I just heard about the passing of Charlie Martin, one of the nicest, friendliest guys you’d ever meet. Most folks knew him as the mayor of Belmont, but that’s not really how I knew him.

Back in 2015, I wasn’t following local politics. I was just a guy selling magazine ads, showing up to every Montcross Chamber networking event or ribbon cutting I could find. And I kept seeing the same man again and again. If it was happening in Belmont, he was there.

He was a man about town. A man of the people. The kind of guy who never seemed to forget a name.

That’s what stuck with me the most: how he remembered people. Not just names, but faces. He’d look you in the eye, shake your hand, and say hello like he truly meant it. I never knew his political leanings or how he voted on the hot-button stuff. I just knew him as someone who made you feel like you mattered.

He held a role that could’ve gone to someone’s head, but it never seemed to. He wasn’t just the mayor. He was a mayor for the people—one who showed up, remembered your name, and made you feel seen.

The outpouring of tributes says it all. [Make sure you read Ted Hall’s.] That may not be the ultimate measure of a man’s life, but it’s a pretty good barometer. I haven’t read a single bad word about Mayor Charlie Martin since hearing of his passing Tuesday night.

And that says a lot—especially for someone who held the mayor’s seat for 10 years in a growing town like Belmont. You’d think he’d have made a few enemies along the way.

But if you ever met Charlie, you know he didn’t.

Thanks for reading!

Ben

P.S. Help me welcome Leslie Boyd of Farmhouser Design as one of our newest partners! She’s Gaston County through and through—born in Cherryville, now calling Belmont home. We’re thrilled to have her on Team Hello, Gaston!

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GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🥩 VOTE GASTONIA’S OWN FOR BEST STEAK IN CHARLOTTE!

Webb Custom Kitchen is repping Gastonia in CharlotteFive’s Best Steak contest—and they’ve carved their way to 3rd place! Voting is open through noon Monday, July 7. Let’s push them into the Top 4! You can vote multiple times. Vote here.

🎆 FIREWORKS FINALE: WHERE TO WATCH IN GASTON COUNTY

Still need your sparkler fix? Fireworks are happening tonight in Cherryville and Stanley. Then tomorrow night (July 4), catch shows in Dallas, Gastonia, Belmont, and Kings Mountain. Plenty of chances left to celebrate big! See the full schedule here.

🎉 MOUNT HOLLY’S EVERYONE PARADE ROLLS OUT JULY 5

Dress festive and join the 16th Annual Everyone Parade this Saturday at 9:30 a.m. behind the Mount Holly Farmers Market. Kids and grownups alike can decorate bikes, scooters, wagons, and more—then celebrate with free ice cream at the finish line!

🌻 SUNFLOWERS ARE BLOOMING AT DRAPER WILDLIFE AREA

The sunflower fields at Draper Wildlife Management Area are officially in bloom—and they’re only about 30 miles from Gastonia! Now through early July, visitors can enjoy acres of sunflowers in full color from dawn to dusk. It's the perfect summer photo op. [Charlotte on the Cheap]

🎄CHRISTMAS IN JULY RETURNS TO DALLAS

Dallas Christian Ministry is collecting toys, food, hygiene items, and monetary gifts all month to support their Christmas Assistance Program. Help local kids, seniors, and unhoused neighbors by donating now—or join the Big Drop-Off Day on July 26, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at 305 E Trade St, Dallas.

🍽️ QUEEN'S FEAST FEATURES GASTON GEMS

Gaston County restaurants are serving up flavor during Queen’s Feast, July 18–27! Enjoy 3-course menus at Drift, Marrelli’s, M.E.P., Old Stone, and Southern Artisan Spirits. No need to cross the river—Gaston’s Queen’s Feast picks are right in your backyard.

🎸 TANGERINE TREES BRINGS BEATLES MAGIC TO GASTONIA

Mark your calendar: Beatles tribute band Tangerine Trees hits Ruth’s Garden on Friday, July 18 for a night of music, Tito’s Vodka, and fundraising fun with the Animal League of Gaston County. Just 120 tickets available—$30 each. FYI - it sold out last year.

