There are firsts, and there are lasts.

Tonight is both for my daughter, Amelia. She’s celebrating her Pre-K graduation tonight. At 5 years old, it’s her first graduation-like ceremony and the last days of this chapter of childhood.

It’s bittersweet, as you can imagine. I knew this day was coming, but somehow it still snuck up on me. How are we already here?

Amelia was conceived before COVID and born right in the middle of it. A strange and uncertain time to bring a child into the world, or at least that’s how it felt then. We had no idea what the story ahead would look like.

But we found our way through it. One day at a time.

Now here we are five and a half years later, watching this little girl walk across a Pre-K stage and into the next chapter of her life.

Later this year comes kindergarten. Another first for her. Another reminder of just how fast time moves.

Again, how did we get here? And how do you get through all of it as a parent? One day at a time. Just like before.

Time keeps marching on, and our little girl keeps growing up right before our eyes. Here’s to the firsts, the lasts, and all the moments in between.

Two more things before we go today.:

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A new concept called Piedmont Delicatessen is headed to Downtown Gastonia, serving sandwiches, chips, and drinks during daytime hours before transforming into a hidden speakeasy at night. Owner Steven Bradshaw says the deli is targeting a July opening with daily lunch service from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

An interactive map is giving Gaston County residents a preview of the future Spencer Mountain trail system coming to George Poston Park. The project will feature hiking trails, scenic overlooks, a summit observation deck, and connections stretching toward Daniel Stowe Conservancy. Trails are expected to open later this year.

Festival season, farmers markets, baseball nights, and sunny weekends are bringing people out across Gaston County. If you want local families to discover your business this spring and summer, now’s a great time to advertise in Hello, Gaston! Affordable spots available for businesses, events, and community organizations. Reach out today!

Laresa Thompson’s latest Gastonia City Sights segment serves as a “parking cheat sheet” for downtown visitors heading to restaurants, concerts, and Ghost Peppers games. The guide highlights convenient free parking lots near CaroMont Health Park and other busy spots so visitors can spend less time circling downtown.

Belmont Abbey baseball earned the No. 7 seed in the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional and plays No. 2 seed Catawba today at 2 p.m. in Salisbury, NC. Belmont Abbey finished 38-14 this season and has now reached the regional round four times in the past five years.

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

Simply American Dog Treat Company – North Carolina's only mobile dog treat truck from Belmont!

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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 — 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.

Tuesday (5/19) — Charleston Dirty Birds @ 6 p.m.
Wednesday (5/20) — Charleston Dirty Birds @ 12:30 p.m.
Friday (5/29) — Charleston Dirty Birds @ 7 p.m.
Saturday (5/30) — Charleston Dirty Birds @ 7 p.m.

Habitat for Humanity Pickleball Tournament
📍 Belmont CityRec Center, Belmont
📅 Saturday, June 13
⏰ 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Join Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlotte’s pickleball tournament supporting affordable housing. Registration starts at $45. Play with friends while giving back to the community. More Details.

Grand Opening of Market Place Shopping Center
📍 225 Market Street, Cramerton
⏰ 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Celebrate the Market Place Shopping Center grand opening with a ribbon cutting, business tours, community connections, and a complimentary hotdog lunch. More Details.

Charcuterie Workshop at Alchemy
📍 121 W. Main Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Build your own charcuterie board during this hands-on workshop at Alchemy, with limited spots available for guests. More Details.

Thursday Social Paddle
📍 170 Lake Mist Drive, Belmont
⏰ 6:15–9 p.m.
Enjoy an adult social paddle outing with optional SUP yoga or fitness, followed by relaxed time together on land. More Details.

Friday Night Live feat. Kids in America
📍 24 S. Main Street, Belmont
⏰ 5–9 p.m.
Downtown Belmont goes full 80s with Kids in America, food trucks, a beverage garden, and free live music. More Details.

Charlotte Blues Society presents: The Pszenny Project
📍 334 W. Main Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7–10 p.m.
The Pszenny Project brings blues-rock energy to The Rooster during Charlotte Blues Society’s monthly third Friday residency. More Details.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection
📍 1303 Dallas Cherryville Highway, Dallas
⏰ 8–11:30 a.m.
Gaston County residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste, including paints, solvents, cleaners, batteries, bulbs, and lawn chemicals. More Details.

Vendor Market
📍 2954 Forbes Road, Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Shop local vendors and artisans during this Saturday market at the farm in Gastonia. More Details.

Piedmont Arts & Cultural Experience
📍 Downtown Mount Holly
⏰ 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Enjoy artisan vendors, community art projects, food, music, dance, painting, and creative activities throughout downtown Mount Holly. More Details.

Spring House Garden Tour
📍 Creekside Nursery, Dallas
⏰ 10–11 a.m.
Join Jerry and Jenny for a guided spring garden tour featuring seasonal blooms, planting ideas, and inspiration for your own yard. More Details.

Tastebuds Puppy Pawrty
📍 208 N. Main Street, Belmont
⏰ 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Bring your pup to Tastebuds for a dog-friendly popcorn party featuring special doggy popcorn made just for the event. More Details.

South Point Social One Year Anniversary Celebration
📍 2311 South Point Road, Belmont
⏰ 1 p.m.–2 a.m.
South Point Social celebrates one year with live music, DJs, food trucks, beer raffles, drink specials, and more. More Details.

Stanley Summer Concert feat. Coming Up Brass
📍 Main Street, Stanley
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Bring the family to downtown Stanley for an evening of live music, dancing, singing, and community fun. More Details.

Movies in the Park featuring The Sandlot
📍 305 W. Church Street, Dallas
⏰ 7:30–10:30 p.m.
Bring blankets and lawn chairs for a free family movie night under the stars featuring The Sandlot. More Details.

Stand Up Comedy Show at Primal Belmont
📍 Primal Brewery, Belmont
⏰ 8–11 p.m.
Next Stop Comedy brings live stand-up to Primal Brewery for a Saturday night of laughs, drinks, and fun. More Details.

May Plant Swap & Shop
📍 128 S. Main Street, Mount Holly
⏰ 12–3 p.m.
Bring plants to swap or shop local plant finds, accessories, and more during this free community gathering in downtown Mount Holly. More Details.

GCS Choral Benefit Show
📍 334 W. Main Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 3–6 p.m.
Support Gaston County Schools choral programs with live performances featuring local musicians, crooners, and country artists during this fundraising concert. More Details.

Sip & Wick – Candle Class
📍 Muddy River Distillery, Mount Holly
⏰ 3–6 p.m.
Create your own custom candle during this relaxing hands-on class designed for friends, couples, birthdays, and special celebrations. More Details.

Let’s Play Bingo!
📍 Gaston County Public Library
⏰ 6–7 p.m.
Play free bingo for chances to win books, movies, activities, and prizes during this family-friendly library event. More Details.

Home Barista Workshop
📍 121 W. Main Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 5:30–7 p.m.
Learn espresso basics, grinder tips, milk steaming, and brewing techniques during this beginner-friendly hands-on coffee workshop in Gastonia. 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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