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

Spring has officially sprung, and it sure feels like it! The bees are buzzing, the flowers are blooming, the pollen is pollening, and the fire ants—well, they’re throwing a party right under the splash block by the downspout.

So, I went old-school with my best fire ant battle tactic—a trick I picked up during my Cooperative Extension days. A few pots of boiling water later and most of them were wiped out.

But as any Southerner knows, you never truly get rid of fire ants—you just convince them to move. It’s less of a victory and more of a game of whack-a-mole, or in this case, whack-a-mound. I may have won this round, but the war is far from over.

On a brighter (and less fiery) note, March Madness tips off today! My bracket is locked in with Auburn, Florida, UCLA, and Wisconsin in my Final Four, and I’ve got seventh-seed UCLA taking the title.

Now, let’s see if my picks last at least 48 hours before they go up in flames. (So much for avoiding fiery metaphors.)

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)

✨ NEW UPSCALE DINING EXPERIENCE COMING TO MOUNT HOLLY

The Holland Wine Bar & Restaurant is opening soon in the heart of historic Mount Holly! This upscale dining spot offers a handcrafted menu with American dishes infused with Asian flavors, a curated beverage selection, and live entertainment. Perfect for unwinding and enjoying weekend brunch with friends or family.

🏡 A GASTON COUNTY STAYCATION IS WAITING FOR YOU

Enter to win a staycation at The Villa at Water’s Edge in Belmont, sponsored by Our State Magazine. Enjoy a two-night stay, visit Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, dine at Drift on Lake Wylie and Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, and shop at the Trailhead Store. Relax, explore, and indulge! You have less than 12 days to enter!

🕊️ SEN. MARSHALL RAUCH PASSES AWAY AT 102

Marshall A. Rauch, former NC state senator and Gastonia businessman, has passed at 102. He helped integrate Gaston County Schools, chaired the Senate Finance Committee, and led Rauch Industries. A dedicated community supporter, he contributed to local education and philanthropy. A memorial service was held on Wednesday at McLean Funeral Directors.

🥔 THE LOADED POTATO JOINS PRIMAL BREWERY BELMONT

Exciting news! The Loaded Potato has taken over the kitchen at Primal Brewery Belmont! Enjoy Charlotte’s favorite loaded potatoes, gourmet paninis, homemade fries, fresh soups, shareables, and sweet treats—perfect pairings for your favorite brews.

🎀 CRAMERTON CENTENNIAL CENTER RIBBON CUTTING & CONCERT

Join the Montcross Chamber on Friday, March 28 for the grand reopening of Cramerton’s Centennial Center! Ribbon cutting takes place at 5:30 p.m., followed by a special gazebo dedication to Graham and Gayle Bell and a concert at 6 p.m.. Don’t miss this downtown celebration!

🌳 SHAPE THE FUTURE OF GEORGE POSTON PARK

Gaston County is updating the Master Plan for George Poston Park in Lowell and is seeking community input to guide future improvements and support a PARTF Grant. Residents are invited to share their ideas at a drop-in meeting on Wednesday, March 26 from 5 – 7 p.m. at CaroMont Health Park in Gastonia.

🐝 BEE SWARM SEASON IS HERE—CALL A BEEKEEPER, NOT AN EXTERMINATOR

If you see a cluster of bees, don’t panic! Swarming bees are harmless. Skip the bug spray—call a beekeeper to safely relocate them. The Gaston County Beekeepers Association can help with honey bees (not wasps or hornets). Let’s protect our pollinators! 

📰  QUICK BITES

• The hummingbirds are coming! WCNC’s Brad Panovich reports their migration has reached South Carolina—get those feeders ready!
  

• The Gastonia Ghost Peppers return soon! Opening weekend kicks off April 25-29—just over a month away!
  

• The 2025 Community Health Survey is now open. Share your feedback to shape local health programs.

