Hello, Gaston! It’s Thursday, you know what that means.

Although truth be told, I’m writing this on Wednesday night. And sadly, my winter weather hopes have been dashed again. Maybe this morning will be better than yesterday’s disappointment.

Even my 4-year-old daughter’s enthusiasm for snow is fading after two failed attempts. She’s not totally giving up, but her doubts are growing as the snow melts almost instantly each time.

However, there is hope! WCNC’s Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich says 50% of snow falls between February and April, with March 2nd being the snowiest day.

As a glass-half-full guy, I’m betting on March 2!

Thanks for reading!

Ben

P.S. If you enjoyed this week’s newsletter, please pass it along to someone who you’d think would enjoy it!

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🎉 MOUNT HOLLY UNVEILS EXCITING 2025 EVENT CALENDAR

Mark your calendars—Mount Holly's 2025 event lineup is here! Get ready for a year of fun, from the Toddler Easter Egg Hunt to the Christmas Parade. Highlights include the popular Mount Holly Nights concert series, the Lantern Parade, and Miracle on Main Street. Don’t miss out—plan ahead for a great year!

🍦 TONY’S ICE CREAM GETS THE MUSEUM TREATMENT

The Gaston County Museum is honoring over 100 years of Tony’s Ice Cream with The Old-Fashioned Way: The Tony’s Ice Cream Story, opening March 8. Visitors can explore exhibits, a documentary on the Coletta family, and the legacy of their famous chocolate ice cream. The exhibit runs through July 2026, with free admission! [Southpark Magazine]

 🌱 THE COMMUNITY SEED BANK IS BACK

The TECH at Lowell’s Community Seed Bank is back from its winter hiatus. In partnership with the Master Gardener Group of Gaston County, free seeds are now available to help gardeners get a head start on the season. Stop by to pick up seeds and start planting!

💙 GASTONIA EAST ROTARY GIVES $20K IN COMMUNITY GRANTS

Thanks to the success of the Gastonia Concert Series, the Gastonia East Rotary Club awarded $20,000 to 17 local nonprofits—bringing total contributions to over $245,000 in the past decade! Sponsorships for the 2025 series (starting in May) are now available.

📻 WSGE 91.7 FM SHINES IN QUEEN CITY NERVE FEATURE

Queen City Nerve, Charlotte’s alternative newspaper, put the spotlight earlier this month on WSGE 91.7 FM and its dedication to independent, community radio under new manager Regan Brown. She’s expanding outreach, launching a mobile app, and supporting local artists. WSGE keeps delivering its signature mix of Americana, rock, blues, and beach music while strengthening community ties.

🎩 SEUSS-TASTIC CELEBRATION & PARADE IN BELMONT

The Cat’s out of the bag—Dr. Seuss’ Birthday is almost here! Celebrate at Belmont Bookshop on Sunday, March 2, with crafts, storytime, and silly rhymes. Then, join the Cat in the Hat for a fun-filled walking parade around Stowe Park in Downtown Belmont. Don’t be late—it’s time to celebrate!

⚾ GHOST PEPPERS UNVEIL 2025 PROMO SCHEDULE

The Gastonia Ghost Pepper unveiled their 2025 promo schedule this week featuring returning favorites like Military Appreciation (May 24-25) and Christmas in July (July 18-19), plus new events like Star Wars Night (May 10) and Kids Takeover (July 20). The season opens April 25 with Fan Fest. Weekly promos include Chewsday, Senior Series, and Thirsty Thursdays.

📰  QUICK BITES

• The Big Lots on Park Street in Belmont is among 200 stores likely to stay open.
  

• Webb Custom Kitchen stars in a new NC Lottery commercial!
  

• Ace alert! Andrea Crowley nails a hole-in-one at Cramer Mountain!

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Board Game Night
📍Belmont Bookshop in Belmont
⏰6:30 - 8 p.m.
Game lovers unite! All skill levels are welcome. Play board games, meet new friends, and enjoy a fun evening of friendly competition. Free to attend, registration is encouraged. More Details.

