Here we are at the tail end of August—the end of summer as we know it (and I feel fine). It took until now to spot my first lemonade stand of the season. Spot, not sip.

Meanwhile, it’s usually about this time that my wife, Jillian, grabs her first buttery pumpkin latte at Catawba Coffee in Mount Holly—a sure sign that fall is on the way.

But summer’s not giving up so easy. It always seems to rear back this time of year, reminding fall it’s not quite time yet. And in doing so, it sparks little bursts of summer magic, like Harley Tallent in Bessemer City proving kids still know how to make the best lemonade around.

Last Saturday, Harley set up her stand right in town. Dressed in all pink, rocking her My Melody Kuromi shirt, she stood proudly beside a bright yellow stand that looked every bit as good as the lemonade she was selling.

Had I known in real time, I would’ve found my way there to support her pop-up. But truth be told, Harley didn’t need me. She picked a hot (and I mean HOT) Saturday afternoon and set up in the perfect spot, right across from the police station.

Let’s just say she had herself a good day. And word from her Uncle Dustin is she may be back at it again this Saturday, slinging lemonade to passersby.

It’s clear that Harley’s got the spirit of an entrepreneur. At her age, she already knows the golden rule of business: 

Location, location, location.

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 FARMHAUSER DESIGN

✨YOUR BRAND, YOUR STORY — DESIGNED WITH PURPOSE✨

Introducing Leslie Boyd of Farmhouser Design — helping small businesses, nonprofits, and churches cut through the noise with timeless branding.

Why choose Farmhouser Design?

Clarity & Confidence — Leslie creates brand identities that look beautiful and communicate your mission clearly.

Proven Experience — With 20+ years of expertise, she balances creativity and strategy on every project.

Community-Focused — A Gaston County native, she understands local businesses and creates solutions that resonate.

Feel confident in your brand. Ready to start? CONNECT WITH LESLIE TODAY →

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

💔 KAYA GASTROLOUNGE CLOSES IN BELMONT

Kaya Gastrolounge, known for Caribbean, African, and French-inspired tapas, has officially closed after serving its final meal earlier this week. The owners expressed gratitude, calling it “a home for creativity and connection” and thanking the community.

🏰 PRAIRIE CASTLE PLAYGROUND OPENS AT DANIEL STOWE

Opening Saturday, August 30, Daniel Stowe Conservancy’s Prairie Castle Playground features a three-story castle—two levels wheelchair accessible—set in the Piedmont Prairie. Families can explore, imagine, and follow the Adventure Trail to discover the dragon said to guard it.

🏃 RHINO RUN FOR EDUCATION COMES TO GASTON COLLEGE

Lace up for the Rhino Run on Saturday, September 27, at Gaston College’s Dallas Campus. Choose a 5K or 2K, with 20% of each registration benefiting local schools. Build community, support education, and celebrate with awards afterward. ($)

📝 SHAPE THE FUTURE OF DOWNTOWN GASTONIA

Downtown Gastonia is changing, and your input matters. The Downtown Strategic Committee invites you to share what businesses, attractions, and improvements you’d like to see. Help reimagine downtown by completing the community survey today

🎙️ GASTON’S GREAT WELCOMES JIMMY MCCALLISTER

This week’s Gaston’s Great podcast spotlights Jimmy McCallister, whose journey from West Virginia to Gastonia reflects faith-driven leadership. He shares lessons on resilience, launching his “2.0” chapter, and emphasizes community commitment through Rotary, youth athletics, and FCA in an inspiring conversation.

🥧 PIES AND SIDES FEATURED ON QC LIFE

Mount Holly’s Pies and Sides was spotlighted on QC Life, showcasing Kristen Roberson’s savory pies, including chicken pot pie and taco pie. Her mission: simplify family dinnertime with comforting, homemade meals that are easy to enjoy together.

