Here we go… one full year of Hello, Gaston! Fifty-two weeks. Fifty-two “sends” in a row. 

For nearly 10 years, I carried this idea around — a weekly email that shared all the good and positive things happening in Gaston County. Last summer, I finally stopped planning and started doing. On August 29, 2024, I hit send on the very first edition.

That one email took me a decade to plan. Every email since has taken a week. And now, 53 editions later, Hello, Gaston! has become a real community.

And it wouldn’t be possible without you. For reading, responding, and supporting me on this journey. I thank you.

What started as a little experiment has grown to more than 2,000 subscribers. Along the way, I’ve met new people, discovered new places, and been reminded why I love this place we call Gaston County.

I’m grateful for this milestone, but I’m even more excited about what’s ahead. Season 1 is in the books. Season 2 begins today. And I’d love your help shaping what comes next.

I’ve put together a quick survey. (And I mean quick!) It shouldn’t take more than 2–3 minutes max. Your feedback will help keep Hello, Gaston! fresh, useful, and worth opening each week.

TAKE THE (QUICK) SURVEY →

Thanks for being here! This community wouldn’t exist without you. And in the words of Karen Carpenter, “We’ve only just begun.”

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this week’s newsletter, please pass it along to someone who you’d think would enjoy it!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FARMHOUSER DESIGN

✨CREATIVE DESIGN SOLUTIONS THAT CAPTURE HEARTS ✨

Meet Leslie Boyd of Farmhouser Design – where creative ideas come to life!

Why choose Farmhouser Design?

• 20 Years of Global Design Experience – Leslie specializes in custom brand solutions for small businesses, churches, and nonprofits with classic minimalistic aesthetic and creative edge.

• Complete Brand Transformation – From logos and branding, to social media graphics and print materials, she provides everything needed to capture your organization's essence.

• Lasting Partnership Approach – As a Gaston County native, Leslie builds meaningful relationships that extend beyond project completion with ongoing support.

Ready to elevate your brand? CONNECT WITH LESLIE TODAY →

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🌟 HOLY ANGELS SHINES ON GOOD MORNING AMERICA

Belmont’s Holy Angels lit up Good Morning America’s “My Kind of Town” series on Tuesday. ABC’s Will Ganss visited Cherubs Café, where Katie serves sweet tea with kindness, showcasing how Holy Angels uplifts residents and inspires nationwide. Watch the full segment celebrating one of our hometown treasures.

🎨 HIDDEN MURAL DISCOVERED IN GASTONIA

A long-covered Piedmont Cigarettes mural was uncovered during downtown renovations, thanks to DJ Fly Ty and Preston Wilson. The ghost sign, hidden behind collapsed walls and rubble, is now inspiring new life for East Main Avenue and reconnecting Gastonia to its storied past. [QC News]

⚾ THE CAGES TRAINING FACILITY OPENS IN CHERRYVILLE

Brandi and David Wyant cut the ribbon on The Cages, a new indoor batting and training facility on Dallas Cherryville Highway. With four batting cages, pitching lanes, workouts, and memberships, the family-run space blends athletics, faith, and community. [Wise News Network]

🍦 DOWNSTAIRS ICE CREAM SHINES ON GASTONIA CITY SIGHTS

Laresa Thompson featured Downstairs Ice Cream on her Gastonia City Sights series, highlighting homemade scoops, hand-rolled waffle cones, and even her own ice cream flight. Located at 167 Main Avenue, the shop blends sweetness and charm.

🏁 REMEMBERING HUMPY WHEELER, BELMONT’S NASCAR MAESTRO

Humpy Wheeler, the legendary NASCAR promoter and Belmont native, has died at 86. From Gastonia fairgrounds races to Charlotte Motor Speedway, he defined spectacle. Read Tommy Tomlinson’s tribute capturing his genius and Gaston County roots.

🍤 A TASTE OF HOPE: LOW COUNTRY LOVE IN BELMONT

South Point Social in Belmont will host Low Country Love, a family-friendly boil benefiting Strong Like AK during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Set for Saturday, September 13, the evening features shrimp, sausage, music, and games. Tickets are limited—purchase yours today.

📰  QUICK BITES

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

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GASTON COLLEGE FOUNDATION

✨STAMPEDE FOR STUDENT SUCCESS AT THE RHINO RUN✨

Join Gaston College's Rhino Run for Education – where your family's fun directly supports students across Gaston and Lincoln Counties!

