We’ve got one more week before school starts. Teachers reported back this past Monday, and students return next Wednesday. That means there’s less than a week left of summer break. One final weekend to soak it all in.

For my daughter, Amelia, this is the last year before she takes that big leap. She has one more year of daycare, or Pre-K as she proudly calls it. But next year she’ll be stepping into the school years. Class of 2039. That number floors me, especially as someone who was a member of the Class of 1994.

Thankfully, I still have a year to mentally prepare. 

For many families next week, it will be a week of firsts. First day of kindergarten. First day of middle school. First day of high school. And for some, the last first day of high school.

There’s something about the start of school that stirs up all kinds of emotion. Not because it’s sad, but because it reminds us how quickly time moves.

Whatever stage you and your family find yourselves in this back-to-school season, I wish you a school year filled with joy, growth, and maybe even a little grace for the road ahead.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this week’s newsletter, please pass it along to someone who you’d think would enjoy it!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ANCHORED SOUL

✨YOU'RE INVITED TO BELMONT'S BIGGEST LAKE PARTY✨

The Bon Temps Paddle Battle On Wylie is NEXT SATURDAY, August 16th - and there's still time to join the fun:

• It's Not Too Late to Register – Jump in the water with paddlers or just come enjoy the lakeside festivities

• Something for Everyone – Live music, food trucks, beverage gardens, yoga, and family fun from 8am-4pm

• Hit the Water or Stay Dry – Spectators welcome! Watch the races, enjoy entertainment, and soak up the Lake Wylie vibes

• Last-Minute Decision? Perfect! – Anchored Soul provides all equipment and instruction for spontaneous paddlers

Ready to join Belmont's ultimate lakeside celebration? COME OUT AND PLAY →

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🦐 NEW SEAFOOD SPOT TAKING OVER OLD O'CHARLEYS

The former O’Charleys on Franklin Boulevard in Gastonia will soon reopen as Mariscos Sayulita Nayarit, a Mexican seafood chain with 18 locations across the Southeast (including Charlotte). The menu leans West Coast Mexico—think shrimp towers and tropical cocktails. Surf’s up, Gastonia!

🐾 CLEAR THE SHELTERS EVENT BRINGS FREE ADOPTIONS AUG. 23

Gaston County Animal Care & Enforcement is hosting a Clear the Shelters event on Friday, August 23 from 11–2 p.m. Free adoptions on select pets, plus food, vendors, and fun! Pre-approval encouraged for same-day adoption.

🍎 WINDY HILL ORCHARD RETURNS AUG. 14 FOR FALL FUN

It may not feel like fall yet, but Windy Hill Orchard opens August 14 with cider sipping, wine tasting, donut eating, and apple picking fun. Their brand-new website has updated hours, event listings, and seasonal info to plan your visit.

🎶 DAVID CHILDERS REFLECTS ON FAITH, SONGS & SURVIVAL

The tributes keep rolling in—and rightfully so. The Charlotte Ledger profiles Mount Holly’s David Childers: songwriter, painter, and North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductee. Now facing cancer, he opens up about faith, art, and gratitude in “Blessed in an Unusual Way.”

🏭 LORAY MILL RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF NC'S HISTORIC GEMS

Gastonia’s Loray Mill was featured in Our State’s 2021 list of “34 Amazing Historic Places to See in North Carolina”. Built in 1901, the mill played a major role in Southern textile history and labor rights. Its story, including the 1929 strike, continues to resonate across the state and beyond.

🌶 GASTONIA GHOST PEPPERS HOST DIRTY BIRDS IN HOT HOME STRETCH 

The Gastonia Ghost Peppers face off with the Charleston Dirty Birds in a four-game series starting tonight! From Thirsty Thursday to Sunday’s $1 dogs and base runs, expect crowd-pleasing promotions, fiery bats, and a whole lot of Gastonia pride.

📰  QUICK BITES

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

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FARMHOUSER DESIGN

✨CREATIVE DESIGN SOLUTIONS THAT CAPTURE HEARTS ✨

Meet Leslie Boyd of Farmhouser Design – where creative ideas come to life!

• 20 Years of Global Design Experience – Leslie specializes in custom brand solutions for small businesses, churches, and nonprofits with classic minimalistic aesthetic and creative edge.

• Complete Brand Transformation – From logos and branding, to social media graphics and print materials, she provides everything needed to capture your organization's essence.

• Lasting Partnership Approach – As a Gaston County native, Leslie builds meaningful relationships that extend beyond project completion with ongoing support.