📰  QUICK BITES

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

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BLISS GALLERY

✨NEW EXHIBIT: CREATIVE CONNECTIONS AT BELMONT'S BLISS GALLERY✨

Meet Bliss Gallery – a sponsored business of Holy Angels where differently able artists showcase incredible creativity alongside renowned guest artists!

• Creative Connections Exhibit – Stunning show featuring award-winning wildlife photographer Cathy Thorsell and nature-inspired woodworker Mike Ferguson

• Opening Reception Tonight – Thursday, August 21st from 6-8pm, exhibit runs through September 27th

• Holy Angels Artists Featured – Original works by DiDi, Mary Ellen, Elise, and Chris displayed alongside guest pieces

• Free Admission & Impact – 25 N. Main Street, Belmont - purchases support meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities

Ready to experience Creative Connections? VISIT BLISS GALLERY TODAY →

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21  

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

Carolina Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Preseason)
📍 Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
⏰ 7 p.m. (NFL Network)
Final preseason game at home against Pittsburgh. More Details. 

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

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22

Carolina Speedway Racing – River Wars #1
📍 6355 Union Road, Gastonia
⏰ Gates open 4 p.m., Racing 7 p.m.
Carolina Speedway hosts River Wars #1 with six divisions including Late Models, Street Stock, Renegade Sportsman, Thunder Bomber, Hornets, and Crown Vic. More Details.

Friday Night Football – Week 1
📍 Various stadiums
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
Bessemer City at Pine Lake Prep
Cherryville at North Stokes
Forestview at Stuart Cramer
Hickory at South Point
Hunter Huss at T.C. Roberson
Lincoln Charter at Highland Tech
North Gaston at East Gaston
Shelby at Kings Mountain
West Mecklenburg at Ashbrook

Free Baseball Clinic
📍 Harold Rankin Park, Lowell
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Lowell Parks and Recreation hosts a youth baseball clinic offering drills, instruction, and skills training for young players. More Details.

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs. Lancaster Stormers  (3-game series)
📍 800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia
📅Friday, August 22 - Sunday, August 24
⏰ times vary
Enjoy baseball, ballpark eats, and family fun all weekend long. More Details.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fresh produce, baked goods, meats, and flowers from Gaston County farmers. More Details.

NC BeachBlast Festival
📍 Patriots Park, Kings Mountain
⏰ 12 – 10 p.m.
The 26th Annual BeachBlast Festival returns with live beach music, vendors, kids’ activities, and fun for the whole family. More Details.

Kings Mountain Farmers’ Market
📍 313 South Battleground Ave., Kings Mountain
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Shop local produce, goods, and crafts at the downtown market. More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Fresh produce and artisan items at Mount Holly’s community farmers market. More Details.

Clear The Shelters Adoption Day
📍 1491 Business Park Court, Gastonia
⏰ 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Annual adoption event featuring reduced fees and meet-and-greet opportunities to help shelter animals find loving homes across Gaston County. More Details.

Bug Day
📍 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Celebrate the wild and wonderful world of insects, arachnids, and every bug in between with hands-on activities, exhibits, and fun for families. More Details.

Pickin on the Porch
📍 Trailhead Store, Belmont
⏰ 2–4 p.m.
Enjoy free live music from talented local artists during Trailhead Store’s porch series. Family-friendly fun every Saturday afternoon, weather permitting.  More Details.

Dark Belmont
📍 Primal Brewery, Belmont
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
Spirited stories and community gathering at Primal Brewery for Belmont’s quirky, spooky night out. More Details.

MONDAY, AUGUST 25

Trivia Night
📍 Gaston County Library Main Branch, Gastonia
⏰ 6 - 7 p.m.
Test your knowledge in a fun and relaxed trivia night at the library. Free to join. More Details.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 26

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 farms. More Details.

Veterans Lunch
📍 Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 805 S. York St., Gastonia
⏰ 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
A soup and sandwich lunch to honor veterans. RSVP by the Friday before: 704-864-0378.

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!

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