Hello, Gaston! (my old friend),

Only 41 days ‘til Christmas! Are you ready? 

I’m not, but I never am. It doesn’t matter. It’s already the most wonderful time of year in my house.

In fact, our Rockin' Around Mickey Mouse is out of the box and is swinging and swaying to every beat of Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree”. You turn it on, and the song just plays over and over again until you turn it off. Same goes for Mickey. He just keeps dancing as long as the song is playing .I’m sure he’ll need a hip replacement before Santa makes his way down the chimney.

Christmas music has started here too. It’s hard to have hard and fast rules about when you can begin to listen to Christmas music when your 4-year-old daughter keeps requesting “Feliz Navidad” one more time. She has no idea what the song is saying, but she’s all in. So I guess, I am too. 

Did I mention there’s only 41 days?

Ben

P.S. Thanks for reading! If you enjoy this week’s newsletter, please pass it along to someone else!

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

GASTON COUNTY'S ICONIC GRAPE ICE CREAM

In Our State magazine’s “100 Foods You Must Eat in 100 Counties” issue, Gaston County’s featured food is Grape Ice Cream from Tony’s Ice Cream in Gastonia. This classic treat is a local favorite and a must-try. What Gaston County delicacy did they select in 2010 when they last published this list? The answer is here.

LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES AWARDED GROWTH GRANTS

The Montcross Area Chamber Tomorrow Foundation, with the Duke Energy Foundation, has awarded $50,000 in grants to 11 small businesses across Gaston County. Grants between $1,000 and $5,000 will help local shops, restaurants, and nonprofits expand, upgrade, and improve operations, supporting growth and resilience for businesses across the community. See the full list of recipients here.

MCADENVILLE OPENS FESTIVE NORTH POLE PARK

McAdenville’s new North Street Park on Main Street transforms into North Pole Park this holiday season, starting this Saturday, November 16, from 4:30–7:30 PM. Visitors can enjoy a festive wonderland with a photo wall, crafts, food trucks, live music, and more. Pick up a Tinsel Trail holiday card for local shopping prizes!

CROWDERS MOUNTAIN REOPENS AFTER RECOVERY EFFORTS

Crowders Mountain reopened last week, and hikers have returned in full force. The park’s closure allowed rangers to aid in hurricane recovery efforts in western North Carolina. With only eight state parks still closed, visitors are now embracing this Gaston County landmark’s trails during this great fall weather.

JESSE COLE REFLECTS ON HUMBLE GASTONIA BEGINNINGS

This week’s Forward Progress podcast features Jesse Cole, founder of the Savannah Bananas, as he reflects on his start as the 23-year-old GM of the Gastonia Grizzlies. Cole discusses his innovative approach to team building and his inspirations from visionaries like Walt Disney and P.T. Barnum. Listen here.

GET A FREE LETTER FROM SANTA!

Realtor Ashley Watford is serving as an elf this Christmas to help bring extra holiday magic to the area with free, personalized letters from Santa! Families can fill out a simple form, and Santa’s elves will send a heartfelt letter all the way from the North Pole, arriving by December 15th. Don’t miss this chance to make Christmas unforgettable!

CELEBRATING SANDCASTLE FARM’S HISTORY AND BEAUTY

Sandcastle Farm, located in Dallas, was established in 1912 and now serves as both an agritourism site and a beloved family heritage for owner Bill Rhyne. Check out this 2-minute video showcasing the history and beauty of this Gaston County Century Farm!

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Tindol Ford’s 50th Celebration
📍Tindol Ford (1901 East Franklin Blvd) in Gastonia
⏰5 - 7 p.m.
Celebrate 50 years with Tindol Ford! Network, enjoy refreshments, and connect with emerging community leaders at this special Business After Hours event presented by the Gaston Business Association. More Details.

Southern Christmas Show
📆11/14 - 11/24/24
📍 The Park Expo and Conference Center in Charlotte
⏰times vary
The 57th annual Southern Christmas Show returns with “12 Days of Christmas” themed displays, plus 400+ vendors offering holiday gifts, décor, treats, and gourmet goodies from around the country.  More Details.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 (🌕Full Moon Tonight!)

