Can Downtown Gastonia Find Its Next Fish Camp Jam?

Steve D’Avria asked the question this week: What are your favorite memories from the Fish Camp Jam?

Just as you’d expect, the thread filled up fast. People love reminiscing about the good ol’ days.

One commenter even suggested bringing the Fish Camp Jam back.

I can understand why people who grew up going would say that. Nostalgia is a powerful drug, but I don’t have a catfish in this race. It ended about the time I came to town, and sadly, nothing ever took its place.

And yet, all these years later, we still don’t have that signature Downtown Gastonia event.

One great thing about Gaston County is our small, unique towns. The challenge is that they all tend to do their own thing.

Mount Holly, for example, has its 8th annual Lantern Parade this Saturday. It has become an event that’s uniquely theirs.

Every town has a Christmas parade. Every town does 4th of July fireworks. Every town has outdoor concerts. But what makes each one stand out?

So should we bring back the Fish Camp Jam? I’m not sure. There’s a whole generation of kids who don’t even know what a fish camp is, much less what the Fish Camp Jam was.

Still, it feels like Downtown Gastonia is on the verge of something special. I’ve heard that in various iterations for the last 25 years, but this time it feels different.

DTG, as the cool kids call it, will find its next Fish Camp Jam. It just won’t look anything like the Fish Camp Jam.

There are a lot of people in Downtown Gastonia who care deeply about shaping what “DTG 2.0” becomes, not just for today, but for the generations to come.

So let’s celebrate and remember the Fish Camp Jam. It had a good 16 year run. Enjoy the memories. But don’t let nostalgia decide what’s next. DTG 2.0 is forward thinking and will figure out where it’s headed.

And I, for one, can’t wait to see what happens next.

As one Downtown Gastonia supporter Erica Southers says, “Don’t sleep on DTG.”

Thank you for reading! Please share with your friends and neighbors!

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GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🏮 MAIN STREET SHINES FOR LANTERN PARADE

Downtown Mount Holly will glow during the 8th Annual Lantern Parade as hundreds of handmade lanterns illuminate Main Street. This magical, after-dark event begins at 7 p.m. and showcases creativity, community spirit, and light-filled fun for all ages.

🍨 LA DELIZIA OPENS SWEET SPOT IN MCADENVILLE

The team behind Terra Mia has quietly opened La Delizia on Main Street, serving fresh sandwiches, pastries, and creamy house-made gelato. The cozy Italian café is in soft-opening mode now, with a grand opening set for Sunday, October 26. Stop by and say benvenuto!

🎶 JG’S VINYL & MORE SPINS RETRO MAGIC IN DOWNTOWN GASTONIA

Featured in Laresa Thompson’s Gastonia City Sights series, JG’s’s Vinyl & More brings back the thrill of flipping through vinyl bins and rediscovering classics. From KISS and Prince to Taylor Swift and 2Pac, this downtown record shop at 322 W. Main Avenue also features guitars, amps, and music memorabilia that make it hard to leave. 

📻 WSGE 91.7 FM CELEBRATES 45 YEARS OF LOCAL RADIO

Gaston College’s WSGE 91.7 FM marks 45 years this Monday, October 27. Since 1980, the volunteer-powered station has showcased blues, rock, soul, and beach music while training students and serving the community. Today, it reaches listeners across 10 counties as “Your Independent Music Source.” 

🎓 FREE CNA TRAINING WITH CAROLINA CARING

Carolina Caring, a leading serious illness health care provider, is offering a free, 4-week Certified Nurse Aide course from January 12–February 9, 2026, weekdays 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Books, supplies, scrubs, and testing fees are fully covered. Graduates may be offered employment and receive a $1,300 sign-on bonus upon hire. Apply by November 14, 2025. ($)

🎙️ GASTON’S GREAT: ALI PIZA ON GHOST TOURS & DALLAS HISTORY

Host Steven Long chats with Gaston County Museum director Ali Piza about Dallas history, the Tony’s Ice Cream exhibit, and the museum’s popular Haunted Dallas ghost tours. They also discuss how the museum connects local art, history, and community stories across Gaston County.

🎉 THE WANDERING CUP CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS

The Wandering Cup is marking its 5th anniversary with a weeklong celebration of coffee, community, and connection. From daily drink specials to live music and giveaways, the milestone includes something for everyone—plus the limited-edition Birthday Cake Latte. Join the fun in Belmont and Gastonia all week!

🗳️ GBA PARTNERS WITH THE ELECTION HUB

The Gaston Business Association is teaming up with The Election Hub, a nonprofit formerly part of The Charlotte Ledger, to share reliable, factual information about local election candidates in Gastonia, Belmont, and Mount Holly. 