Ready to elevate your brand? CONNECT WITH LESLIE TODAY →

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

PLAN AHEAD

Rhino Run for Education
📍 Gaston College, 201 Hwy 321 S, Dallas
📅 Saturday, September 27
⏰ 7 – 11 a.m.
Join the 2K or 5K Rhino Run at Gaston College to support athletics and Gaston and Lincoln County schools. Enjoy WSGE DJs, coffee, donuts, food trucks, and more. $40 entry. More Details. ($)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7

Conduit Carolinas: Bar Takeover
📍 100 S Main Street, South Point Social, Belmont
⏰ 6–10 p.m.
Guest bartending night supports Conduit Carolinas with tips and 10% of sales. More Details.

Belmont Farmers Market presents the 2nd Annual Tomato Fest
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 4 – 7 p.m.
Tomato Fest returns with fresh tomatoes, tomato pies, balsamic pairings, books, and stickers. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced fresh produce. Meats from nearby farms. Homemade baked goods. Fresh flowers grown locally. More Details.

FRIDAY AUGUST 8 (🌕Full Moon Tonight!🌕) 

Carolina Panthers vs. Cleveland Browns (Preseason)
📍 Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
⏰ 7 p.m.
First preseason matchup airs on NFL Network. Panthers kick off under the Friday night lights. More Details.

Mount Holly Nights featuring Chris Taylor and the Rumor
📍 Downtown Mount Holly, Mount Holly
⏰ 6 - 10 p.m.
Downtown Mount Holly comes alive with vendors, music, and community fun. More Details.

Art in the Park
📍 Stinger Park Way, Bessemer City
⏰ 6–7:30 p.m.
Chalk art contest for all ages with prizes and free supplies. Registration required. More Details.

SATURDAY AUGUST 9

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced fresh produce. Meats from nearby farms. Homemade baked goods. Fresh flowers grown locally. More Details.

Kings Mountain Farmers Market
📍 313 South Battleground Avenue, Kings Mountain
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Local goods, produce, and neighborly vibes in the heart of Kings Mountain. More Details.

Fall Gardening
📍 Gaston County Public Library, Gastonia
⏰ 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Learn to grow through fall and winter with Master Gardeners. All ages welcome. More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
 📍 226 S. Main Street, Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Local food, artisan goods, and friendly faces in the heart of Mount Holly. More Details.

An Intimate Evening with Sam Burchfield (WSGE Benefit)
📍 The Rooster, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30–10:30 p.m.
$20 advance benefit concert for WSGE featuring Sam Burchfield and Arsena. All ages welcome. More Details.

Pickin on the Porch
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Belmont
⏰ 2 - 4 p.m.
Enjoy free live music, drinks, and porchside treats every Saturday at Trailhead Store. Weather permitting. More Details.

Sturgeon Blue Super Moon Paddle
📍 South Point Boat Launch Access
⏰ 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Sunset paddle under August’s full “Sturgeon Moon.” $30 with gear or free if you BYO board. More Details.

SUNDAY AUGUST 10

2025 Summer Carillon Recital Series featuring Lee Cobb
📍 First Presbyterian Church, 102 S. Central Avenue, Belmont
⏰ 6 p.m.
Outdoor bell concert, rain or shine. Bring a chair and enjoy a peaceful evening in Belmont. More Details.

Belmont Farmers Market (Second Sunday)
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Monthly market featuring fresh produce, baked goods, and community vendors. More Details.

August Plant Swap & Shop
📍 Traust Brewing Company, Mount Holly
⏰ 12–3 p.m.
Free event for plant lovers to trade, shop, and sip. Pet and kid friendly. More Details.

TUESDAY AUGUST 12

Cherryville Main Street Farmers Market
📍 Cherryville Mini Park, Cherryville
⏰ 5–7 p.m.
Local produce and handmade goods in the heart of Cherryville. More Details.

Free Tuesday at The Schiele
📍 The Schiele Museum, Gastonia
⏰ 4–8 p.m.
Enjoy the museum and planetarium free of charge thanks to generous sponsors. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced fresh produce. Meats from nearby farms. Homemade baked goods. Fresh flowers grown locally. More Details.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 13

Free Night at Stowe
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Belmont
⏰ 4–8 p.m.
Enjoy the gardens for free with access to trails, food, drinks, and shops. 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!

And thank you for reading! If you found something useful, please share it with a friend!

Was this email forwarded to you? Signup here!

Was there something I missed this week? Let me know at [email protected]. Want to get your business in Hello, Gaston!? Let’s talk!