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

Before we dive into this week’s updates, I want to take a moment to share a story that reminds us why community matters.

Imagine thinking you just had a stubborn case of the flu, only to find out it’s something much worse. Cancer.

Nobody sees a day like that coming. It knocks the wind right out of you and flips your whole world upside down in seconds.

That’s exactly what happened to Robby—a father of five—who, at just 33 years old, was diagnosed last month with testicular cancer that has already spread to his lungs and liver.

And so now, he fights. His family and friends continue to walk with him on this journey, doing what they can to lift him up and help him.

You can help too. After all, you have to eat tomorrow, right? 

Robby’s friend, Kereigh Etter, is donating every single tip she makes tomorrow at Charlie’s Pub in Gastonia—starting at 1 p.m. until closing—to support him and his family.

So stop by, have a bite, grab a drink, and leave a tip. Let’s show Robby he’s not in this fight alone.

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)

🎬 MOVIES IN THE PARK RETURNS TO BELMONT

Downtown Belmont’s Movies in the Park is back for 2025! Enjoy free outdoor movies on select Saturdays from April to December, plus arcade games, concessions, and food. Make sure to bring your own chairs & blankets! First up: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory on April 19!

🍀 ST. PATRICK'S DAY FESTIVITIES IN GASTON COUNTY

St. Patrick’s Day is this weekend, and Melissa McCauley with Gaston County Tourism has rounded up the best ways to celebrate! From green beer and live music to bar crawls, 5K runs, and family-friendly scavenger hunts, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the luck of the Irish right here in Gaston County!

👛 PURSE POWER: A LADIES’ NIGHT FOR LITERACY

Tickets are still available for Purse Power, United Way of Gaston County’s signature fundraiser on March 27. This event supports early childhood literacy through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and features designer purses, a live raffle, and a silent auction. Proceeds provide free books to over 1,800 kids in our county.

🍻 GASTONIA’S KEEPSAKE BREWERY MAKES TOP 10

USA TODAY has named Gastonia’s Keepsake Brewery one of the 10 best new breweries in the U.S.! This family-run spot specializes in lagers and seasonals, with a mission to give back—5% of sales from their Little Helper pale ale support nonprofits.

🐶 HELP KEEP SHELTER PETS COZY—DONATE TOWELS & BLANKETS

Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement is in need of towels and blankets for their dogs and cats. Used ones are fine if clean and in decent shape. Drop off at 1491 Business Park Ct, Gastonia, during open hours. Every donation helps!

⚾ GRIER MIDDLE TO PLAY AT CAROMONT HEALTH PARK

Grier Middle School Baseball has partnered with the Gastonia Ghost Peppers and will play home games at CaroMont Health Park this season. This opportunity gives student-athletes a pro-level experience. 

🎨 NEW MURALS BRIGHTEN GASTON COUNTY

Exciting mural updates across the county! Darion Fleming completed a stunning piece at Chronicle Mill in Belmont, Alex Colvin painted a new mural inside Cherryville High School, and Raman Bhardwaj is creating a 300+ ft nature-inspired mural on Armstrong Park Drive in Gastonia. 

📰  QUICK BITES

• Bliss Gallery’s Pause exhibit, featuring Thao Stovesand and Holy Angels resident artists, runs through March 29, celebrating diversity, creativity, and the power of expression.

• Carowinds kicks off another season of fun this Saturday, March 15. Enjoy nearly 60 rides, shows, and attractions for all ages.

• Gastonia FC announces its spring season, with the first home game on March 29 against Charleston United. All home games will be streamed live on YouTube.

• Applications are now open for the Jr. Entrepreneur Program, giving young entrepreneurs the opportunity to sell at the Belmont Farmers Market this season.

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, MARCH 13 (🌕Full Moon Tonight!)

Gaston School of Arts Children’s Playhouse presents Disney Aladdin, Jr.
📍825 Union Rd. in Gastonia
📅 Thursday, March 13 - Sunday, March 23
⏰times vary
Experience the magic of this Academy Award-winning classic brought to life on stage. Join Aladdin, Jasmine, and Genie on an unforgettable adventure filled with music, laughter, and wonder! More Details.

FRIDAY, MARCH 14

Little Theater of Gastonia presents The Color Purple
📍238 South Clay Street in Gastonia
📅 Friday, March 14 - Sunday, March 23
⏰times vary
Experience the powerful story of Celie in this Tony Award®-winning musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s beloved novel. With a soul-stirring score of jazz, gospel, blues, and more, this unforgettable production is a testament to love, hope, and resilience. More Details.

