There is always something new to learn here in the South.

My mother-in-law isn't from around here. She's from this other world called New Jersey. Every now and then, she'll text me with a question about some Southern tradition that makes absolutely no sense to her.

Earlier this month, I got a text out of the blue:

"OK, I have to ask. What the heck is a tomato sandwich?"

So I explained it the best I could, even as someone who doesn't care much for fresh tomatoes. Two slices of white bread. A ripe tomato sliced thick. Mayonnaise. Salt. Pepper.

I didn't tell her what brand of mayonnaise to use. But you know.

She's still learning. That's part of the fun of living in the South. There always seems to be another tradition, another recipe, or another phrase you've never heard before.

The funny thing is, I've lived here my whole life, and I'm still discovering new things.

Which is why I couldn’t believe it when I learned about Cool Whip sandwiches. How have I made it this far on this planet without hearing about those?

Growing up, my brother had his own culinary masterpiece. Whenever we'd visit our grandparents in Virginia, he'd skip the ham, turkey, and roast beef. Instead, he'd pile Cheetos in between two slices of white bread and call it lunch.

We all have our thing, I guess.

But a Cool Whip sandwich? That's a new one on me. I don't know if it's Southern or Northern. It sounds more like something Pee-wee Herman would've invented on a Saturday morning episode of Pee-wee's Playhouse.

Apparently, though, it's real.

And this coming Monday, the Kiser Senior Center in Bessemer City will bring the idea to life with an event called Monday Munchies, where adults 50 and older can stop by and make Cool Whip sandwiches to take home as part of a free summer program. 

Who knows? Maybe I've been missing out all these years. I am 50 now, after all. If there has ever been a sign that it's time to try a Cool Whip sandwich, this might be it. 

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Musician, actor, bestselling author, and keynote speaker Jimmy Wayne recently returned to Gaston County, revisiting Crowders Mountain, the Joy Performance Center, Tony's Ice Cream, Sims Legion Park, B&B Variety & Discount Grocery, and McDonald's Family Restaurant. Along the way, he shared heartfelt stories of childhood, foster family memories, and the places that helped shape his remarkable journey.

Registration for the Christmastown 5K opens this Saturday at 10 a.m. The festive race takes runners through one of the world's most celebrated Christmas light displays each November. Last year's event sold out in just six hours, so organizers expect spots to go quickly.

The calendar is filling with back-to-school activities and fall events. If you'd like to feature your business or seasonal promotion in an upcoming edition of Hello, Gaston!, reach out today to learn more and reserve your preferred date.

A new StoryWalk® has opened along the Adventure Trail at Daniel Stowe Conservancy, featuring a bilingual children's book displayed across 21 interactive panels. Made possible by a grant from the Gaston Association of Realtors, the half-mile experience currently features Scary Gary and the Super Sock by C.G. Baird.

Bonico is inviting locals to stop by its McAdenville shop, where visitors can browse gifts, host private parties, or learn to play Mahjong. Owner Ashleigh Flynn recently introduced herself to followers, welcoming new faces and sharing the heart behind one of Gaston County's newest boutique destinations.

The Beacon Coffee says it will remain in its current trailer after plans to move into a nearby barn fell through. Owners say they're still committed to opening a permanent brick-and-mortar coffee shop when the right opportunity comes along.

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.

Tuesday (7/28) — Hagerstown Flying Boxcars @ 6 p.m.
Thursday (7/30) — Hagerstown Flying Boxcars @ 7 p.m.
Friday (7/31) — Hagerstown Flying Boxcars @ 7 p.m.

MAKE ’m SMILE North Carolina
📍 CaroMont Health Park, Gastonia
📅 Saturday, August 29
⏰ 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
MAKE ’m SMILE is a free celebration for children and adults with special needs and their immediate families. Enjoy games, bounce houses, crafts, food, live entertainment, and more. Hosted by First Assembly of Gastonia and Nathaniel's Hope. More Details.

