Hello, Gaston! (my old friend),

My daughter Amelia asked me tonight if we could plug in our inflatable pumpkin. I had to break the news to her. I tried explaining that Halloween was over and it’s just not the season for Halloween inflatables anymore.

Of course, she didn’t understand. After all, we had it up every night last month—why not now? What changed?

It’s hard to explain the written and unwritten rules of holiday decorations to a four-year-old. She’s understandably confused. She still sees Halloween decorations around, and just a few houses down, twinkling Christmas lights are already aglow. And to top it all off, she has an inflatable turkey greeting her every morning at the entrance of her daycare.

Of course she’s confused. You would be too. I’m 48, and I still get confused this time of year. Some things never change, I guess…

Ben

P.S. Thanks for reading! If you enjoy this week’s newsletter, please pass it along to someone else!

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

OLDE MECKLENBURG BREWERY BREAKS GROUND IN MOUNT HOLLY

Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s third location, OMB Whitewater, broke ground in Mount Holly on Monday. Founder John Marrino envisions a 7,000-square-foot, light-filled space with a half-acre biergarten overlooking the scenic Catawba River. They are planning to be open by December 2025.

MERITAGE HOMES HONORS VETERAN WITH NEW HOME IN STANLEY

Tomorrow at 10 a.m, Meritage Homes and Operation Homefront will honor Petty Officer 2nd Class Lt. Aaliyah King (Williams), a Navy veteran, with the keys to a new, energy-efficient home in Stanley. This special event welcomes the Williams family to a stable future and a heartfelt homecoming. 

THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION WITH SHELTER DOGS

The Gaston County Animal Shelter invites the community to celebrate Thanksgiving with the shelter dogs on Thursday, November 21, from 6 - 7 p.m. Guests can prepare plates for the pups and feed them by hand. Can’t attend? Donations of pup-safe food are welcome too. 

GASTONIA ARTS COMMITTEE HOSTS WREATH DECORATING CONTEST

The City of Gastonia Arts Committee is hosting a wreath decorating contest for local businesses and nonprofits. Decorate your 24-inch wreath on December 1, and join the fun! Voting runs until 7 p.m., with cash prizes for top entries. Make sure you apply by November 17 to enter the contest. 

YOUTUBER GIVES VIRTUAL TOUR OF CHERRYVILLE’S TRUCK MUSEUM

Join Youtuber, Todd Venture, on a virtual tour of Cherryville’s C. Grier Beam Truck Museum, where he explores Carolina Freight’s storied past. This free-admission museum displays vintage trucks, memorabilia, and die-cast models, including Carolina Freight’s first 1935 tractor-trailer. Housed in a 1917 historic building, it celebrates North Carolina’s trucking heritage.

WALKER E. REID III PARK OPENS IN GASTONIA

Last week, Gastonia celebrated the grand opening of the Walker E. Reid III Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony honoring the former mayor’s lasting impact on the community. The park features multipurpose fields, an all-inclusive playground, and walking trails. Visit 1001 S. Marietta Street to explore this new community gem!

DISCOVER HOLIDAY MAGIC IN CHRISTMAS COUNTY

Experience the magic of Christmas County right here in Gaston County! Enjoy holiday lights, parades, festivals, snowless sledding, and more. Don’t miss out on all the festive events and dazzling displays happening this season. Plan your holiday fun today using this guide.

RED BRIDGES BBQ IN SHELBY REOPENS AFTER FIRE

After a fire damaged their smokehouse, the iconic Red Bridges Barbeque in Shelby opened back up last week! Despite a new outdoor setup, owner Natalie Ramsey promises the same great flavor. A firefighter on staff helped contain the blaze, keeping the spirit—and smoke—alive! [WSOC-TV]

CHERRYVILLE’S FIVE SPUR STEAKHOUSE GEARING UP FOR A SPRING OPENING!

Johnny Ray of the upcoming Five Spur Steakhouse on Cherryville’s Main Street shared on Facebook about the exciting progress they are making. This new spot promises a top-notch dining experience with fine steaks and cocktails. They are targeting a spring opening to welcome guests.

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7

An Evening of Perfect Pairings - Chocolate and Beer Tasting
📍 The River Room (102 Main Street) in McAdenville
⏰6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Indulge in a night of beer and chocolate pairings! Join Keepsake Brewery and JF Chocolat for unique tastings, plus hear insights from artisans Justin Fry and Bobby Myers. Celebrate these delicious combinations and the craft behind them. More Details.  