Mutant Mayhem featuring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
📍CaroMont Health Park in Gastonia
⏰6:30 p.m.
It’s movie night at the Ballpark! Enjoy a movie and celebrate Pi Day with a jumbo slice of pizza! Your $5 deal includes pizza, chips, a drink, and a movie ticket. More Details.

St. Patrick's Day Weekend
📍Jekyll & Hyde Taphouse and Grill in Belmont
📅 Friday, March 14 - Sunday, March 16
⏰times vary
Get your gears turning and wear your best steampunk greens for a St. Paddy’s celebration like no other! Live music all weekend, an Irish-inspired menu, and dazzling Irish dancers from the Connick School of Irish Dancing. More Details.

The Cherryville Little Theatre presents A Trail to Oregon
📍 301 West Academy Street in Cherryville
📅 Friday, March 14 - Saturday, March 15
⏰times vary
This R-rated, adults-only musical comedy brings the Oregon Trail to life like never before! Originally performed in Chicago, A Trail to Oregon is the most historically accurate musical about the legendary journey—complete with hilarious songs, iconic figures, and a landscape-inspired set. More Details.

SATURDAY, MARCH 15

Green River Revival
📍Whitewater in Charlotte
⏰ 9 a.m.
Kick off the fun with the Color Me Green 5K Trail Run, where you can dodge—or embrace—the green dye! Then, enjoy yoga and live music as the river transforms into a vibrant shade of green. More Details.

46th Annual Gem and Minerals Show
📍Gastonia Farmers Market
📅 Saturday, March 15 - Sunday, March 16
⏰times vary
Explore minerals and fossils from around the world! Shop quality gemstones, geodes, jewelry, and more. Try your luck at the working sluice—$5 & $10 sand buckets filled with amethyst, quartz, and more! Plus, get geodes cracked on-site. More Details.

Meet & Bleat on the Farm
📍The Schiele Museum in Gastonia
⏰11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Welcome spring with some adorable farm friends! Enjoy a day dedicated to cows—featuring special keeper talks, hands-on activities, and the chance to pet and feed these lovable animals. More Details.

The Triad Rugby Club at The Gaston County Rugby Club
📍Martha Rivers Park in Gastonia
⏰1:00 p.m.
Get ready for an electrifying afternoon of men’s rugby! The event promises a thrilling day filled with fierce tackles, strategic plays, and the unbreakable spirit of the game. More Details.

Downtown Gastonia presents the St. Paddy’s Day Bar Crawl
📍Downtown Gastonia (participating locations)
⏰ 5 p.m.
Downtown Gastonia is going green for St. Patrick’s Day! Enjoy green beer, live music, karaoke, DJs, and more at top spots around town. Sing at Cavendish Brewing, catch indie bands at The Rooster, dance at Gaston Pour House, and game at Citycade. Grab a pint and party like the Irish—Sláinte! More Details.

Downtown Belmont presents the St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl
📍Downtown Belmont (participating locations)
⏰ 12 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Enjoy festive drink specials and join the celebration at participating spots like Sammy’s Pub, The Station, Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, and more! The first 100 attendees will receive a free t-shirt (one per person). More Details.

Woodmill Winery's Spring Wine Festival
📍1350 Woodmill Winery Ln in Vale
⏰10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Guests can enjoy complimentary wine tastings, slushies, and shop from over 80 vendors. The winery will release their Concord Grape and Apple Wines, along with other varieties like Muscadine and Blueberry. Food trucks will also be on-site to provide delicious food.. More Details.

SUNDAY, MARCH 16

Leprechaun Trek
📍The Schiele Museum in Gastonia
⏰Two shows: 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.
Enjoy a fun-filled scavenger hunt for kids ages 2 - 7! Begin with a whimsical read-aloud, then follow clues to discover hidden treasures at the end of the rainbow. More Details.

TUESDAY, MARCH 18

Veterans Coffee Connection
📍Outback Steakhouse in Gastonia
⏰8:30 a.m.
Join fellow veterans on the third Tuesday each month for free coffee, doughnuts, and camaraderie. Sponsored by Carolina Caring, this welcoming group is open to veterans of all ages and branches. More Details. (Disclaimer: I am an employee of Carolina Caring.)

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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