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

I know St. Patrick’s Day is still 11 days away, but it’s never too early to plan how you’ll celebrate.

Meanwhile, my wife, Jillian, won’t be making any plans—she’ll be too busy curled up in a ball, crying. Why? Because her little baby boy, Finnley, is turning one.

That little loaf of bread, born on March 13, 2024, at 5 pounds, 9 ounces, will have officially completed his first full trip around the sun.

It’s bittersweet, knowing they can’t stay little forever. But, as the song says—Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on.

He may have missed being a St. Patrick’s Day baby by just four days, but he’ll always be our lucky little boy. And as for his mom and me? We are the luckiest ones of all.

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!

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🍀 ST. PATRICK'S DAY FESTIVITIES IN GASTON COUNTY

Plan ahead Gaston County! Melissa McCauley with Gaston County Tourism has compiled a list of all the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year. From green beer to live music, Gaston County offers plenty of fun events, including bar crawls, 5K runs, and family-friendly scavenger hunts. Don’t miss out on the luck of the Irish next weekend in Gaston County.

🎶 ONE NIGHT ONLY: DAVID CHILDERS TRIBUTE

The Little Theater of Gastonia will host a tribute concert for Mount Holly musician David Childers on Saturday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m. Led by Childers' band, The Serpents, this one-night event will feature a mix of country and folk music to honor this local legend.

🍌 SAVANNAH BANANAS ADD SECOND CHARLOTTE GAME

The Savannah Bananas are bringing their 2025 World Tour to Charlotte for not one, but two nights due to overwhelming demand! Catch their high-energy showdown against the Party Animals at Bank of America Stadium on June 6 & 7. Tickets are available via lottery for fans who signed up. Don’t miss this chance to experience Banana Ball in the Queen City!

📢 GASTON COLLEGE HOSTS 2025 SMALL BUSINESS SUMMIT

The Gaston College Small Business Center invites you to the 2025 Small Business Summit, a free event designed to help your business thrive! Gain expert insights, network, and attend workshops on marketing, government contracting, and business credit. Jump in on March 19 (Lincoln Campus) or April 9 (Dallas Campus). Lunch is included.

🎉 HONORING HUGH SHERRILL’S 50 YEARS AT THE SCHIELE

After nearly 50 years, Hugh "Hubie" Sherrill has retired from The Schiele Museum, where his talents in Education and Exhibits made a lasting impact. Friends and colleagues gathered recently for a retirement party, sharing fond memories and laughter. Known for his calm nature and kindness, his legacy lives on. Retired or not, he’ll always be part of The Schiele family.

🍦 DALLAS BIDS FINAL FAREWELL TO OLD DAIRY QUEEN 

After five years of sitting vacant, the old Dairy Queen in Dallas was finally demolished last week. While locals felt a tinge of nostalgia watching it go, Starbucks fans are excited for what’s coming next. Change is brewing in Dallas—stay tuned for what’s in store!

🌱 BLACK GOLD COMPOST SALE RETURNS THIS SPRING

Keep Gastonia Beautiful’s Spring Black Gold Sale will be held at 3100 Duke Street (off Gaston Day School Road). Get nutrient-rich compost for $20 per scoop (approx. 3 cubic yards), cash only. Bring your own bucket and tarp. Sales will run Fridays, 1-5 p.m., and Saturdays, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., starting March 14.

📰  QUICK BITES

• Tulip season is almost here at Five Blossoms Farm in Clover! Get your U-Pick tickets for 3/28 or 4/5 today.

• The Gaston Business Association has announced the spring Leadership Gaston Class of 2025.

• According to a Delta Dental survey, the Tooth fairy payouts have hit a low, with the average payout dropping to $5.01 per tooth.

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, MARCH 6

Downtown Gastonia Caffeine and Conversation
📍Cavendish Brewing Company in Gastonia
⏰10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Connect with local business leaders, residents, and public servants over coffee in downtown Gastonia. Engage in dynamic discussions, network, and share ideas to help shape the community. More Details.

FRIDAY, MARCH 7

Friday Night Live Music featuring Anna Kimm
📍Confluence South Fork in Cramerton
⏰7 - 9 p.m.
Bring your friends, family, or a date to enjoy an evening of incredible performances by talented artists. More Details.