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8

Friday Night Football (Week 12)
📍Locations vary
⏰7:30 p.m.
  - Bonnie Cone Leadership at Bessemer City
  - Kings Mountain at North Gaston
  - Hunter Huss at South Point
  - Crest at Stuart Cramer (7 p.m.) -- More Details

The Little Theater of Gastonia presents Wait Until Dark
📍The Little Theater of Gastonia in Gastonia 11/17/24
📆 11/8 - 11/17
⏰times vary
A blind woman becomes the target of a dangerous con man and his accomplices in a suspenseful search for a doll filled with secrets. In a battle of wits, she turns the tables in total darkness. Showing this weekend and next. More Details.

The Abbey Players present 1776
📍The Haid Theatre at Belmont Abbey College
📆 11/8 - 11/17
⏰times vary
Step into 1776 with a musical journey through the debates and decisions that shaped America. Witness the wit and passion of the Founding Fathers as they sign the Declaration of Independence. This weekend and next weekend. More Details.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9

Veterans Breakfast
📍St. Paul's Lutheran Church (531 Hardin Road) in Dallas
⏰8 - 10 a.m.
Veterans are invited to enjoy a special breakfast held in their honor! This morning will be filled with gratitude, community, and recognition for their service. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍410 E. Long Avenue in 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.

Holiday Merry Market
📍The Grand Hall (400 E Central Ave) in Mount Holly
⏰10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Skip the big-box crowds and shop locally! With over 50 artisans and small businesses, you’ll find unique gifts for everyone on your list. More Details. 

MInt Hill FC vs Gastonia FC
📍Martha Rivers Park, Field 4 in Gastonia
⏰4 p.m.
Catch the action as Gastonia’s own semi-professional, non-profit soccer team hits the field! Come support local talent and enjoy an exciting match!  More Details. 

Movies in the Park presenting E.T.
📍Stowe Park in Belmont
⏰6 p.m.
Enjoy a big screen experience with immersive sound, free retro arcade games, and snacks for purchase. Don’t forget your chairs and blankets!  More Details. 

Movie Night at the Ballpark featuring Toy Story
📍CaroMont Health Park in Gastonia
⏰7 p.m.
CaroMont Health Park is hosting its first movie night on the field featuring Toy Story! For $5, guests enjoy the film along with a hot dog, chips, and a drink. Bring blankets or chairs to sit on the field, or enjoy seating in the grandstands.  More Details. 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10

Carolina Panthers (2-7) vs. New York Giants (2-7)
 📍Munich, Germany
 ⏰9:30 a.m. (NFL Network)
The New York Giants and Carolina Panthers face off in Munich’s Allianz Arena this Sunday in the NFL's final 2024 international game. Both teams, struggling with 2-7 records, aim to turn around their seasons. The Giants hope to end a four-game skid, while the Panthers seek another upset.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11 (VETERANS’ DAY🎖️)

City of Kings Mountain Veterans Day Parade  
📍Patriot's Park in Kings Mountain
⏰10:30 a.m.
The parade starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Joy Performance Center and proceeds to Liberty Falls Amphitheatre in Patriots Park. The observance begins at 11:00 a.m. More Details.

Gaston County Veterans Day Parade
📍715 W Trade St in Dallas
⏰11 a.m.
Honor our Veterans as the parade travels from Ingles down W. Main, Gaston, and W. Church streets. Join post-parade ceremonies at the Dallas Courthouse with a guest speaker and special recognitions. More Details.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12

Free Tuesday at The Schiele Museum (sponsored by Duke Energy)
📍The Schiele Museum in Gastonia
⏰4 - 8 p.m.
Explore the museum’s fascinating exhibits at no cost. No registration needed—just drop by for an unforgettable afternoon and evening of discovery! More Details.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13

Bring Your Own Vinyl Night
📍Confluence in Cramerton
⏰6 - 8 p.m.
Participants are invited to bring their favorite records, both old and new, to share and enjoy music together in a lively community setting.  More Details.    

PLAN AHEAD

Jingle Bell Gents (presented by the United Way of Gaston County)
📆12/3/24
📍Gastonia Conference Center in Gastonia
⏰12 p.m.
Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the season while supporting a great cause! Enjoy music, merriment, and lunch while supporting health, education, and financial stability for children and adults in Gaston County. 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

Check out the #GastonGram honorable mentions this week here and here.

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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