Master Gardener Group of Gaston County presents Dr. Patrick McMillan
📍Citizens Resource Center in Dallas
⏰10 - 11 a.m.
You’re invited to hear Dr. Patrick McMillan, Horticulturist for the Town of Cary and host of PBS’s Expeditions with Patrick McMillan, discuss how to incorporate native plants into your landscape—even with HOA restrictions—while benefiting wildlife like birds, bees, and butterflies.  More Details.    

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Belmont Abbey Players presents The Importance of Being Earnest
📍Haid Theater at Belmont Abbey College
📆 February 21 - 23
⏰times vary
Audiences are invited to enjoy Oscar Wilde’s timeless satire, filled with wit, mistaken identities, and Victorian-era charm. The story follows Jack and Algernon as they navigate love and social expectations through hilariously deceptive antics. More Details.

Friday Night Live Music featuring Falllift
📍Confluence South Fork in Cramerton
⏰7 - 9 p.m.
Bring your friends, family, or a date to enjoy an evening of incredible performances by talented artists. More Details. 

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Movie Night featuring Wonka
📍CaroMont Health Park in Gastonia
⏰Gates open at 6 p.m.; movie starts at 7 p.m.
Catch Wonka on the big screen at the ballpark! Admission is just $1, and you can grab a $5 hot dog meal at concessions. More Details. 

Camp Centurion Open House
📍2126 Bess Town Road in Bessemer City
⏰10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Tour the residence, meet the team, and learn how Camp Centurion helps veterans reintegrate. Refreshments provided—bring family and friends to support this vital mission! More Details.    

Family Movie Morning featuring Gnomeo and Juliet
📍Gaston County Public Library (1555 E Garrison Blvd,) in Gastonia
⏰10:30 a.m.
Bring the family to experience a free screening of Gnomeo and Juliet! This animated twist on Shakespeare’s classic tale features an all-star British voice cast, including James McAvoy and Emily Blunt. More Details.

Fossil Fair
📍The Schiele Museum in Gastonia
⏰9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Explore fossils, rocks, and minerals, take a Dino Safari, and enjoy hands-on activities for all ages! Plus, get a sneak peek at the upcoming Elizabeth Williams Robinson Hall of Dinosaurs now under construction. More Details.

Coffee & Conversation: Meet the Artists of Taking Root
📍Bliss Gallery in Belmont
⏰10 a.m. - noon
Meet the talented artists behind their newest exhibit, Taking Root. Enjoy great conversation and learn about their unique styles, from calligraphy to encaustic and paper art. More Details.

Garden Planning & Cool Season Crops
📍 Gaston County Public Library (Main Branch) in Gastonia
⏰11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join Master Gardener Julie Wyatt for a workshop on planning your spring garden, with a focus on cool-season crops! Presented by Gaston County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. More Details.

Oddities & Curiosities Expo
📍Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte
📆 February 22 - 23
⏰times vary
Browse hand-selected vendors featuring taxidermy, preserved specimens, horror art, creepy collectibles, and more. Enjoy live sideshow performances and even take a taxidermy class. More Details. 

South Fork Supper Club Kickoff Event
📍The River Room in McAdenville
⏰6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Don’t miss the first South Fork Supperclub, a monthly dining experience in McAdenville! Enjoy a curated tapas menu by Chef Ant Soriana of Feel Good Meals, featuring Shrimp & Salmon Cakes, Eggplant Caponata & more. Live music by PJ Brunson. More Details.

The Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Gaston County
📍Lineberger Park in Gastonia
⏰10 a.m.
Take the plunge for a great cause! Support Special Olympics Gaston County by diving into icy waters. Raise funds to earn your spot—and extra incentives! Whether you jump or cheer, every splash makes a difference! More Details.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Belmont Farmers Market - Winter Market
📍Stowe Park in Belmont
⏰11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Shop local this winter for fresh produce, handmade goods, baked treats, and unique gifts from familiar vendors, all in a cozy outdoor setting. More Details.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25

The Robert Cray Band
📍Comma Performing Arts Center in Morganton
⏰7:30 p.m.
Legendary rocker Robert Cray brings his blues to town! With five Grammys and a career spanning decades, Cray blends blues, soul, and rock like no other. 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

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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