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

I love a good sunflower. Right now, I’m growing some from seed, and they just popped up last week—thriving thanks to all the rain. This variety is called “Teddy Bear.” It’s frilly, it’s fun, and yes, it’s a little bit fancy.

Last year, I tried to get fancy with sunflowers, and it didn’t go so well. One variety became rabbit food, while the other had sunflower heads growing inside other sunflower heads—definitely giving off some mutant vibes. Lesson learned: simple is better.

This year, I planned to stick with a tried-and-true variety—low maintenance and reliable. But between being gifted the Teddy Bears and then stumbling across this Proven Winners variety called Suncredible® Saturn™, I might be rethinking my approach.

The Saturns were stunning. I’m talking stop-the-traffic stunning. I picked up three small pots at Creekside Nursery in Dallas and gave them to my mom for Mother’s Day. I might just have to go back and snag a couple more for myself.

A few years ago, my wife and I took a drive to McConnells, South Carolina, to see the endless sunflower fields at Draper Wildlife Management. It’s worth the trip—an impressive display of the happiest flower on God’s green earth.

Back in the day, right next to the building that once housed Rodi, Olio’s, and the old Ashley High School gymnasium on Garrison Blvd, there was an annual sunflower patch. It was before the Instagram era, so sometimes I wonder if it really happened or if it just lives on in my memory.

Wouldn’t it be great if someone in Gaston County took a page from Draper’s playbook and planted a sunflower field for everyone to enjoy? There’s just something magical about those big, bright yellow flowers chasing the summer sun all day long.

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!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GASTON COLLEGE FOUNDATION

✨ The Band of Oz Headlines Gaston College's Special Night ✨

Momentum Makers unite on June 13, 2025 at Gaston Country Club to celebrate 60 years of educational excellence.

• Dance to Carolina's beloved beach music legends

• Indulge in complimentary drinks and appetizers

• Support student scholarships through the silent auction

Your ticket creates opportunities while you enjoy an unforgettable evening in beach cocktail attire. Buy tickets here.

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🍱 SAKE EXPRESS RETURNS TO BELMONT

Sake Express is back in Belmont on June 1! They’ll temporarily operate from the former Estia’s Kouzina at 609 N. Main St. while their new permanent location is under construction. Belmont is excited to welcome back this beloved staple!

🎉 SOUTH POINT SOCIAL LAUNCHES IN BELMONT

The spot formerly known as The Crows Nest is back with a new name and a new look and feel! South Point Social opens this Saturday, May 17 offering drinks, games, and plenty of outdoor space—just in time for summer! Bring the whole family for some fun!

💦 BIG SPLASH WATER PARK RIBBON-CUTTING POSTPONED

The Stowe Family YMCA’s Big Splash Water Park ribbon-cutting originally scheduled for Wednesday, May 21 has been postponed due to rain and construction delays. Recent storms made it unsafe for crews to complete final touches. The event will be rescheduled to ensure safety and enjoyment for all attendees. Stay tuned for updates!

🥎 RHINOS HEADING TO THE WORLD SERIES!

Gaston College softball is on fire! The No. 10-ranked Rhinos are headed to the NJCAA World Series after sweeping Georgia Military at CaroMont Health Park last week. The Rhinos now boast a 60-3 record and a school-record 27-game winning streak. Next up: Yuma, Arizona from May 19 - 24! Learn how you can support the team here. ($)

☕ WATERBEAN COFFEE EXQUISITE COMING TO GASTONIA

Waterbean Coffee’s new Gastonia location is set to open soon on Franklin Blvd., near the CaroMont Health Park. Expect a unique experience with a private coffee tasting room, rare brews, a full alcohol bar, and fresh-baked pastries. Get ready for some downright fancy coffee-sippin’ right here in Gastonia!

⛳ PGA CHAMPIONSHIP TEES OFF TODAY

The first round of the PGA Championship starts today in Charlotte! WCNC's Brad Panovich predicts warm, humid conditions with isolated storm chances throughout all four rounds. Expect minimal weather disruptions—perfect for some exciting golf action!

🚨 TOILET PAPER NEEDED FOR MOUNT HOLLY CRO

I really appreciate how Mount Holly’s Community Relief Organization (CRO) keeps the community informed by sharing their needs every Wednesday on Facebook. Yesterday, they posted that they’re looking for toilet paper donations to support local families. Click here for drop-off days and times.

