We stay one or two holidays behind at our house. It may be almost March, but we are still knee-deep in Halloween. Pumpkins and skeletons are still top of mind around here.

You know you have a little one when you’ve watched every pumpkin video YouTube has to offer. We’ve watched pumpkin carvings, time-lapse pumpkin rottings, pumpkin smashings, and even pumpkins jumping on the bed. I think you know how that story ends.

We still watch clips from A Nightmare Before Christmas on a regular basis. Anything with Jack Skellington, Sally, or Oogie Boogie is a favorite around here.

And that’s the dilemma we find ourselves in as our youngest, Finnley, turns two next month. He may be a St. Patrick’s Day baby, born on March 13. But you’d never know it. He’s a Halloween kid through and through.

I don’t know what his first word was. I should. But life can get crazy and busy sometimes, it just slipped through the cracks. What I do know is his favorite word, the one he says more than anything: pumpkin.

That’s his word. His passion. No matter where we are or what we’re doing, pumpkins somehow get interjected into the situation.

Which makes it hard to plan and decorate for a birthday party where the VIP is “Bad 2 the Bone.”

It’s a shame we can’t find real pumpkins this time of year. He’d love it. Instead, we’re settling for beach balls that look like pumpkins. If it’s orange and round, he’s on cloud nine.

Obviously, we’ll make do with whatever Halloween decorations we can find this time of year. At least he’s just turning two. His expectations aren’t high.

So, if you’re looking for us on March 13, just follow the trail of orange balloons and plastic skeletons.

St. Patrick can wait. We’ve got pumpkins, and a little boy, to celebrate.

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A Carolina Thread Trail segment will link George Poston Park to Spencer Mountain’s 1,250-foot summit, adding three miles of switchback trails with overlooks, bridges, and a summit park. Partners include WBTV/Gray Media, Catawba Lands Conservancy, and Carolina Thread Trail. Opening is targeted for fall 2026.

This past Tuesday, Downtown Gastonia (DTG) transformed into a working film set as Netflix’s The Hunting Wives rolled cameras at the corner of N. York Street and W. Main Avenue. Filming ran from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., drawing attention and energy to DTG. Season two is now in production, and if Gastonia made the right impression, it may not be the last time Hollywood calls. [Wise News Network]

Belmont’s Simply American Dog Treat Company is rolling through with North Carolina’s only mobile dog treat truck. Pure, single-ingredient meats, fish, and sweet potatoes. No fillers. No additives. Track the truck @simplyamericandog and treat your pup to something better today! ($)

Belmont is getting a new pizza spot as Tapside Pizza prepares to open inside Primal Brewery at 52 Ervin St. The concept is a partnership between Primal Brewery and ASM Group, the team behind The Cowfish and eeZ. Guests can expect artisanal pies, build-your-own options, and shareable favorites alongside Primal’s craft beer lineup. [Whatnow]

Gaston County United Way’s signature Women United event, Purse Power, returns March 26 at Gaston Country Club. Enjoy a ladies’ night out featuring designer purse raffles and a silent auction, all benefiting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and early childhood literacy across Gaston County.

If your childhood was powered by action figures, comic books, wrestling legends, and epic space battles, this Downtown Gastonia shop is calling your name. Laresa Thompson’s Gastonia City Sights spotlight highlights Back in Time Collectibles and one powerful, lasso-worthy transformation you have to see.

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

Travel on your 2026 list? This Saturday is your chance. Stop by TECHWORKS in Belmont on February 28th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

📍 52A Ervin Street (next to Primal Brewery)

Spots are filling fast. REGISTER NOW➜

The Chutes: Winter Tubing
📍 Crowders Springs, 4914 Linwood Road, Kings Mountain
📅 Now through Saturday, February 28
⏰ times vary
Snowless tubing lanes, campfire treats, and family fun supporting Crowders Camps near Crowders Mountain. Recommended for ages five and up. More Details. ($)

Grand Opening of Crowders Springs
📍 130 Camp Rotary Rd, Gastonia
⏰ 4–5 p.m.
Celebrate the grand opening of Crowders Springs with food, community fellowship, and family-friendly fun at this new destination. More Details.

Mad Science Night @ Main
📍 Gaston County Public Library, 1555 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 6–7 p.m.
Step into a night of Mad Science designed for Pre-K through 5th grade, featuring hands-on STEAM centers throughout the Children’s Room to spark curiosity and creativity. More Details.

Trivia Night w/ Kim H. Falls
📍 The Rooster, 334 W Main Ave, Gastonia
⏰ 7–10 p.m.
Put your brainpower to the test at The Rooster’s laid-back, laugh-out-loud trivia night! Gather your team, tackle fun and surprising categories, and compete for bragging rights. More Details.

Small Business Council Coffee w/ Leaders featuring Angelia Black
📍 601 W Franklin Blvd., Gastonia
⏰ 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Connect with local leaders over coffee and conversation during this informal gathering focused on community insight and engagement. More Details.

Belmont “Spring Into Travel” Expo
📍 TECHWORKS, 52A Ervin Street, Belmont
⏰ 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Plan your 2026 getaway with insider tips, destination ideas, and Expo-only deals. Meet 12 top travel suppliers and enjoy free parking. Register early for bonus raffle entry. More Details.

Fossil Fair
📍 The Schiele, 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Discover fossils, meet experts, and explore interactive exhibits during this educational event perfect for curious kids and adults alike. More Details.

Carolina Sound: Record & Music Expo
📍 Gastonia Conference Center, 145 Dr M.L.K. Jr. Way, Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Browse vinyl records, music memorabilia, and collectibles while connecting with fellow music lovers at this regional expo. More Details.

Frigid Trail Race & Plunge
📍 Whitewater, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte
⏰ 10 a.m.
Run scenic trails, then take an icy plunge during this adrenaline-filled outdoor challenge built for adventurous spirits. More Details.

Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic (drive-thru)
📍 1491 Business Park Court, Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Protect your pets with free rabies vaccinations provided by Gaston County Animal Care staff. More Details.

Mini Greenhouse Seed Starting Workshop
📍 Wild & Whimsey, 231 E Main Ave, Gastonia
⏰ 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Learn how to start seeds indoors and build a simple greenhouse setup during this hands-on gardening workshop. More Details.

Monster Truck Wars
📍 Carolina Speedway, 6355 Union Rd, Gastonia
📅 Saturday, February 28 - Sunday, March 1
⏰ times vary
Monster Truck Wars roars into Carolina Speedway with monster trucks, truck and tractor pulls, mud racing, and high-flying action for all ages. More Details.

Main Street Social: 2nd Year Anniversary Celebration
📍 118 South Main Street, Stanley
⏰ 5–11 p.m.
Celebrate their second anniversary with a pint in hand, King of Fire pizza, and live music from the amazing Ben Gaitlin Band performing. More Details.

Oyster Roast with Saltwater Markets
📍 Falls Family Farms, 2954 Forbes Rd, Gastonia
⏰ 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Enjoy fresh oysters, coastal flavors, and great company during this lively community oyster roast event. More Details.

Belmont Abbey College Softball vs Tusculum (double header)
📍 Crusader Field, Belmont Abbey College, Belmont
⏰ 1 p.m.
Belmont Abbey College hosts the Tusculum Pioneers for a Sunday softball doubleheader at Crusader Field. More Details.

Veterans Lunch
📍 Allan Farris Community Center, Bessemer City
⏰ 11:30 a.m.
All veterans are invited to a complimentary lunch at Allan Farris Community Center. This month’s sponsor is Cornerstone Caring. RSVP if you plan to attend. 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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