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

When I hit send last week, I was pumped to see which local biscuit spots you’d nominate. But thanks to a little user error on my part, the link to submit your picks didn’t work. (Ugh!)

Shoutout to reader David Ewing for giving me a heads-up! I’ve since fixed the form, and a few submissions rolled in afterwards — including Cracker Barrel and The Country Kitchen in Dallas. As a Dallas guy, I’ll be checking that one out myself to see if it lives up to the hype!

If you tried to submit and couldn’t, please give it another go. I’d love to keep building our biscuit list!

Also — a warm Hello, Gaston! welcome to The Gaston College Foundation, who’s just joined us as an official partner. We’re so glad to have them on board!

And don’t forget — Teacher Appreciation Week kicks off next week. Let’s make sure our amazing teachers feel the love!

Enjoy all of the spring events this weekend! 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

✨ Dance the Night Away for a Great Cause! ✨

Gaston College Foundation presents A Night for Momentum Makers - Friday, June 13 at Gaston Country Club.

• Groove to beach music sounds of The Band of Oz

• Enjoy complimentary drinks & hors d'oeuvres

• Participate in an exciting live auction and “fund the need”

Support 60 years of Gaston College while making unforgettable memories in your favorite beach-inspired cocktail attire! Buy tickets here.

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🍌THE BANANA BAR COMING SOON TO BELMONT!

The Banana Bar, a fan-favorite dessert truck, is opening soon at 117 S. Main Street! Known for chocolate-dipped frozen bananas, cheesecake on a stick, and dirty sodas, they’re bringing bold flavors and yellow umbrella vibes to their new Main Street patio. Get ready to snack happy!

🎨 NEW MURAL BRIGHTENS GASTONIA

Raman Bhardwaj and his wife, Cortni, just completed a 323-foot-long, 8-foot-high mural on Armstrong Park Road near Gardner Park Elementary. The project, supported by Keep Gastonia Beautiful, marks Raman’s longest street art piece yet, created over nearly two months of weekend work and rain delays.

🚒 DONATE TO SUPPORT GASTONIA FIREFIGHTER JASON HUDSON

Gastonia firefighter Jason Hudson is recovering from severe injuries after an off-duty accident. Gift cards for meals and expenses are being collected to support Jason, his wife Casey, and their two sons during his recovery. Donations can be made through the Gastonia Firefighters’ Foundation here.

🥤 SUN DROP’S SECOND HOME: SHAWANO, WISCONSIN

Gastonia may be the original home of Sun Drop, but Shawano, Wisconsin, proudly hosts the Sun Drop Museum. Twig’s Beverage has bottled Sun Drop there since 1953, using real sugar and refreshing Wisconsin water. If you're in the area, stop by for vintage memorabilia, soda samples, and the annual Sun Drop Dayz festival each June!

🍦 THE SCOOP ON GASTONIA’S TONY’S ICE CREAM

John Le of Queen City News recently spotlighted Tony’s Ice Cream, a beloved Gastonia institution serving old-fashioned ice cream since 1915. Now five generations strong, Tony’s story — from horse-drawn carts to hand-dipped cones — is featured in a new exhibit at the Gaston County Museum. Guided tours are offered Saturdays at 2 p.m.

☕ THE TRAVELING SIP CAFE DEBUTS IN DALLAS

Celebrate The Traveling Sip Café’s grand opening this Saturday (5/3) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy live music, giveaways, and handcrafted drinks. First 10 guests score freebies! Enter the “Sip on Us” Instagram giveaway by Friday night for a chance to win a month of free coffee!

📜 HISTORICAL MARKER HONORS BELMONT’S SOUTH FORK BOYS

A new marker on Wilkinson Blvd in Belmont honors the bravery of the South Fork Boys, a group of young Patriots led by Major William Chronicle who fought and died at the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780. Their sacrifice helped turn the tide of the Revolutionary War.

🎶 RIVER JAM RETURNS TO THE WHITEWATER CENTER TONIGHT

The U.S. National Whitewater Center's free River Jam concert series kicks off tonight and runs Thursday–Saturday nights through September. Enjoy live music from 7–10 p.m. — just pay $12 parking (or get a $40 annual pass). No outside food or drink allowed.

📰  QUICK BITES

🟡 The New York Butcher Shoppe & Wine Bar is planning to open in Belmont this summer with style.

🟡 The freshly painted crosswalk in front of the Mount Holly Farmers Market is creating a real buzz.

🟡 The Gastonia Ghost Peppers broke attendance records last weekend with 7,189 fans—next home stand is May 9 – 11.

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, MAY 1

GBA Breakfast Series: Transportation Focus
📍 Gastonia Conference Center, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Hear updates from local and regional leaders on major transportation projects shaping Gaston County’s future growth. Breakfast included. More Details.