🎣 FISH CAMP JAM MEMORIES RESURFACE

Downtown Gastonia supporter Steve D’Avria sparked a wave of nostalgia with his post asking locals to share memories of the Fish Camp Jam from the ’80s and ’90s. From catfish races to live music, the community is reminiscing and dreaming of its return.

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

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GO-SEE-DO GASTON

PLAN AHEAD

Southern Christmas Show
📍 The Park Expo & Conference Center, Charlotte
📅 Thursday, November 13 - Sunday, November 23
⏰ times vary
Step into a winter wonderland filled with holiday décor, handmade gifts, festive music, and treats galore. A beloved regional tradition celebrating the spirit of Christmas shopping and charm. More Details.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23

Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Glenway Street, Belmont
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
Shop local produce, baked goods, and handmade items in the heart of downtown Belmont. More Details.

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

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24

Belmont Drive-In: Casper & Night of the Living Dead
📍 Belmont Drive-In, Belmont
📅 Friday, October 24 - Saturday, October 25
⏰ Dusk
Enjoy a classic double feature under the stars with Casper (1995) followed by Night of the Living Dead (1968). More Details.

Friday Night Football
📍 various stadiums
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
Get ready for a big night of local football action! Matchups include Bessemer City at Shelby, Crest at Ashbrook, Forestview at South Point, Highland Tech at Burns, Kings Mountain at Hunter Huss, Stuart Cramer at Cherryville, and West Lincoln at East Gaston.

Haunted Dallas Ghost Tours
📍 131 W Main St, Dallas
⏰ 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Every Friday in October (except Halloween). $10 per person, free for members. More Details.

The Topless Cruise: Convertibles for a Cause
📍First Presbyterian Church in Belmont
⏰Check-in at 9 a.m.; Cruise starts at 10 a.m.
Founded by Denise Price Thomas in 2013, this scenic cruise raises funds for Cancer Services of Gaston County. All vehicles welcome; donations support local families affected by cancer. More Details.

Little Shop of Horrors
📍 Little Theater of Gastonia, Gastonia
📅 Friday, October 24 - Sunday, October 26
⏰ times vary
The cult-classic musical comedy returns! Laugh, scream, and sing along with Seymour and the man-eating plant Audrey II. More Details.

Trail O’ Treats
📍 1500 E. Garrison Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 4–8 p.m.
Trick-or-treat along the nature trail, carve turnips, meet spooky animals, and hunt for Bigfoot! Costumes encouraged; bring a flashlight and goody bag. All ages welcome. More Details.

Stowe Family YMCA Fall Fest
📍 Stowe Family YMCA, Belmont
⏰ 6–8 p.m.
Celebrate fall with trunk-or-treating, games, dancing, crafts, food trucks, and a bonfire with s’mores! Costumes encouraged. Proceeds benefit youth programs. More Details.

Pumpkin Piddle Paddle
📍 River Street Park, 300 N. River Street, Mount Holly
⏰ 6–8:30 p.m.
Watch glowing jack-o’-lanterns float down the river, enjoy music, food trucks, a bounce house, and treat trails. Costumes welcome. Free event. More Details.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25

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

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Browse fresh produce, baked goods, and flowers at Mount Holly’s premier Saturday morning market. More Details.

Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade & Costume Contest
📍 24 S. Main Street, Belmont
⏰ 10 a.m.
Show off your furry friend’s best costume in this fun pet parade! $10 registration benefits Gaston County Animal Care & Enforcement. More Details.

Cramerton Concert Series: Coming Up Brass
📍 Centennial Center, 100 Center Street, Cramerton
⏰ 6–8 p.m.
Enjoy a lively night of beach, funk, and R&B hits from Coming Up Brass. Bring chairs or blankets. Free admission. More Details.

8th Annual Lantern Parade
📍 Downtown Mount Holly
⏰ 7 p.m.
Watch Main Street glow as hundreds of handmade lanterns of all shapes and sizes light up the night in this magical after-dark parade. More Details.

Movies in the Park: Halloweentown
📍 24 S. Main Street, Belmont
⏰ 7 p.m.
Celebrate Halloween early with a magical screening of Halloweentown in the crisp fall air. More Details.

BooFest
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 2–7 p.m.
Enjoy carnival rides, food trucks, vendors, touch-a-truck, and trick-or-treating fun! More Details.

 Gastonia FC vs. Sporting Soccer Academy
📍 George Poston Park, Lowell
⏰1 p.m.
Don’t miss this fall showdown as Gastonia FC battles Sporting on their home turf. More Details.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26

Carolina Panthers vs. Buffalo Bills
📍 Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
⏰ 1 p.m. (FOX)
Josh Allen and the Bills roll into Charlotte for Week 8.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced produce, farm-fresh meats, homemade baked goods, and locally grown flowers. 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!

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