Village Market
📍 Farmhouse Courtyard at Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont
⏰ 4 to 6 p.m.
Shop fresh produce, handcrafted goods, baked treats, flowers and specialty items from local farmers and artisans. Admission is free, and no registration is required. More Details.

Analog Craft Night
📍 500 E. Central Ave., Mount Holly
⏰ 6 to 9 p.m.
Bring a small craft project, unplug for the evening and enjoy the company of fellow makers. Admission is $5 per person. More Details.

Ken, Lynn & Friends Variety Show
📍 McCord Family Park, 100 W. First St., Cramerton
⏰ 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Enjoy a free evening of live music, local talent and community fun at McCord Family Park. More Details.

Comedian Ray Money & Friends
📍 Aura Cocktail Lounge, 182 W. Main Ave., Gastonia
⏰ Doors open at 7 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m.
Ray Money, Zack Johnson and Angie Schultz deliver an evening of stand-up comedy. Reserve tickets early because seating is limited. More Details.

Music Under the Stars: Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon"
📍 The Schiele Museum of Natural History, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia
⏰ 6 to 7 p.m.
Experience The Album Series Band performing Pink Floyd's iconic album live beneath stunning 360-degree visuals inside The Schiele's planetarium. Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for the general public. More Details.

Dark Belmont Walking Tour
📍 Primal Brewery, Belmont
📅 Friday, July 24 & Saturday, July 25
⏰ 8 to 9 p.m.
Explore Belmont's haunted history on a guided evening walking tour through downtown. Advance registration is required. More Details.

Free Nature Photography Walk
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont
⏰ 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Professional photographer Nelson Stegall leads a relaxed walk focused on slowing down, observing nature and capturing meaningful images. Cameras and cell phones are welcome. More Details.

Christmas in July
📍 The Grand Hall, 400 E. Central Ave., Mount Holly
⏰ 6 to 9 p.m.
Celebrate Christmas early with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live music from The Yuletides, food trucks, local vendors, children's activities and more. Admission is free. More Details.

The Moore Vault Card & Toy Collectible Show
📍 Tuckaseegee Community Center, 105 Sports Lane, Mount Holly
⏰ 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Browse more than 100 vendor tables featuring sports cards, Pokémon, toys, comics, collectibles and more. The event also includes giveaways, autograph opportunities and a special appearance by former Carolina Panthers player Captain Munnerlyn. Children 12 and younger are admitted free. More Details.

Master Gardener Gardening Program feat Nathan Champan
📍 Gaston County Public Library
⏰ 11 a.m. to noon
Nathan Chapman of The Schiele Museum of Natural History shares gardening tips and expertise during this free educational program. More Details.

Community Back 2 School Field Day
📍 Harold Rankin Park, 519 Park Circle, Lowell
⏰ 2 to 5 p.m.
Enjoy an afternoon of family fun with field day games, water activities and community connections. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring optional school supply donations to support local students. More Details.

80z Nation
📍 Muddy River Distillery, 250 N. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 7 to 10 p.m.
Travel back to the 1980s as 80z Nation performs the decade's biggest rock and pop hits during a high-energy night of live music. More Details.

Belmont Movie in the Park feat. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
📍 Stowe Park, 24 S. Main St., Belmont
⏰ 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy a free outdoor movie under the stars featuring The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy concessions, arcade games and family fun. More Details.

Free Youth Baseball Clinic
📍 Harold Rankin Park, 519 Park Circle, Lowell
⏰ 4 to 6 p.m.
Young ballplayers ages 7 to 13 are invited to this free instructional clinic focused on building baseball skills, learning the game and having fun on the field. More Details.

Monday Munchies
📍 123 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Bessemer City
⏰ 10 to 11 a.m.
Adults ages 50 and older can make tasty Cool Whip sandwiches to take home during this free summer program. RSVP by calling 704-729-6465. 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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