• September 27th at Dallas Campus – Choose 5K run or 2K walk/fun run with USATF certified course and chip timing for serious runners

• Support Your Choice – Registration fees can be designated to Gaston College, Gaston County Schools, Lincoln County Schools, or Lincoln Charter School

• Family Festival Atmosphere – WSGE Radio music, local food trucks, coffee vendors, and post-race awards ceremony for 5K winners

• Register by August 31st – Guarantee your race t-shirt and join four years of building momentum for education in our community

Ready to run for education? REGISTER FOR RHINO RUN TODAY → 

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28  

Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
Fresh produce and local goods at Belmont’s weekly farmers market. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and flowers from local farmers at a long‑running community market. Come early for the best selection and friendly vendor conversations. More Details.

Free Nature Photography Walk
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Belmont
⏰ 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a guided nature photography walk. Learn techniques, explore scenic landscapes, and capture beauty while connecting with nature at Daniel Stowe Conservancy. More Details.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29

Belmont Drive‑In featuring The Bad Guys 2 (2025) and Jaws (1975)
📍 Belmont Drive‑In, Belmont
📅 Friday, August 29 - Saturday, August 30
⏰ Sunset
Classic drive‑in movie night under the stars. Pack the car, grab concessions, and enjoy a throwback film experience with family and friends. More Details.

Friday Night Football
📍 Various stadiums
⏰ Times vary
- Ashbrook at Phillip O. Berry Academy
- East Gaston at Forestview
- Hunter Huss at Bessemer City
- Kings Mountain at Burns
- Stuart Cramer at North Gaston
- Owen at Cherryville

Extreme Dwarfanators Wrestling
📍 Traust Brewing, 128 S Main Street, Mount Holly
⏰ 7–10 p.m.
Expect high-energy action, small-sized heroes, and big fun. Tickets $25–$40, all ages welcome. More Details.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30

Bar Olympics
📍 Confluence South Fork, 117 Center Street, Cramerton
⏰ 3–9 p.m.
Form a four‑person team and compete in darts, foosball, beer pong, flip cup, Jenga, and more. Prizes, drink specials, and proceeds benefit Catawba Riverkeeper. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Shop fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and flowers direct from local farms and makers. A Saturday staple for seasonal ingredients and neighborly conversation. More Details.

Kings Mountain Farmers’ Market
📍 313 South Battleground Ave., Kings Mountain
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Discover regional produce, baked treats, and artisan goods at this welcoming weekly market in downtown Kings Mountain. Meet friendly growers and enjoy small‑town charm. More Details.

Summer of Love Literary Festival
📍 Downtown Belmont
⏰ 11 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Belmont’s first Literary Festival features authors, panels, music, vendors, and food trucks. Free general admission; special ticketed experiences available. Book lovers, mark your calendars. More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Browse farm‑fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and artisan items at one of the region’s favorite community markets. Bring a tote and support local growers. More Details.

Movies in the Park: Matilda
📍 24 S. Main Street, Belmont
⏰ 8 p.m.
Bring your blanket and catch the classic tale of Matilda at this family-friendly outdoor movie night. More Details.

Pickin on the Porch
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Belmont
⏰ 2 - 4 p.m.
Local musicians, relaxed vibes, and Southern charm make this a weekend highlight. More Details.

BC Alive Concert & Cruise In
📍 Centennial Park, Bessemer City
⏰ 4 - 10 p.m.
Bessemer City hosts a community concert and cruise-in with live music, classic cars, and plenty of fun. More Details.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1  ( 🛠️Labor Day!🛠️ )

Cosmic Crops at The Schiele
📍 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Learn how to grow food in containers like astronauts aboard the ISS, then catch “Journey to the Unknown” in the planetarium. More Details.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Weekday market edition with seasonal produce, meats, baked goods, and flowers from local vendors. Convenient midweek stop for fresh ingredients and friendly service. More Details.

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs Long Island Ducks
📍 800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 6:30–9:30 p.m.
September kicks off with discounted eats, fun mascot races, and a pivotal stretch-run Ghost Peppers baseball matchup. More Details.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs Long Island Ducks
📍 800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 12:30–3:30 p.m.
Bingo, chair yoga demos, and a playoff-push afternoon baseball game make for a lively senior series outing. 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.

#GASTONGRAM

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

And thank you for reading! If you found something useful, please share it with a friend!

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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!