Candy's Cheesecake Shoppe shared a post on Facebook earlier this week about June being her slowest month of the year.

The routines are off. School is out. People are on vacation. She even joked that some folks are on diets.

Not me.

I mean, I probably should be. I definitely don't need a giant slice of cheesecake. But if you put one in front of me, I'm not sure I could look it in the eyes and say, "No thanks."

Her post reminded me of something I wrote back in January. Six months ago, in fact. Another J-month.

I have no idea what it takes to run a small business where your livelihood depends on customers walking through the door. But I've learned enough to know the J-months can be tough. January. June. July.

January comes after the holiday rush when everyone's trying to save money. June and July arrive when people are going on vacation and breaking their normal routines. Different reasons, same result: fewer people walking through the door.

That's why Candy's post caught my attention.

It wasn't a complaint. She wasn’t trying to guilt her customers to come in. It was an honest reminder. The kind that takes a little courage to put out there.

Behind every local shop, restaurant, bakery, coffee shop, and small business is someone hoping enough people show up this week to keep things moving forward.

So if you've been meaning to stop by Candy's Cheesecake Shoppe, or visit another local business you've been putting off, this might be a good week to do it.

The J-months are tough. Let's help our local businesses get through them.

Sometimes that support looks like a big purchase. Sometimes it's just stopping in for a slice of cheesecake. Either way, it matters.

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A new feature from Our State magazine and GoGastonNC highlights the downtowns in Belmont, Mount Holly, and Gastonia through the eyes of Gaston County Deputy County Manager Vincent Wong. Wong says each downtown has its own personality, while offering easy access to local restaurants, shops, breweries, parks, trails, and outdoor adventures.

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Grab a paddle and give back. Habitat Charlotte Region will host a pickleball tournament June 13 at the Belmont CityRec Center, with proceeds supporting affordable homeownership opportunities across Gaston, Iredell, and Mecklenburg counties. Players of all skill levels are invited to compete while helping local families build brighter futures through safe, affordable housing.

Gastonia's Ruby's Soul Food & BBQ has landed in the Top 5 of CharlotteFive's Readers' Choice competition for the Charlotte area's best soul food restaurant. Thousands of votes helped narrow the field, with Ruby's joining four other finalists recognized for serving up Southern comfort food favorites.

Kids ages 5 through fifth grade can step up to the plate next week during a baseball camp at First Baptist Church Stanley, June 9–11. Participants will learn baseball fundamentals through skills and drills while enjoying games, activities, and faith-based lessons. Cost is $25 per child.

Nerdville is back June 13 at Cherryville Little Theatre for a day of vendors, food trucks, music, theatre workshops, and family-friendly fun. The second annual event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., followed by a performance of We Will Rock You that evening.

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

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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 — Tuesday, Thursdays & 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.

Thursday (6/4) — Lancaster Stormers @ 7 p.m.
Friday (6/5) — Lancaster Stormers @ 7 p.m.
Saturday (6/6) — Lancaster Stormers @ 7 p.m.
Sunday (6/7) — Lancaster Stormers @ 4 p.m.

Muddy River Distillery Summer Festival
📍 250 N. Main Street, Mount Holly
📅 Saturday, June 20
⏰ 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Kick off summer at Muddy River Distillery with waterfront views, craft drinks, live music from Unknown Artist, and a festival atmosphere. Organizers are also seeking vendors featuring pet products, plants, outdoor goods, vintage finds, and specialty items. More Details. 

Downtown Gastonia Caffeine and Conversation
📍 Gastonia Conference Center, Gastonia
⏰ 9:30–11 a.m.
Enjoy coffee and conversation with downtown business leaders, residents, stakeholders, and public servants while discussing topics impacting Gastonia's future and community growth. More Details.

Greatest American Cleanup (and Beer)
📍 Keepsake Brewing Company, Gastonia
⏰ 6–7:30 p.m.
Help clean a Catawba Thread Trail connector, then enjoy a friendly competition, refreshments, and community fellowship. Supplies provided. Registration encouraged. More Details.