Holy Angels Spring Plant Sale
📅 Thursday, May 1 - Saturday, May 3
📍 6600 Wilkinson Blvd, Belmont
⏰ times vary
Browse beautiful flowers, herbs, vegetables, and more. All proceeds support Holy Angels’ therapeutic horticulture programs. More Details.

Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 4 - 7 p.m.
Shop fresh produce, flowers, homemade goods, crafts, and more from local growers every Thursday evening. More Details.

Gastonia Concert Series featuring On The Border
📍 Rotary Centennial Pavilion, Gastonia
⏰ DJ at 6 p.m., Concert at 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy a free outdoor concert featuring On The Border, an Eagles tribute band, kicking off Gastonia’s concert series. More Details.

FRIDAY, MAY 2

Carolina Speedway Friday Night Races
📍 6355 Union Rd, Gastonia
⏰ 8 p.m.
Catch thrilling dirt track races under the lights at the historic Carolina Speedway. Family-friendly and action-packed! More Details.

Friday Night Live featuring Night Years
📍 Downtown Belmont
⏰ 6 - 10 p.m.
Night Years brings energetic live music to downtown Belmont! Enjoy vendors, food trucks, beer tents, and dancing. More Details.

Goat Island Games
📅 Friday, May 2 - Saturday, May 3
📍 Goat Island Park, Cramerton
⏰ 6 - 8 p.m.
Celebrate two days of races, games, live music, and outdoor fun during Goat Island Games in Cramerton! Family-friendly activities for all ages. More Details.

Lovin' Life Music Fest
📅 Friday, May 2 - Sunday, May 4
📍 300 North Brevard St., Charlotte
⏰ times vary
Catch Gaston County’s own Bailey Marie and Meredith Parks performing at Lovin' Life Music Fest in Charlotte! Three days of music, food, and fun. Tickets required. More Details.

SATURDAY, MAY 3

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E Long Ave, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Shop local every Saturday morning at Gastonia’s open-air farmers market! Fresh finds from nearby farms. More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S Main St, Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Find farm-fresh produce, local goods, and live entertainment at Mount Holly’s Saturday morning market. More Details.

Master Gardener Group Plant Sale
📍 Citizens Resource Center, Dallas
⏰ 8 - 10 a.m.
Find gorgeous plants and gardening tips from the Master Gardener Group during this special morning sale event. More Details.

SpringFest 2025
📍 Downtown Mount Holly
⏰ 12 - 6 p.m.
Celebrate spring in downtown Mount Holly with vendors, food trucks, live music, a car show, and family fun. More Details. 

30th annual Walk For Aids
📍Sacred Heart Campus in Belmont
⏰10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Enjoy music by DJ Buddy Luv, local vendors, and community connection—all while supporting housing and services for people living with HIV/AIDS. More Details. 

RiverFest 2025
📍 102 Main St, McAdenville
⏰ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Celebrate the river with music, crafts, kayaking, and more at RiverFest 2025! More Details.

Live at Patriots Park: Bantum Rooster
📍 Patriots Park, Kings Mountain
⏰ 6 - 10 p.m.
Kick off the 2025 concert series with Bantum Rooster! Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of music. More Details.

Concert on the Main featuring Coming Up Brass
📍 North Main Street, Stanley
⏰ 6 - 9 p.m.
Public street party in Stanley featuring live music and local vendors. Bring a chair and join the fun! More Details.

Sip, Stroll, and Soak in the Art at Stowe Manor
📍 217 S Central Ave, Belmont
⏰ 3 - 7 p.m.
Enjoy plein-air painting, wine, and historic storytelling on the beautiful grounds of historic Stowe Manor. More Details.

Movies in the Park: Finding Nemo
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 8 - 11 p.m.
Bring chairs and blankets for a special movie night under the stars featuring Finding Nemo. Free event! More Details.

Plantapalooza
📅 Saturday, May 3 - Sunday, May 4
📍 2954 Forbes Rd, Gastonia
⏰ times vary
Shop plants from local growers and garden pros—bring your green thumb or just your curiosity. More Details.

MONDAY, MAY 5 (🌮Cinco de Mayo🌮)

 Cinco de Mayo at Confluence
📍 117 Center St, Cramerton
⏰ 4 - 9 p.m.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo riverside with margaritas, lageritas, live music, and festive food specials at Confluence! More Details.

TUESDAY, MAY 6

 Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E Long Ave, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Midweek market shopping for produce, meats, flowers, and homemade goods from local vendors. More Details.

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.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 7

Small Business Expo 2025
📍 Hilton Garden Inn, Gastonia
⏰ 3 - 5 p.m.
Network with local business leaders and discover Gaston’s entrepreneurial spirit at the Small Business Expo hosted by GBA. 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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Was there something I missed this week? Let me know at [email protected]. Want to get your business in Hello, Gaston!? Let’s talk!