Laugh’in Gastonia
📍CaroMont Health Park in Gastonia
⏰Doors open at 6 p.m.; show starts at 7 p.m.
Enjoy a night filled with laughter at the ballpark! James R. Hustle will be headlining a night full of fun, laughs, and good vibes. Tickets include a free Ghost Peppers baseball game ticket. More Details.

The Cherryville Little Theatre presents A Trail to Oregon
📍 301 W Academy St. in Cherryville
📅 Friday, March 7 - Saturday, March 15
⏰times vary
This R-rated, adults-only musical comedy brings the Oregon Trail to life like never before! Originally performed in Chicago, A Trail to Oregon is the most historically accurate musical about the legendary journey—complete with hilarious songs, iconic figures, and a landscape-inspired set. More Details.

The Looks Consignment Sale
📍Muddy River Distillery in Mount Holly
📅 Friday, March 7 - Sunday, March 9
⏰times vary
Shop high-quality boutique and designer brands at unbeatable prices for spring and summer! More Details.

SATURDAY, MARCH 8

Master Gardeners present Growing Herbs
📍Gaston County Public Library (on Garrison Blvd.) in Gastonia
⏰11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Learn how to grow herbs at home with Master Gardener Judy Hudgins! This free program, presented by the Gaston County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Group, will give you expert tips to start your own herb garden.  More Details.

Meet & Bleat on the Farm
📍The Schiele Museum in Gastonia
⏰11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Welcome spring with some adorable farm friends! Enjoy a day dedicated to pigs—featuring special keeper talks, hands-on activities, and the chance to pet and feed these lovable animals. More Details.

Monthly Pinball Tournament
📍CityCade in Gastonia
⏰7 - 10 p.m.
Test your pinball skills at the IFPA Monthly Tournament every 2nd Saturday! More Details.

New Exhibit Opening: "The Old-Fashioned Way" - The Tony's Ice Cream Story
📍Gaston County Museum in Dallas
⏰1 - 4 p.m.
Enjoy a free kiddie cone, get creative with an ice cream cone craft, and decorate your own ice cream hat! This fun-filled exhibit celebrates a beloved local treasure—don’t miss out! More Details.

Strong Like AK Open House
📍119 Ashley Ave in Mount Holly
⏰11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Celebrate the grand opening of the Strong Like AK House! This house will offer free housing for families traveling to Levine Children's Hospital for pediatric cancer care. Parking is available at the Mount Holly Swim & Racquet Club, with light refreshments provided. More Details.

SUNDAY, MARCH 9 (🕑 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS 🕑)

Belmont Farmers Market - Winter Market
📍Stowe Park in Belmont
⏰11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Shop local this winter for fresh produce, handmade goods, baked treats, and unique gifts from familiar vendors, all in a cozy outdoor setting. More Details.

MONDAY, MARCH 10

Lift Your Spirit Film Series featuring Bob Marley: One Love
📍Gaston County Public Library (1555 East Garrison Boulevard) in Gastonia
⏰6 - 8 p.m.
Enjoy a free showing of Bob Marley: One Love! This music documentary explores his life, legacy, and cultural influence through untold stories and intimate details. Rediscover the man behind the music in a powerful and revealing journey.  More Details.

TUESDAY, MARCH 11

Free Tuesday at The Schiele Museum (sponsored by Duke Energy)
📍The Schiele Museum in Gastonia
⏰4 - 8 p.m.
Explore the museum’s fascinating exhibits at no cost. No registration needed—just drop by for an unforgettable afternoon and evening of discovery! More Details.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12

Belmont Sip & Speak: A Poetry Crawl
📍various locations throughout Downtown Belmont
⏰6:30 - 9 p.m.
Experience an evening of poetry and community in Downtown Belmont. Enjoy original works from talented poets while savoring light refreshments at each venue. More Details.

Bring Your Own Vinyl Night
📍Confluence in Cramerton
⏰6 - 8 p.m.
Participants are invited to bring their favorite records, both old and new, to share and enjoy music together in a lively community setting. 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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