Finn, the Pumpkin King
My two-year-old son, Finn, has decided fall starts whenever he says it does.
Lately, “This Is Halloween” from The Nightmare Before Christmas has played on repeat in our house. Finn wanders around singing about how “pumpkins scream in the dead of night.”
He has no idea what that means. What two-year-old would? He simply knows the song says pumpkin, or “pumpin,” as he calls it.
If there’s a “pumpin”, it’s good enough for Finn.
September has not arrived, but his pumpkin pajamas are already out. Just yesterday, he discovered Halloween Oreos with orange creme filling. You would have thought someone handed him the keys to Halloween Town.
I can only imagine his reaction when he sees a real pumpkin patch. This will not be YouTube, my friend. There will be real-live pumpkins everywhere, and Finn will be ready.
This is the same child who celebrated his second birthday in March with Jack Skellington cookies and pumpkin beach balls. Halloween has never needed a season in our house.
This weekend, his Aunt Day-Day is bringing out her fall decorations and throwing him a pumpkin party.
And on this glorious day, Finn will become her honorary Pumpkin King.
And together, we will all march toward Halloween, one “pumpin” at a time.
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GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)
Photo credit: Gaston Business Association
🥃 PIEDMONT DELICATESSEN OPENS SECRET SPEAKEASY
Piedmont Delicatessen has added a nighttime twist with a new speakeasy hidden behind a cigarette machine. Guests can stop by the deli for lunch, then return after work for cocktails inside the password-protected space. The Gaston Business Association recently celebrated the concept with a ribbon cutting.
📸 COUNTY SEEKS PHOTOS FOR TIME CAPSULE
The Gaston County Register of Deeds is seeking photos that tell the county’s story for a time capsule opening in 50 years. Entries are due September 1. A public sealing ceremony will be held September 11 at 2 p.m. at the office in Gastonia.
🍂 GET NOTICED THIS FALL WITH HELLO GASTON
Cooler weather means festivals, markets, grand openings and plenty of reasons to get out across Gaston County. Have an event to promote or a business ready to reach more local customers? Hello Gaston connects you with highly engaged readers who want to know what’s happening nearby. Lock your spot in today!
🤠 SUNDAY NIGHT RIDING IN CHERRYVILLE
Chicken Hill Buckin’ Bulls hosts rodeos every Sunday through November 15 at 7 p.m. with bull riding, mutton busting, calf and steer riding. Concessions include walking tacos, popcorn and cherry lemon Sun Drop. Admission is $10 cash at the gate at 716 Old Stubbs Road.
🧪 ALCHEMY OPENS NEW LORAY MILL LOCATION
Alchemy Cowork celebrates the opening of its third location this Thursday at Loray Mill in Gastonia. The free opening runs from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. with masterminds, coworking, content creation, catered meals, cocktails, a ribbon cutting, live music and a podcast recording. RSVP requested.
🎨 PUBLIC ART REFRESHES MOUNT HOLLY
Mount Holly’s Creative Art Initiative has been refreshed with 10 sculptures displayed across parks, greenways and spaces. Works by six artists can be found at locations including Tuckaseege Park, RiverHawk Greenway, the YMCA and Ransom Hunter Park.
📰 QUICK BITES
🟡 Your Friend Matt continues the Great Hamburger Hunt at McDonald’s Family Restaurant in Bessemer City.
🟡 Franklin Blvd. Media asks about the legend of the Burger King rock on Union Road in Gastonia.
🟡 A forthcoming Downtown Bessemer City mural will honor labor organizer and songwriter Ella May Wiggins.
Disclaimer: News items marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.
THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST
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GO-SEE-DO GASTON
GASTONIA GHOST PEPPERS (Upcoming Home Games)
Tuesday (9/1) - High Point Rockers @ 6 p.m.
Wednesday (9/2) - High Point Rockers @ 12:30 p.m.
Thursday (9/3) - High Point Rockers @ 7 p.m.
PLAN AHEAD
Strong Like AK 2nd Annual Low Country Boil
📍 2311 S. Point Road, Belmont
📅 Saturday, September 12
⏰ 4–8 p.m.
Enjoy a Low Country boil and live music while helping Strong Like AK provide housing, financial assistance and comforting experiences for families facing childhood cancer. More Details.
MONDAY, AUGUST 24
Make Your Mark!
📍 203 McAdenville Road, Lowell
⏰ 2 p.m.
Put on your creative hat and make your mark while enjoying a variety of fun, hands-on crafts designed for participants of all ages. More Details.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26
Gather in the Garden
📍 Rotary Community Garden of Gastonia
⏰ 6–7:30 p.m.
Gather with garden volunteers for gardening, picnic suppers and a relaxed evening spent meeting neighbors and building connections within the Gastonia community. More Details.
Job Fair
📍 Gaston County Public Library, Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Meet local employers and visit community resource tables to learn about available jobs, career support and workforce opportunities throughout the Gaston County area. More Details.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27 (Full Moon)
Live Music feat. Drew Nathan
📍 55 Glenway Street, Belmont
⏰ 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Spend Thursday evening in downtown Belmont as local musician Drew Nathan performs live for diners and music lovers at Pita Wheel Belmont. More Details.
Business After Hours
📍 Catawba River Antique Mall, 400 E. Catawba Street, Belmont
⏰ 5–7 p.m.
Connect with Gaston County business professionals while enjoying food, drinks and conversation during the Gaston Business Association’s monthly networking event in Belmont. More Details.
Crafted With Carolina Caring
📍 Muddy River Distillery, 250 N. Main Street, Mount Holly
⏰ 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a guided rum flight, paired bites and a distillery tour while supporting Carolina Caring’s work with patients and families throughout the community. 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.
MY FAVORITE (GASTON) THINGS
(One local. A few of their favorites. Countless reasons to love Gaston County.)
This week’s favorites come from Zach Adams, the strength and conditioning coach at Head 2 Toe Performance. Zach lives in Mount Holly and has spent all 26 years of his life in Gaston County.
(Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.)
⛳ Favorite Place to Spend a Saturday Afternoon | Mountain View Driving Range
“Mountain View is a special place tucked into its own little nook. It’s a great place to bring friends and spray some balls across the range.”
🍔 Favorite Place to Get a Burger | Brightstar Grill
“I’ve been going to Brightstar for as long as I can remember. It’s hard to beat a good Lottaburger.”
🏋️ Favorite Small Business | Head 2 Toe Performance
“This comes from an extremely biased source, but Head 2 Toe is truly a great organization. Our four-person team is passionate about helping young people excel in athletics while supporting their growth and maturity. It’s an amazing business to be part of.”
🚗 Favorite Road or Scenic Drive | Old NC 27 Highway
“It’s not straight. That’s about it. It’s fun trying to take the turns as efficiently as possible.”
🍳 Favorite Breakfast Spot | Rita’s Family Restaurant
“The omelets! Chef’s kiss.”
❤️ Why I Love Gaston County:
“There’s a cozy feeling to much of the area. People are pleasant, there’s an assortment of things to do, and it’s a well-balanced place to live.”
SEE YA LATER, GASTON!
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