Here we go.

We're ripping the bandage off at Hello, Gaston. Starting this Monday, we'll become a twice-a-week newsletter.

When I started this little project almost two years ago, I honestly wasn't sure there would be enough good news, interesting places, and local happenings to fill one newsletter each week.

I was wrong.

As it turns out, Gaston County gives us plenty to talk about. More great restaurants to try. More local businesses to celebrate. More events worth putting on your calendar. More stories that deserve to be shared.

So beginning Monday, you'll hear from me twice a week. Think of us as the Doublemint Twins of Gaston County. Double the reasons to get out and explore.

I hope you'll stick around for it.

It’s not the first time I've been wrong. When I moved here 26 years ago, all I could think about was getting out. If you had told me I'd stay, raise a family here, and spend my mornings writing about all the good things happening in Gaston County, I would have laughed.

I was wrong about Gaston County. I was wrong about how much there would be to share.

Which makes me think I might finally be right. And if that's true, I have a feeling the best stories are still ahead of us. 

Friends don't let friends miss stories about fried bologna sandwiches. Forward them today's Hello, Gaston!

Child support calculations in North Carolina are more complex than most parents realize. Sodoma Law Belmont helps families navigate the process with confidence and less stress. They offer:

Ready to take the first step? LEARN MORE AT SODOMALAW.COM →

Construction is underway on Sugar Creek Brewing's new Gastonia location, with an opening projected for late 2026 or early 2027. The long-awaited brewery shared updated renderings last month, giving residents a fresh look at what's coming to the city.

Looking to make better coffee at home? The Wandering Cup in Belmont is hosting a Home Barista Workshop this Wednesday, July 15. Learn espresso basics, milk steaming, and more during this hands-on class. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today. ($) 

The Gaston County Museum of Art & History opens a new exhibit July 18 exploring African American communities from the 1870s through the 1970s. Developed with local community members, it highlights Rosenwald schools, restored artwork by Dr. John T. Biggers, and the stories that helped shape Gaston County.

Don't miss your chance to win a pair of tickets to see the Gastonia Ghost Peppers host the Lexington Legends on Saturday, July 18. One Hello, Gaston subscriber will win. Entries close this Sunday, July 12, so enter today! 

Local artist David French has unveiled a new commissioned painting for the opening of Spencer Mountain's new park and trails. Created for the Catawba Lands Conservancy, the artwork showcases the sweeping view from the summit. French is asking the community to help name the painting. 

Experience Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon like never before as The Album Series featuring Celeb Davis performs live beneath The Schiele Museum's planetarium dome July 24 and 25. The immersive concert pairs iconic music with stunning 360 degree visuals during three nightly performances.

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

Is your home getting the preventative care it deserves? Ben Roudabush with Serene Home Maintenance has you covered:

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Ready to protect your biggest investment? CLAIM THIS OFFER TODAY→

Belmont Farmers Market — Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Dallas Farmers Market — Select Sundays, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Gastonia Farmers Market — Tuesday, Thursdays & Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 
Kings Mountain Farmers Market — Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Mount Holly Farmers Market — Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Tuesday (7/14) — Lexington Legends @ 6 p.m.
Wednesday (7/15) — Lexington Legends @ 6 p.m.
Thursday (7/16) — Lexington Legends @ 7 p.m.

Brighter Days Camp for Children
📍 Shining Hope Farms, Mount Holly
📅 Tuesday, August 4
⏰ 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Children ages 5 to 16 who have experienced the loss of a loved one are invited to this free, counselor-led day camp featuring nature activities, art, and interactions with gentle horses to help process grief in healthy ways. Registration is required by Monday, July 27. More Details. ($)

The Floor Is Lava Game Night
📍 Main Library, Gastonia
⏰ 6 to 6:45 p.m.
Can you make it across before the clock runs out? Kids in grades K through 5 are invited to tackle a fun obstacle course challenge. More Details.

River Jam: Chill Paxton
📍 Whitewater Center, Charlotte
⏰ 7 to 10 p.m.
Enjoy a free outdoor concert at the Whitewater Center's River Jam series. Performances are held rain or shine unless severe weather requires cancellation. More Details.

Learning for Littles
📍 Stowe Park Trailhead Store, Belmont
⏰ 9 to 9:45 a.m.
Toddlers ages 0 to 4 and their caregivers are invited for a free outdoor nature program featuring stories, puppets, and hands-on activities. More Details.

BrightStar Cruise In
📍 BrightStar Grill, Dallas
⏰ 4 to 7 p.m.
Check out classic cars while enjoying great food and fellowship at this weekly community cruise-in. More Details.

Bluegrass Jam at Primal Brewery
📍 Primal Brewery, Belmont
⏰ 7 to 10 p.m.
Bring an instrument or simply enjoy an evening of bluegrass, folk, Irish, and country music. Musicians of all skill levels are welcome. More Details.

Karaoke at the Rabbit with Tommy Tonka
📍 Rusty Rabbit, Gastonia
⏰ 8 to 11 p.m.
Sing your favorite songs and enjoy drink specials, food, and a lively karaoke night with Tommy Tonka. More Details.

Community Yard Sale
📍 Harold Rankin Park, Lowell
⏰ 7 to 11 a.m.
Shop for bargains from community vendors during this public yard sale. Vendor spaces are available for $5 and must be reserved in advance. More Details.

Kids Catfish Tournament
📍 Dallas Park, Dallas
⏰ 8 to 11 a.m.
Kids ages 3 to 15 are invited to compete in this free fishing tournament with prizes awarded throughout the morning. Pre-registration is encouraged. More Details.

Gastonia High School Lawn Party
📍 Gastonia High School, Gastonia
⏰ 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon on the lawn of Gastonia's historic high school while learning about one of the city's architectural treasures. More Details.

Classy Cassie's Adoption Event
📍 Dallas
⏰ 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Meet adoptable dogs looking for forever homes during this adoption event. Last year's event found homes for every participating dog. More Details.

NCW & EWA: Pounding for Crisis Pregnancy Center
📍 Community Christian Academy, Dallas
⏰ 6 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of professional wrestling while supporting the Crisis Pregnancy Center with baby supply donations or admission. More Details.

Movie in the Park: Beauty and the Beast
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 8:30 p.m.
Watch Beauty and the Beast under the stars during Belmont's free outdoor movie series. Bring a chair or blanket. More Details.

July Plant Swap & Shop
📍 Traust Brewing, Mount Holly
⏰ Noon to 3 p.m.
Swap plants, shop local vendors, and enjoy food and drinks during this free community gathering for plant lovers. More Details.

Photography & Architecture Walk
📍 York Chester Historic District, Gastonia
⏰ 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.
Explore Gastonia's historic York Chester neighborhood while learning photography techniques during this guided walk. More Details.

Cow Appreciation Day Craft Party
📍 Harold Rankin Park, Lowell
⏰ 11 a.m. to noon
Create a cow costume before heading to participating Chick-fil-A restaurants to receive a free menu item while dressed as a cow. More Details.

Home Barista Workshop
📍 Wandering Cup, Belmont
⏰ 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Learn espresso basics, milk steaming, and home brewing techniques during this beginner-friendly hands-on coffee workshop. 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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Was there something I missed this week? Let me know at [email protected]. Want to get your business in Hello, Gaston!? Let’s talk!