Friday Night Football (Playoffs Begin)
📍Locations vary
⏰7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted)
  - South Stokes at Bessemer City (7 p.m.)
  - Highland Tech at Murphy
  - Northwest Cabarrus at Ashbrook
  - East Lincoln at Kings Mountain
  - East Gaston at Randleman
  - Montgomery Central at South Point
  - Hunter Huss at West Charlotte (7 p.m.)
  - Cherryville at North Rowan -- More Details

The Little Theater of Gastonia presents Wait Until Dark
📍The Little Theater of Gastonia
📆 11/14 - 11/17
⏰times vary
A blind woman becomes the target of a dangerous con man and his accomplices in a suspenseful search for a doll filled with secrets. In a battle of wits, she turns the tables in total darkness. More Details.

The Abbey Players present 1776
📍The Haid Theatre at Belmont Abbey College
📆 11/14 - 11/17
⏰times vary
Step into 1776 with a musical journey through the debates and decisions that shaped America. Witness the wit and passion of the Founding Fathers as they sign the Declaration of Independence. More Details.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Flannel Fest Cramerton
📍Goat Island Park in Cramerton
⏰5 - 9 p.m.
Enjoy live music from Chicago Rewired and REO Survivor & Co. Tribute Bands, treats from Nacho Business and Doughboy & Company, plus drinks by Cavendish Brewery. Rock your best flannel for costume contests—including one for pets! More Details.

Arts on the Greenway Holiday Art Show
📆 11/16 - 11/24
📍500 East Central Avenue  in Mount Holly
⏰time varies
Support local artists and find unique holiday gifts for every budget. This weekend and next.  More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍410 E. Long Avenue in Gastonia
⏰7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced fresh produce. Meats from nearby farms. Homemade baked goods. Fresh flowers grown locally. More Details.

Chili For Charity Cookoff
📍106 N Main St. in Belmont
⏰12 - 4 p.m.
This event, presented by The String Bean, offers a day of flavor, fun, and philanthropy as Belmont’s best cooks go head-to-head in a chili showdown for charity! Sample and vote for your favorite chili, and help settle the age-old question of who makes the best bowl in Belmont. More Details.

Mount Holly Cards and More Show
📆 11/16 - 11/17
📍128 Main St in Mount Holly
⏰12 - 6 p.m. (each day)
Get ready for a day filled with collectibles, trading, and fun! This expo has it all: sports cards, memorabilia, Pokémon, anime, comics, and more. Whether you're buying, selling, or trading, there’s something for every collector.  More Details.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Chicken Hill Buckin' Bulls - Bull Riding
📍Chicken Hill in Cherryville
⏰6 p.m.
Enjoy Sheep Riding, Calf Riding, Steer Riding, Amateur and Open Bulls! Every Sunday. Don’t forget to bring your chair! More Details.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Veterans Coffee Connection
📍Outback Steakhouse in Gastonia
⏰8:30 a.m.
Join fellow veterans on the third Tuesday each month for free coffee, doughnuts, and camaraderie. Sponsored by Carolina Caring, this welcoming group is open to veterans of all ages and branches. More Details. (Disclaimer: I am an employee of Carolina Caring.)

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20

GIS Day: Beyond the Map
📍Citizens Resource Center in Dallas
⏰9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Learn how local agencies use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to solve everyday challenges! Explore GIS applications from various city and county departments in the county with exhibits by public health, environmental services, and city planning. Discover the power of GIS technology and its impact on our community. More Details.

PLAN AHEAD

Wreaths Across America
📆12/14/24
📍Belmont, Gastonia, Stanley, Kings Mountain and Cherryville (location details)
⏰12 p.m.
Residents are invited to attend ceremonies across Gaston County to honor veterans with the laying of remembrance wreaths on their graves. Community members can support the tribute by sponsoring a wreath or volunteering at one of these meaningful events to help remember and honor local heroes. 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

Check out the #GastonGram honorable mentions this week here and here.

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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