🕊️ REMEMBERING CHARLIE MARTIN, FORMER MAYOR OF BELMONT

Belmont—and all of Gaston County—is mourning the passing of former Mayor Charlie Martin, a beloved leader who dedicated more than 20 years to public service. Known for his big heart and tireless commitment, Charlie helped shape both his hometown and the region. His impact will not be forgotten.

📰  QUICK BITES

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

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FARMHOUSER DESIGN

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GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, JULY 3

Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
Shop local at this open-air market with fresh produce, handmade goods, and friendly community vibes. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fresh vegetables, baked goods, meats, and flowers from local farms and artisans. Come early! More Details.

Cherryville’s Independence Day Celebration
📍 Main Street, Cherryville
⏰ 6 - 10 p.m.
Celebrate early with fireworks lighting up the Cherryville sky! More Details.

Fireworks at Harper Park
📍 Harper Park, Stanley
⏰ 6 - 9:30 p.m.
Kick off the holiday weekend with fireworks in Stanley. More Details.

FRIDAY, JULY 4

Red, White and Belmont
📍 Stowe Park (Upper Field), Downtown Belmont
⏰ 6 - 10:30 p.m.
End Independence Day with a bang at Belmont’s fireworks show. More Details.

Kings Mountain’s Revolutionary 4th
📍 Deal Park Walking Track, 211 N Cleveland Avenue, Kings Mountain
⏰ 6 - 10 p.m.
Bring your lawn chairs and celebrate with fireworks in downtown Kings Mountain. More Details.

Dallas 4th of July Celebration
📍 Cloninger Park, S. Oakland Street, Dallas
⏰ 6 - 9 p.m.
Small-town charm meets big-time fireworks in historic downtown Dallas. More Details.

Gastonia’s Fourth of July Celebration
📍 Rotary Centennial Pavilion, Gastonia
⏰ 5 – 9:30 p.m.
Live music, food trucks, kids’ zone, and fireworks in the heart of Gastonia. More Details.

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs. High Point Rockers
📍 800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 4 p.m. More Details.

Carolina Eucalyptus Festival
📍 188 Meek Road, Gastonia
🗓️ Friday, July 4 - Sunday, July 6
⏰ 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Celebrate the 4th with a eucalyptus-themed festival on the farm. More Details

SATURDAY, JULY 5

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fresh vegetables, baked goods, meats, and flowers from local farms and artisans. Come early! More Details.

Kings Mountain Farmers' Market
📍 313 South Battleground Ave., Kings Mountain
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Shop from local vendors and support Kings Mountain’s growing farm-to-table movement. More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
A lively market full of handmade, homegrown, and heart-filled finds. More Details.

Movies in the Park – A Goofy Movie
 📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 8:30 p.m.
Free outdoor movie with concessions and games. Bring blankets and chairs. More Details.

SUNDAY, JULY 6

2025 Summer Carillon Recital Series
📍 First Presbyterian Church, Belmont
⏰ 6 p.m.
Celebrate America with carillon music by the Alpha & Omega Duo, featuring patriotic duets and solos by American composers. More Details.

Dallas Farmers Market
📍 147 Sandcastle Rd., Dallas
⏰ 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Food trucks, live music, local produce, and a full bar every Sunday at Sandcastle. More Details.

TUESDAY, JULY 8

Cherryville Main Street Farmers Market
📍 Cherryville Mini Park, Cherryville
⏰ 4 – 7 p.m.
Pick up fresh produce and local fare in downtown Cherryville. More Details.

Free Tuesday at The Schiele
📍 The Schiele Museum, Gastonia
⏰ 4–8 p.m.
Enjoy the museum for free! Great for families, with indoor and outdoor exhibits. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fresh vegetables, baked goods, meats, and flowers from local farms and artisans. Come early! More Details.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9

Vinyl Night at Confluence
📍 Confluence, Cramerton
⏰ 6–8 p.m.
Spin your favorites or listen in—vinyl night vibes with a riverside view. 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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