Hello, Gaston! (my old friend),

My four-year-old daughter Amelia came home from daycare Tuesday afternoon on the verge of tears. Why? She wanted more snow. After catching a glimpse of falling snowflakes that morning, she was hooked and couldn’t understand why they disappeared so quickly.

Of course, Amelia doesn’t realize it had been 1,038 days since our last snowfall—a streak that ended with what meteorologists are calling a “trace” of snow. But try explaining that to a preschooler! She’s not interested in logic or excuses. She doesn’t care about weather stats. She just wants more snow, and she wants it now.

If anyone out there has a snow blower, let me know—I might need it to keep my sanity this winter!

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

Ben

P.S. Only 19 days until Christmas!

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

ISSAC VARGAS’ CHRISTMASTOWN IN MOUNT HOLLY IS NOW OPEN

Isaac Vargas’ annual Christmas display at 113 Scaleybark Ct. is now open nightly from sunset to 11 p.m. Enjoy the lights, but remember to park considerately, stay on walking paths, and keep noise low. It’s a private home, so let’s respect the neighborhood and celebrate the season safely.

LOCAL SHELTER DOGS NEED HOMES

Gaston County Animal Care is at capacity for dogs, with 22 new arrivals in two days, according to WCNC. Holiday travel often leads to stray intakes and displaced pets. Adoptions and fosters are urgently needed to ease the shelter’s strain during this challenging season. Visit their Facebook page to help a dog in need!

FRYEDAY COFFEE ROASTERS OPENS 2ND LOCATION

Fryeday Coffee Roasters has opened a second location in Cramerton’s Food Lion shopping center, just in time for the McAdenville lights! Find them at 202 Market Street, between VIPizza and Giorgio’s, offering a limited menu of hot drinks and treats. For the full experience, visit their original location in Lowell!

WILD WING CAFE GASTONIA CLOSES

After seven years, Wild Wing Cafe in Gastonia closed its doors on Monday.. Once home to RJ Gators, the spot carries memories of great food and community. “Thank you, Gastonia, for everything,” their farewell post on Facebook reads. One commenter on Facebook quipped, “Bring back RJ Gators… and Billie Jean’s or Hayden’s too!” What SHOULD be brought back?

TOYLAND FINDS ITS WAY TO KINGS MOUNTAIN

Experience the magic of "Toyland" at the Kings Mountain Historical Museum, open now through Jan. 3! Discover antique toys, games, and festive holiday décor while sharing memories of childhood favorites with loved ones. Kids can enjoy STEM crafts and activities, and families can snap memorable holiday photos. Best of all, admission is completely free!

CLEARY’S BOOKSTORE CELEBRATES ONE YEAR

Cleary’s Bookstore marks its first anniversary in Downtown Mount Holly! This woman-owned shop on historic Main Street offers new and used books for all ages, book clubs, and events. Celebrate a year of fostering a love of reading with this vibrant community hub.

HOOTERS OF GASTONIA CLOSES

Hooters of Gastonia has permanently closed, citing “issues with the lease.” Fans can visit nearby locations in South Charlotte, Concord, Rock Hill, or Hickory. The closure follows a national trend, with Hooters shuttering at least 44 underperforming locations in 2024 due to challenging market conditions.

COCA-COLA CARAVAN COMES TO BELMONT

Don’t miss the Coca-Cola Caravan this Saturday (12/7) at McDonald’s in Belmont (505 N. Main St). Enjoy free family photos with Santa, sip on free Coca-Cola drinks, and send holiday postcards from the Magic Mailbox.

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5

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. 

Christmas in Cramerton (Christmas Parade & Village)
📍Centennial Center in Cramerton
⏰3 p.m.
Celebrate Christmas in Cramerton! Explore the Christmas Village at 3 p.m., enjoy the festive parade at 4 p.m., and snap free photos with Santa at 5:45 p.m.. Shop, write letters to Santa, and soak in the holiday spirit. More Details.                            

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6

Christmas Craft Market (at the Gastonia Farmers Market)
📍410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia in Gastonia 12/7/2024
📆 12/7 - 12/8
⏰9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (both days)
This two-day event is the perfect chance to get your holiday shopping done while supporting local businesses. Discover unique, handmade items and special gifts for everyone on your list. More Details.

Carols on the Square
📍Downtown Dallas
⏰6 - 9 p.m.
Sponsored by the Gaston County Museum of Art & History, enjoy festive crafts with the Dallas Library, hot chocolate, cookies, and capture memories with a photo in a historic carriage. Carriage rides start at 6 PM from the museum's carriage house—free for members or $10/adults and $5/kids. More Details.                          

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7

Kings Mountain Christmas Parade
📍Downtown Kings Mountain
⏰3:00 p.m.
With over 100 dazzling floats, festive live performances, and the grand arrival of Santa Claus, it’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. More Details.     

Christmas Parade and Artisan Market
📍McCord Park in Lowell
⏰1 p.m. for the Market; 4 p.m. for the Parade
Enjoy free photos with Santa (1 - 3 p.m.), holiday shopping at the Artisan Market (1 – 5 p.m.), and the Christmas Parade kicking off at 4 p.m. The parade starts near 901 N. Main St., traveling along N. Main St. to First Baptist Church. More Details.

Christmas Enchantment in the Garden
📍Mount Holly Community Garden
⏰5 - 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy a free, family-friendly event with 52 uniquely decorated garden beds, glowing luminaries, and festive displays by local businesses and artists. Live music, food trucks, and a special visit from Santa will make the evening memorable. More Details.

Stowe Manor Christmas Open House
📍217 South Central Avenue in Belmont
⏰10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Step inside Stowe Manor for a magical holiday experience! Tour this beautifully renovated home, elegantly decorated for Christmas, and enjoy live music, twinkling lights, and festive décor. Explore the grounds, including a new Roman-shaped pool, and make memories to kick off the holiday season in style! More Details.        

The 29th annual Toy Run For Kids
📍Ranlo Church of God
⏰11:30 a.m.
Kickstands up at 11:30 a.m. from Ranlo Church of God. Bring a new unwrapped toy. The ride is police escorted, and food will be provided. All proceeds benefit the children of Gaston County, helping provide Christmas gifts for underprivileged kids. More Details.          

Breakfast with Santa
📍Rankin Lake Park in Gastonia
⏰8 - 9 a.m.
Enjoy a festive breakfast and photos with Santa (BYO camera), Afterward, enjoy Santa at the Lake (10 a.m.–12 p.m.) for free photos at the lakefront pier. More Details.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8

Dallas Christmas Parade
📍Town of Dallas Fire Department on 209 W. Main St.
⏰3:00 p.m.
Celebrate the season at the Dallas Christmas Parade! The festive fun kicks off near the Dallas Fire Department, 209 W. Main St. Don’t miss the holiday cheer!  More Details.

Carolina Panthers (3-9) at Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)
📍Away
⏰1 p.m. (FOX)
The Panthers face a daunting test in Week 14 against the surging Eagles, winners of eight straight. Can Carolina pull off a shocking upset?              

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 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.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11

Stanley Christmas Parade
📍Main Street in Stanley
⏰3 p.m.
Enjoy an afternoon of festive floats, holiday cheer, and community spirit with family and friends. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season together. 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

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

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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