📰  QUICK BITES

🟡  Mark your calendars! Whataburger’s official opening in Gastonia is set for Thursday, May 29 at 9 a.m.

🟡 Thirsty Social Club’s longtime owners Jen, Jay, and Gene have sold the bar. New owners Nick and Alora plan to keep the Thirsty vibe going!

🟡  The Carolina Foodie stopped by Bolton's Curbside Cookery in Mount Holly, sampling burgers, chili, and more! 

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

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, MAY 15

Master Gardener Group presents Dr. Danesha Seth Carley
📍 Citizens Resource Center, Dallas
⏰ 10 – 11 a.m.
Learn sustainable lawnscaping techniques to create low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly landscapes. More Details.

Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Glenway Street, Belmont
⏰ 4 – 7 p.m.
Shop fresh produce from local vendors and enjoy a community atmosphere. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced produce, meats, baked goods, and flowers. More Details.

FRIDAY, MAY 16

Friday Night Live featuring 20 Ride
📍 Stowe Park, 24 S Main St, Belmont
⏰ 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Enjoy a live performance by 20 Ride, America's #1 Zac Brown Tribute Band. More Details.

Milltown Nights featuring Higher Ground
📍 Ranlo Ballpark
⏰ 5 – 9 p.m.
Enjoy live music and local food trucks. More Details.

Carolina Sprint Tour
📍 Carolina Speedway, 6335 Union Rd, Gastonia
⏰ 7 p.m.
Experience high-speed excitement at the Carolina Sprint Tour dirt track race. More Details.

SATURDAY, MAY 17

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced produce, meats, baked goods, and flowers. More Details.

Volunteer Trail Day
📍 522 Park Office Lane, Gastonia
⏰ 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Join us for a volunteer day at Crowders Mountain State Park! All ages welcome. Tools, gloves, snacks, and drinks provided. Wear closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. More Details.

BEEtopia 2025
📍 Gastonia Farmers Market, 410 E Long Ave, Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Celebrate pollinators with crafts, classes, and tastings of local honey. More Details.

Hippie Daze Festival
📍 Dallas Lavender Lane Farm, 937 Old Willis School Rd, Dallas
📆 Saturday, May 17 - Sunday, May 18
⏰ times vary
Celebrate peace, love, and lavender with vendors, music, and more. More Details.

Kings Mountain Farmers Market Opening Day
📍 313 S Battleground Ave, Kings Mountain
⏰ 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Kick off the season with fresh produce, local crafts, and community spirit. More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S Main St, Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
One of the largest in the county, with seasonal produce and handmade items. More Details.

Roosterlympics
📍 The Rooster, Gastonia
⏰ All day
Enjoy live music, games, and food to support Webb Street School! All ages welcome. More Details.

Small Space and Container Gardening
📍 Gaston County Public Library, Gastonia
⏰ 11 a.m.
Learn tips for creating beautiful gardens in limited spaces. More Details.

Movies in the Park featuring Mary Poppins
📍 Stowe Park Pavilion, 24 S Main St, Belmont
⏰ 8:30 p.m.
Enjoy a free outdoor screening of Mary Poppins under the stars. More Details.

Nashville at Sandcastle Farm
📍 147 Sandcastle Rd, Dallas, NC
⏰ 5 - 8 p.m.
Enjoy an intimate evening with top Nashville songwriters at Sandcastle Farm. Acoustic performances, storytelling, and more! More Details.

SUNDAY, MAY 18

Dallas Farmers Market
📍 Sandcastle Farm, 1210 Dallas Stanley Hwy, Dallas
⏰ 1 – 5 p.m.
Browse local produce, handmade goods, and enjoy live music. More Details.

TUESDAY, MAY 20

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs. Lexington Legends (2 nights)
📍 CaroMont Health Park, 800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia
📆 Tuesday, May 20 - Wednesday, May 21
⏰ times vary
Cheer on the Gastonia Ghost Peppers in their home games. More Details.

Veterans Coffee Connection
📍 Outback Steakhouse, Gastonia
⏰ 8:30 a.m.
Join fellow veterans for free coffee, doughnuts, and camaraderie on the third Tuesday monthly. All ages and branches welcome. More Details.  (Disclaimer: I am an employee of Carolina Caring.)

Master Gardener Plant Clinics
📍 Citizens Resource Center, Dallas
⏰ 3 - 5 p.m.
Have a sick or struggling plant? Bring it to the Master Gardener Plant Clinic for expert advice and tips! 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

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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