The Watermelon Stroll is this weekend, and I'll admit I'm curious.

You don't find many reasons to celebrate on the farm in August. Spring has planting season. Fall gets all the harvest festivals. But August? August is mostly hot, humid, and spent trying to keep everything alive until cooler weather arrives.

So I have to tip my hat to the folks putting this event together. Watermelons are certainly worthy of a celebration.

My brother and I even wrote a song once called “Watermelons for the Fellas”. It wasn't very good, but we didn't care. Nobody else seemed to be writing songs about watermelons, so we figured somebody had to.

When I was growing up, every watermelon came with seeds. Kids today may never know the joy of seeing who could spit one the farthest across the backyard.

I'm perfectly happy with seedless watermelons now, but I do miss the old greasy watermelon contests at the neighborhood pool. Someone would coat a watermelon with Crisco, toss it into the deep end, and then watch a dozen kids chase the world's largest bar of soap. The harder you squeezed, the faster it shot out of your hands. It was ridiculous, exhausting, and absolutely unforgettable.

I have no idea what the Watermelon Stroll has planned. Maybe there will be a seed-spitting contest. Or maybe a watermelon-eating contest. What about a good friendly game of watermelon bowling?

Whatever happens, every good farm food festival needs a little royalty. So if they're accepting applications, I'd like to officially announce my candidacy for Watermelon King. 

My qualifications include eating watermelon, remembering greasy watermelon contests, and writing one truly terrible watermelon song.

The annual Ladies Night Out: Makers Market and Fashion Show returns Friday, August 7 from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. Sodoma Law Belmont is a proud community sponsor of this celebration of women and local business. Enjoy:

Tickets are cheaper before the door. GET TICKETS NOW →

Downtown Gastonia loses a good one this weekend as Mic's Kitchen closes after service Saturday. Owner Chyncia Rodgers says the decision allows her to spend more time with family while focusing on Mic's Mini Market. The food truck, online ordering, and delivery will continue, and breakfast is coming soon.

The second annual Strong Like AK Low Country Boil returns Sept. 12 at South Point Social. The fundraiser honors the legacy of Adam Kincaid, a Gaston County teen whose battle with pediatric cancer inspired the nonprofit. Proceeds help provide housing, financial assistance, and memorable experiences for families facing childhood cancer. 

Mount Holly has unveiled two new public art installations at Tuckaseege Park and the nearby community center. Artist Jake Summerour's colorful mural celebrates the city's waterways, wildlife, and trails, while Leigh Brinkley's decorative windscreen honors the Cherokee origins of the name "Tuckaseege." Both are now on display and already drawing rave reviews from residents.

With the first day of school just weeks away, several Gaston County organizations are hosting free back-to-school events offering backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, meals, and other resources. Events are planned in Gastonia, Belmont, Dallas, and Mount Holly, with supplies available while they last. [Gaston Gazette]

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and Edgar Sandoval marked the occasion by sharing photos from one of the film's Gastonia locations. The Mid-Town Motor Inn on South Chester Street served as the motel where Ricky Bobby's dad famously lived.

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 (7/30) — Hagerstown Flying Boxcars @ 7 p.m.
Friday (7/31) — Hagerstown Flying Boxcars @ 7 p.m.
Saturday (8/1) — Hagerstown Flying Boxcars @ 4 p.m.
Sunday (8/2) — Hagerstown Flying Boxcars @ 4 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.

Escape Jurassic Park
📍 Gaston County Public Library, Lowell Branch
⏰ 3 to 6 p.m.
The dinosaurs are on the loose! Try this 30-minute escape room adventure for ages 10 and older. Registration is required. More Details.

Harry Potter's Birthday Party
📍 Gaston County Public Library, Belmont Branch
⏰ 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Celebrate Harry Potter's birthday with magical activities and fun for fans of all ages. More Details.

First Cup Connections Kick-Off
📍 Canal Coffee, 1957 Hoffman Road, Gastonia
⏰ 9:30 a.m.
Start your day with coffee and conversation at the Montcross Area Chamber's new networking series. The kickoff includes a ribbon cutting for Canal Coffee's new Gastonia location and an opportunity to connect with local business professionals. More Details. 

Live Music feat. Bazz the Granddude
📍 Parsifal Books, Lowell
⏰ 7 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of original songs and classic rock favorites from singer-songwriter Bazz the Granddude. Free admission. More Details.

Live Music feat. Stone Temple Project & Let Love Rule
📍 The Rooster, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Enjoy tribute performances celebrating Stone Temple Pilots and Lenny Kravitz. Doors open at 6 p.m. More Details.

Belmont Drive-In feat. Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Moana (2026)
📍 314 McAdenville Rd, Belmont
📅 Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1
⏰ Sunset
Watch new releases on the big screen during a family-friendly night under the stars. More Details.

Beat the Heat Kayak & SUP Meetup
📍 Dutchman's Creek Access Area, Mount Holly
⏰ 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Cool off with a beginner-friendly morning paddle hosted by Red Tails Outdoors. Bring your own kayak or reserve a rental. More Details.

The Watermelon Stroll
📍 Lineberger's Maple Springs Farm, Dallas
⏰ 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Celebrate summer with watermelon tastings, local vendors, live music, food trucks, drinks, and family activities. Free admission. More Details.

Ready, Set, Grow! Community Back-to-School Event
📍 Eastridge Mall, Gastonia
⏰ 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Families can receive free school supplies, physicals, meals, giveaways, and connect with community organizations. Students must be present. More Details.

Bro2Bro Card Show
📍 Belmont Foursquare Church
⏰ Noon to 7 p.m.
Buy, sell, and trade sports cards and trading card games with collectors and vendors from across the region. More Details.

Jerry Garcia Birthday Celebration
📍 Primal Brewery, Belmont
⏰ 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Celebrate Jerry Garcia's birthday with free live music, craft beer, and pizza at Primal Brewery. More Details.

Belmont Farmers Market Tomato Festival
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Celebrate tomato season with local vendors, fresh produce, baked goods, and Belmont's inaugural Tomato Pie Baking Contest. More Details.

Live Music in the Park feat. The Swingin' Medallions
📍 Harold Rankin Park, Lowell
⏰ 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Celebrate America's 250th anniversary with live music, family activities, and community fun in Lowell. More Details.

Summer Art Film Series: Turner & Constable
📍 Gaston County Public Library Main Branch, Gastonia
⏰ 6 p.m.
Learn about rival British painters J.M.W. Turner and John Constable during this free summer film screening exploring two masters whose landscapes transformed the art world. 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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