Belmont
📅 Friday, June 19 & Saturday, June 20
⏰ 6-9 p.m.
Load up the car and enjoy a family movie night under the stars at the drive-in. More Details

Live Music feat. Bill Miller Band with House of Bones
📍 The Rooster, Gastonia
⏰ 8-11 p.m.
The Charlotte Blues Society's monthly residency continues with a night of blues and original music. More Details.

Pickin' n Piggin' Bluegrass Festival
📍 Hampton Homestead Farm, 2328 Hickory Grove Rd., Gastonia
⏰ 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Celebrate Dad with a day of live bluegrass music, BBQ, food trucks, local vendors, fishing contests, yard games, and family fun on the farm. More Details.

Tomato Clinic
📍 Rotary Community Garden of Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Get tomato-growing advice, ask gardening questions and connect with fellow gardeners during this community clinic. More Details.

Gaston in Motion
📍 CaroMont Health Park, Gastonia
⏰ 9 a.m.-noon
Join BodyFit by Amy for a community fitness event supporting local families impacted by cancer. More Details

Muddy River Distillery Summer Festival
📍 Muddy River Distillery, Mount Holly
⏰ 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Kick off summer with waterfront views, live music, great drinks and a full day of fun. More Details.

Belmont Juneteenth Celebration
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 2-9 p.m.
Enjoy a free celebration featuring music, art, food, crafts and cultural experiences throughout the day. More Details.

Juneteenth Celebration
📍 Patriots Park, Kings Mountain
⏰ 4-9 p.m.
Celebrate freedom with live music, food trucks, vendors, family activities and cultural programming. More Details.

A Very Grateful Dead Father's Day!
📍 Primal Brewery, Belmont
⏰ 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Spend Father's Day enjoying live music from the Grateful Dudes and good vibes at Primal Brewery. More Details

Ukulele Club
📍 Gaston County Public Library, Gastonia
⏰ 5:15-7 p.m.
Learn chords, strumming and songs during this beginner-friendly ukulele lesson and group jam session. More Details.

PWA Luncheon: Built to Lead
📍 Gastonia Conference Center
⏰ 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Hear business leaders Nicole Sodoma and Angelia Black discuss entrepreneurship, leadership and building successful companies. More Details.

Gather in the Garden
📍 Rotary Community Garden of Gastonia
⏰6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Spend an evening in the community garden with volunteers and neighbors. Help garden, enjoy a picnic supper, or simply relax and connect with others. More Details.

Wind Down Wednesday featuring The Randy Clay Band
📍 McCord Family Park, Lowell
⏰ 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Bring a chair and enjoy live music outdoors as Lowell's Music in the Park series continues. 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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