Hello, Gaston! (my old friend),

We're just 34 days away from Christmas, but more importantly, Thanksgiving is only a week away! Are you ready? Do you know what dish you're bringing to the gathering?

Once Thanksgiving is behind us, the holiday festivities ramp up with Christmas parades, markets, lights—there’s something for everyone this season. My December calendar is already filling up!

Quick note: Next week’s newsletter will arrive on Wednesday instead of Thursday. I’ll be offline for Thanksgiving, and I hope you are too, enjoying good food and great company.

Thanks for reading!

Ben

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

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

SLIDE INTO FUN: THE CHUTES RETURN TO CROWDERS CAMPS THIS WEEKEND

The Chutes are back!  Experience snowless winter tubing at Crowders Camps starting this Saturday (11/23)! Enjoy three 200-foot lanes of family fun while supporting kids' summer camp adventures. Grab your tickets now and make unforgettable holiday memories! 

24-HOUR GYM AND SECOND STARBUCKS COMING TO DALLAS

New additions forthcoming in Dallas: Workout Anytime, a 24-hour gym, is opening soon at Windsor Square in the former CVS location. Also on the way is the town's second Starbucks, a stand-alone with a drive-thru at 106 College View Drive, next to Jack in the Box. Stay tuned for opening dates! [Gaston Gazette]

PASSION’S CAFÉ & PASTRY OPENS IN MOUNT HOLLY

Discover your new favorite spot at 793 W. Charlotte Avenue in Mount Holly!  Passion’s Café & Pastry offers artisan coffee, buttery croissants, double-smoked bacon bagels, toasted baguettes, and more. They are open Monday–Friday 6 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Experience a cozy atmosphere filled with warm aromas and freshly baked treats. 

TRAIL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT CROWDERS MOUNTAIN

Help restore Crowders Mountain after hurricane impacts! Join the Friends of Crowders Mountain for a trail workday this coming Saturday (11/23) at 8:30 a.m. Meet at Sparrow Springs Visitor Center for refreshments, work supplies, and fellowship. Lunch will be provided. Weather dependent—volunteers welcome!

HOLY ANGELS OFFERING THANKSGIVING PIES — ORDER NOW!

Holy Angels’ beloved Thanksgiving pies are back to sweeten your holiday! Choose from Pumpkin, Pecan, Apple, Chocolate Pecan, or a Mini Pie Sampler. Proceeds support Holy Angels’ mission. Make sure you order by this Monday (11/25). Pickup will be next Wednesday (11/27).

GASTON COLLEGE RADIO INDUCTED INTO BEACH MUSIC HALL OF FAME

WSGE 91.7 FM, Gaston College’s radio station, was inducted into the Carolina Beach Music Awards Hall of Fame this month in Myrtle Beach, SC. Celebrating 43 years, the station has won CBMA Radio Station of the Year seven times, showcasing its enduring impact on beach music and the community.

GASTONIA HOSTS 2024 NORTH CAROLINA PICKLEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

The T. Jeffers Center (121 Hartman Street, Gastonia) welcomes nearly 200 players for the NC Pickleball Championship this weekend. Men's/Women's Doubles compete Saturday, while the Mixed Doubles play on Sunday. Medalists qualify for the Southern Championships in Macon, GA. Gastonia steps in after Hurricane Helene shifted the event from Asheville. 

DISCOVER RIVERBEND CREAMERY’S FARM-FRESH FLAVORS

NC Weekend recently featured Riverbend Creamery in Lincolnton, where the Lutz family serves up farm-fresh, super-premium ice cream and more. Visitors can enjoy seasonal flavors, farm tours, and family-friendly fun at this beloved dairy farm. Watch the full video to learn more about this local treasure!

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21

Southern Christmas Show
📆11/21 - 11/24/24
📍 The Park Expo and Conference Center in Charlotte
⏰times vary
The 57th annual Southern Christmas Show returns with “12 Days of Christmas” themed displays, plus 400+ vendors offering holiday gifts, décor, treats, and gourmet goodies from around the country.  More Details.

FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 22

Music Under the Stars feat the music of Metallica
📍The Schiele Museum in Gastonia
📆 11/22 - 11/23
⏰two shows (5:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.)
Experience Metallica like never before! Join The Album Series featuring Caleb Davis in the planetarium for Music Under the Stars. Enjoy live performances of Metallica’s iconic albums Ride the Lightning, Black, and Master of Puppets, all set to stunning 360-degree graphics under the planetarium dome. More Details.

Friday Night Football (Playoffs 2nd Round)
📍Locations vary
⏰7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted)
  - Robbinsville at Bessemer City
  - Kings Mountain at Jay M. Robinson  (7 p.m.)
  - Mountain Island Charter at Mount Airy (7 p.m.)
  - Ashbrook at South Point -- More Details 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍410 E. Long Avenue in Gastonia
⏰7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Last market of the season! Locally sourced fresh produce. Meats from nearby farms. Homemade baked goods. Fresh flowers grown locally. More Details.

Movies in the Park presenting Gremlins
📍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.

Mount Holly “Pop Up” Farmers Market
📍226 S. Main St. in Mount Holly
⏰8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This market supports local farms, promotes fresh local food, and educates the community on growing their own food. Get all the things on your Thanksgiving list! More Details.

Holiday Jazz At The Garden
📍Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont
⏰6 - 10 p.m.
Enjoy a captivating performance by national recording artist Alex Bugnon inside the Great Hall and get an exclusive sneak peek of Holiday Lights at the Garden before it opens to the public. Stroll through the magical Mile of a Million Lights on the beautiful garden grounds. More Details.                  

Arts on the Greenway Holiday Art Show
📆 11/23 - 11/24
📍500 East Central Avenue in Mount Holly
⏰time varies
Support local artists and find unique holiday gifts for every budget. More Details.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24

Christmas in the City Festival
📍Downtown Bessemer City in Bessemer City
⏰4 - 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy a festive afternoon featuring the BC Middle School Band at 4 p.m., the Christmas Parade at 4:30 p.m. with special Grand Marshals, and the Annual Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. Fun, fellowship, and holiday cheer await! More Details.

Kansas City Chiefs (9-1) at Carolina Panthers (2-7)
📍Bank of America Stadium (in Charlotte)
⏰1:00 p.m. (CBS)
The Chiefs (9-1) look to rebound after their first loss in nearly a year as they visit the Panthers (3-7). Carolina, riding a two-game win streak, faces a tough challenge against the defending champions.

Chicken Hill Buckin' Bulls - Bull Riding
📍Chicken Hill in Cherryville
⏰6 p.m.
Enjoy Sheep Riding, Calf Riding, Steer Riding, Amateur and Open Bulls! Every Sunday. Don’t forget to bring your chair! More Details.   

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27

Bright Lights 5K and Fun Run
📍Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont
⏰6:00 p.m.
Light up your Thanksgiving with a festive evening race through dazzling holiday lights! Enjoy multi-surface courses, post-race garden access, custom awards, and unforgettable family fun. Space is limited—register early and start a glowing holiday tradition! More Details.   

PLAN AHEAD

ELF The Musical
📆12/26 - 12/29
📍Belk Theater (at the Blumenthal Arts Center) in Charlotte
⏰times vary
Join Buddy the Elf on his hilarious journey from the North Pole to New York City in this modern Christmas classic! Packed with catchy songs, heartfelt moments, and holiday cheer, ELF The Musical is perfect for the whole family. Embrace your inner elf this holiday season! 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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Was there something I missed this week? Let me know at [email protected]. Want to get your business in Hello, Gaston!? Let’s talk!