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, MARCH 20 (🌸First Day of Spring!🌸)

Edible Wild Plants with Craig Mauney
📍Citizens Resource Center in Dallas
⏰10 - 11 a.m.
Join the Master Gardener Group of Gaston County for a fascinating talk on wild edible plants with expert Craig Mauney. Learn about woodland botanicals, unique edibles like pawpaw, and sustainable foraging.  More Details.    

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.

Gaston School of Arts Children’s Playhouse presents Disney Aladdin, Jr.
📍825 Union Rd. in Gastonia
📅 Thursday, March 20 - 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 21

Awaken Gallery's 7th Anniversary Celebration & Opening Reception
📍107 W Central Ave in Mount Holly
⏰6 - 9 p.m.
The gallery is celebrating its 7th anniversary with a special exhibition exploring the spiritual significance of the number seven. Visitors can experience interactive elements, engage with featured artists, and journey through millennia of artistic and spiritual expression. More Details.

Small Business Council: Coffee w/ Leadership featuring Keanu Trujillo
📍601 W Franklin Blvd. in Gastonia
⏰8 - 9:30 a.m.
Start the day with meaningful conversation and insights at this engaging event. Keanu, founder of Alchemy Coworking, will share his entrepreneurial journey—the highs, lows, and lessons learned along the way. Connect with local leaders, gain inspiration, and enjoy a great cup of coffee! More Details.

Toy and Collectibles Show
📍Gastonian Halls in Gastonia
📅 Friday, March 21 - Saturday, March 22
⏰times vary
This event will feature over 120 vendor tables, autograph guests, and food trucks! Shop Hot Wheels, NASCAR, model kits, sports cards, comics, vintage toys, and more. More Details.

SATURDAY, MARCH 22

Family Movie Morning featuring Monsters University
📍Gaston County Public Library (1555 E Garrison Blvd) in Gastonia
⏰10:30 a.m.
The Main Library invites families to a special movie morning in the Story Nook. Guests can enjoy Monsters University, the animated prequel following Mike and Sulley’s college rivalry and journey to friendship. More Details.

Gaston MAX (Multicultural Arts Xperience)
📍Rotary Centennial Pavilion in Gastonia
⏰11 a.m. - 3 p.m`
Guests are invited to join the fun and immerse themselves in a vibrant celebration of art, music, literature, and culture, featuring delicious cultural foods, engaging activities, lively dancing, and much more! More Details.

Music Under the Stars: Jimi Hendrix
📍The Schiele Museum in Gastonia
⏰Two shows (5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.)
Enjoy a unique live music experience under the immersive dome of the planetarium sky! More Details.

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

Spring Makers Market
📍104 South Main Street in Mount Holly
⏰10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Shop all of the amazing locally handmade gifts from over 20 makers all in one place! More Details. 

Spring Litter Cleanup & Shred Day
📍1825 Spencer Mountain Road in Ranlo
⏰Shred: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Litter Cleanup: 1 - 3 p.m.
Join the community for the first event of the year! Head to the new Town Hall for a day of spring cleaning and community spirit.  More Details.

South Fork Supper Club Kickoff Event
📍The River Room in McAdenville
⏰6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Experience a delightful evening in our beautiful event space while enjoying a specially curated Italian feast! This month’s menu features a variety of delicious Italian dishes, including vegetarian options, all served family-style for a warm, shared dining experience. Live music by Chris Schiavonni. More Details.

5th Annual Tyler Herndon Thin Blue LIne Ride
📍311 Belmont-Mount Holly Rd. in Belmont
⏰Registration at 9 a.m.; Ride at 11 a.m.
Calling all Jeeps! This heartfelt event raises funds for the Tyler Herndon Memorial Foundation, supporting students pursuing careers in law enforcement, emergency services, and first response. Jeep registration will take place the morning of the event. More Details.

SUNDAY, MARCH 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, MARCH 25

Monthly Veterans Lunch
📍Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Gastonia
⏰11:30 a.m.  - 1p.m.
All veterans are invited to enjoy a soup and sandwich lunch on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Those interested should RSVP by tomorrow by calling 704-864-0378.  

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!

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!