When I moved to town 25 years ago, one of the first places I ate was RO’s BBQ. (I learned pretty quick—don’t call it Ro’s!)

There’s just something about that place—it feels like stepping into another place and time. And their iconic slaw? It’s something else.

I love it. My dad loves it. My sister-in-law loves it. And her 9-year-old son, Bay—my nephew—well, he loves it too. The love for this slaw spans generations, which makes sense, since it’s been around 77 years.

This past Tuesday, my brother John and two of his boys, Kai and Bay, made a pilgrimage across the river to experience RO’s BBQ.

Bay had never been, but he’s been dipping chips in their slaw for years. This time, he skipped the BBQ and went straight for the hamburger—drenched, of course, in that orangey RO’s slaw.

This slaw is iconic. What’s in it? I have no clue, but it’s something special. RO’s BBQ (and Black’s BBQ) are Gaston County staples. It’s a rite of passage for local residents, newcomers, out-of-towners, and those curious Charlotteans not afraid to sample a little Gaston greatness.

The label says it can be a sauce, slaw, or dip. My dad prefers it as a dip. Bay, who loves it that way too, went big on Tuesday and smothered his burger with it.

Bay devoured that messy burger and burned through seven napkins in the process.

That’s how you know it’s good. It’s what I call a “seven-napkiner.”

Was it worth the drive? You bet. They left with two quarts to take home. My brother wasn’t worried that he got too much—they don’t expire until October.

With Bay around, my guess is they don’t even make it to August.

I’m thrilled to give a big Hello, Gaston! welcome to Heidi Schmidt Cole of Anchored Soul—our newest newsletter partner! Heidi is making waves with the 6th annual Bon Temps Paddle Battle on Lake Wylie, happening Saturday, August 16. You won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind race on the water!

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this week’s newsletter, please pass it along to someone who you’d think would enjoy it!

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GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🍎 SCHIELE HOSTS FREE TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY

Teachers and their families get free admission and a planetarium show at The Schiele on Monday, July 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Explore field trip options, enjoy live animal demos from 2–5 p.m., and celebrate the new school year.

🥊 GASTON COUNTY EARNS TITLE FOR NC'S BEST PLACE TO THROW DOWN

In a tongue-in-cheek poll from 2021 by Jeremy Markovich in his North Carolina Rabbit Hole newsletter, readers named Gaston County the top spot in North Carolina to settle a beef. Gastonia led the way, but Bessemer City, Ranlo, Dallas, and Lowell weren’t far behind. 

🎨 POLISH YOUR BRAND WITH FARMHOUSER DESIGN

Belmont-based Farmhouser Design helps small businesses and nonprofits launch with confidence. Owner Leslie Boyd specializes in custom branding that builds trust, attracts clients, and elevates your visual identity from day one. ($)

💖 BESSEMER CITY UNVEILS NEW COMMUNITY BRAND

Bessemer City is embracing “Heartfelt Living” as its new brand, reflecting unity, warmth, and hometown pride. The updated identity honors its “City with a Heart” roots while moving boldly forward. Developed with community input, the brand launch marks a new chapter for this close-knit town.

🎶 WSGE CELEBRATES CAROLINA MUSIC MONTH WITH BENEFIT SHOW

WSGE 91.7 FM celebrates Carolina Music Month this August with a live concert on Saturday, August 9 at The Rooster in Downtown Gastonia. Sam Burchfield and special guest Arsena will take the stage for this all-ages benefit show. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

🧢 “G-TOWN” OR “DTG”? COMMUNITY WEIGHS IN

Downtown Gastonia's identity is up for debate after Steve D'Avria asked what folks think of “Gashouse” and “G-Town.” With 65+ replies and counting, many say it’s time for something fresh. Newcomer “DTG” is gaining traction thanks to local entrepreneur Keanu Trujillo and his Alchemy coworking brand.

📰  QUICK BITES

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

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ANCHORED SOUL

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GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

PLAN AHEAD

Rhino Run for Education
📍 Gaston College, 201 Hwy 321 S, Dallas
📅 Saturday, September 27
⏰ 7 – 11 a.m.
Join the 2K or 5K Rhino Run at Gaston College to support athletics and Gaston and Lincoln County schools. Enjoy WSGE DJs, coffee, donuts, food trucks, and more. $40 entry. More Details. ($)

THURSDAY, JULY 24

Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
Browse fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade items from local growers and makers. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fresh produce, baked goods, meats, and flowers from local farmers. More Details.

Trivia Night
📍 Cavendish Brewing Company, Gastonia
⏰ 7 p.m.
Test your brainpower with fun, themed trivia rounds and cold local brews. More Details.

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs Lexington Legends
📍 CaroMont Health Park, Gastonia
⏰6:30 – 9:30 p.m. More Details.

Free Nature Photography Walk
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Belmont
⏰ 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Explore nature and photography at your own thoughtful, creative pace. More Details.

FRIDAY, JULY 25

Cabaret (1998 Version)
📍 Little Theater of Gastonia, Gastonia
📅Friday, July 25 - Sunday, July 27
⏰ Times vary
Experience the iconic musical in an intimate setting. More Details.

Carolina Speedway - USCS Sprint Car Series
📍 6335 Union Rd, Gastonia
⏰ 7 p.m.
Friday night dirt track racing thrills the whole family. More Details.

Touch-A-Truck
📍 Stowe YMCA, Belmont
⏰ Time TBD
Big rigs, fire trucks, and more—climb in and explore them all! More Details.

NC American Legion State Tournament
📍 John L. "Buck" Fraley Field, Cherryville Memorial Stadium, Cherryville
📅Friday, July 25 - Wednesday, July 30
⏰ Times vary
Top 8 teams face off in Cherryville for state championship glory. More Details.

SATURDAY, JULY 26

Bessemer City Alive featuring The Extraordinaires
📍 Downtown Bessemer City
⏰ 6 p.m.
High-energy beach and soul music at this free summer concert series. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced produce, meats, baked goods, and flowers from nearby farms. More Details.

Kings Mountain Farmers Market
📍 313 S. Battleground Ave., Kings Mountain
⏰ 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Local produce, meats, crafts, and handmade items from the Kings Mountain community. More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Weekly open-air market offering fresh, locally grown and handmade goods. More Details.

Ranlo July Celebration
📍Town Hall, Ranlo
⏰ 3–9:30 p.m.
Family-friendly festivities with food, music, and fireworks to close out July. More Details.

Family Movie Morning featuring Encanto
📍 1555 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia
⏰ 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Free movie in the library's Story Nook. More Details.

Last Chance Prom
📍 CityCade, Gastonia
⏰ 8 p.m.
Dance the night away—retro arcade vibes, live music, and prom nostalgia! More Details.

SUNDAY, JULY 27

Art Market with CLT Street Art Collaborative
📍 Confluence, Cramerton
⏰ 4 - 6 p.m.
Come get a one of a kind piece of art at Confluence. More Details.

TUESDAY, JULY 29

Cherryville Main Street Farmers Market
📍 Cherryville Mini Park, Cherryville
⏰ 5 – 7 p.m.
Seasonal produce, baked goods, and handmade items from local vendors. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced produce, meats, baked goods, and flowers from nearby farms. 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.

#GASTONGRAM

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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