First Methodist Church Mt. Holly Cruise-In
📍 140 N. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 5–8 p.m.
Browse custom cars, trucks, and classic rides while enjoying a relaxed community gathering featuring a 50/50 raffle and family-friendly atmosphere. More Details.

Trivia Night at The Rooster
📍 334 W. Main Ave, Gastonia
⏰ 7 p.m.
Put your knowledge to the test during trivia night with Kim Falls while enjoying food, drinks, and friendly competition with fellow players. More Details.

Arts Mount Holly Festival
📍 Downtown Mount Holly
📅Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6
⏰ times vary
Explore downtown Mount Holly during a two-day celebration featuring artists, galleries, demonstrations, shopping, and community creativity. More Details.

Mount Holly Nights: The Chain
📍 131 S. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 6–10 p.m.
Enjoy free live music featuring Fleetwood Mac tribute band The Chain, food trucks, a beer tent, kids activities, and downtown fun. More Details.

Goat Island Games
📍 Goat Island Park, Cramerton
⏰ 7 a.m.–2 p.m.
Family-friendly outdoor festival featuring races, tournaments, fitness activities, live music, and patriotic America 250 celebrations throughout the day. More Details.

Cars & Coffee in the Park
📍 Martha Rivers Park, Gastonia
⏰ 8–11 a.m.
Browse classic cars, modern rides, and unique vehicles while connecting with fellow automotive enthusiasts during this popular Saturday gathering. More Details.

Applewood Animal Hospital Pet Fair & Vaccine Clinic
📍 Applewood Animal Hospital, Gastonia
⏰ 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Bring your pets for low-cost vaccines, visit local vendors, and enjoy a morning dedicated to animal health and community connections. More Details.

Plant Swap and Sell
📍 2954 Forbes Rd., Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Swap plants, browse gardening treasures, meet fellow plant lovers, and discover new additions for your home or garden. More Details.

9th Annual Gaston County Public Library Comic-Con
📍 Gaston County Public Library, Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Meet artists, browse vendors, enjoy costume contests, food trucks, scavenger hunts, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the day. More Details.

Caleb Davis Live in the Pocket Park
📍 115 Main St., McAdenville
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of live music from Caleb Davis in McAdenville's Pocket Park, with food available from The Taco Bus. More Details.

Slippery When Wet: Bon Jovi Tribute
📍 Patriots Park, Kings Mountain
⏰ 7–10 p.m.
Sing along to Bon Jovi favorites during this free outdoor concert featuring one of the nation's top tribute bands. More Details.

Movies in the Park feat. Back to the Future
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 8:30 p.m.
Bring chairs and blankets for a free outdoor screening of Back to the Future beneath the stars in downtown Belmont. More Details.

2026 Ag + Art Tour of York County
📍 York County, S.C.
⏰ 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Visit working farms, meet local artists, enjoy demonstrations, and experience the connection between agriculture and creativity throughout York County. More Details.

Exhibition on Screen: Caravaggio
📍 Gaston County Public Library, Gastonia
⏰ 6–8 p.m.
Explore the life and artwork of Caravaggio through a documentary film featuring expert insights and stunning visuals. More Details.

Free Tuesday at The Schiele
📍 The Schiele Museum of Natural History, 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 4 - 8 p.m.
Enjoy free admission all day and explore exhibits, science displays, and natural history at The Schiele. More Details.

Extreme Dwarfanators Wrestling
📍 128 S. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 8 p.m.
Extreme Dwarfanators Wrestling brings high-energy entertainment, crowd interaction, and unforgettable action to downtown Mount Holly. More Details.

Gather in the Garden
📍 Rotary Community Garden of Gastonia
⏰ 6–7:30 p.m.
Join garden volunteers for a weekly community gathering featuring gardening, picnic suppers, conversation, and opportunities to connect with neighbors. 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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