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

I ate my first watermelon of the season last weekend—and let me tell you, it was pretty amazing. On a scale from 1 to 10 (with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best), this one was a solid 8. The kids might even say it was bustin’ (that’s a good thing, I’m told—not disgustin’).

And here we are, not even in June yet, and I’ve already climbed pretty high up Watermelon Mountain. Is it all downhill from here? Let’s hope not. I’m still looking for my Perfect 10. (That one is for you, Baby Doll!)

Speaking of fresh, this week marks a milestone in the growing season: every farmers market in the area is now open! Gastonia, Belmont, Mount Holly, Dallas, and Kings Mountain have already been serving up the goods, and Cherryville joins the fun this Tuesday.

Farm-fresh food has never been more accessible—don’t miss your chance to enjoy it while it lasts.

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

✨ 2 WEEKS LEFT: Beach Vibes & College Pride: Don't Miss This Night! ✨

June 13, 2025: Join the Gaston College Foundation for A Night for Momentum Makers at Gaston Country Club. 

• Experience legendary live performance from The Band of Oz

• Savor drinks and delicious hors d'oeuvres

• Bid in the exciting silent auction 

Celebrating 60 years of excellence! Wear beach-inspired cocktail attire and make a difference for Gaston College students. Purchase your tickets today!

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🍔 WHATABURGER OPENS TODAY IN GASTONIA WITH A WHATABASH

The wait is over—Whataburger opens today on East Franklin! Celebrate with ribbon cutting festivities this morning at 9 a.m., then swing by from noon to 3 p.m. for a WhataBash full of music, mascots, games, giveaways, and more. The fun continues Saturday with a second party!

🥎 RHINOS MAKE HISTORY WITH RECORD-BREAKING SEASON

With a 63–5 record, a #4 national ranking, and three championship titles, the Gaston College Rhinos women’s softball team delivered an unforgettable season. In just their third year, they’ve set a new standard for excellence and pride at Gaston. Legacy built, history made—congrats, Rhinos!

🍰 SWEET SHANANIGANS BAKERY OPENS IN DOWNTOWN STANLEY

After 894 days of dreaming and baking, Sweet Shananigans is now open at 116 S Main Street in Stanley! From set-backs to sweet success, this cozy new spot is serving up warm treats, big heart, and small-town charm. Stop by and celebrate with something fresh from the oven!

🎅 SANTA’S LAND OPENS FOR 60TH SEASON—RAIN OR SHINE

Not even Hurricane Helene could stop the magic—Santa’s Land in Cherokee is officially open for its 60th summer! From llamas to the Rudy Rudicoaster, this Western NC icon promises jolly fun and nostalgic charm Thursdays through Mondays.

⚽ GIRLS’ SOCCER CAMP SUPPORTS PERUVIAN ORPHANAGE

Rising 2nd–5th grade girls can train with Belmont Middle’s undefeated champs (64–0!) during two June camps. Sessions are $25 each or $40 for both days in the same week. Proceeds benefit a girls’ orphanage in Peru. Held at Belmont Central Elementary. Spots are limited—sign up now!

🎨 RANLO SEEKS ARTISTS FOR NEW TOWN MURAL

Ranlo is calling on muralists to help brighten its downtown with a large-scale public artwork celebrating the town’s identity and history. The mural will be painted on a prominent brick building at 2300 Lowell Road. Artist submissions are due by June 9.

🥚 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS RUN EGG STAND IN DALLAS

Who needs a lemonade stand when you’ve got fresh eggs? Two elementary-aged sisters run the self-serve Cardinal Hill Stand at 622 Miles Rd. in Dallas. Open Friday–Sunday, they tend the flock, manage the stand, and keep every dollar they earn. $4/dozen—cash, Venmo, or Cash App accepted.

📰  QUICK BITES

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

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, MAY 29

Gastonia East Rotary presents The Prince Experience
📍 Rotary Centennial Pavilion, Gastonia
⏰ 6 – 9 p.m.
Get ready, Gastonia! The Prince tribute show brings iconic hits and purple vibes. More Details.

Ghost Peppers Baseball vs. Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
📍 CaroMont Health Park, 800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia
⏰6:30 p.m. - - More Details.

Strates Shows Carnival
📍 Eastridge Mall, 246 N. New Hope Rd, Gastonia
📆 Thursday, May 29 - Sunday, June 1
⏰ times vary
Enjoy funnel cakes, thrill rides, and family fun at this classic carnival experience outside Eastridge Mall. More Details.

Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 4 – 7 p.m.
Shop fresh produce from local vendors and enjoy a community atmosphere. 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. More Details.

FRIDAY, MAY 30

 Sunrise Paddle
📍 501 Lakeview Dr, McAdenville
⏰ 6 – 8 a.m.
Start your day on the water—$30 includes board, paddle, and peaceful vibes. More Details.

Dirt Track Friday Night
📍 Carolina Speedway, 6335 Union Rd, Gastonia
⏰ 7 p.m.
Carolina Speedway roars back May 30 with multiple divisions, $15 grandstand admission, and racing action following the 7 p.m. drivers meeting. More Details.

Friday Night Live featuring Java Band
📍 24 S Main St, Belmont
⏰ 6 – 10 p.m.
Live music, cold drinks, and good vibes return to downtown Belmont. Don’t miss Java Band! More Details.

The Cherryville Little Theatre presents She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition
📍301 West Academy Street, Cherryville
📆 Friday, May 30 - Sunday, June 1
⏰ times vary
Enjoy a local theatrical performance featuring a high-octane journey of grief, adventure, and self-discovery. More Details.

SATURDAY, MAY 31

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

Kings Mountain Farmers' Market
📍 313 South Battleground Ave, Kings Mountain
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items, and more every Saturday in downtown Kings Mountain. More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Browse local farms and vendors with fresh, seasonal items every Saturday morning. More Details.

Movies In The Park – Lilo & Stitch
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 8:30 p.m.
Grab your blankets and enjoy a nostalgic night under the stars. More Details.

Historical Downtown Walk
📍 100 S Piedmont Ave, Kings Mountain
⏰ 10 a.m.
Get a glimpse of the past with a historical walk through downtown Kings Mountain. More Details.

Art In The Park
📍 Stinger Park Way, Bessemer City
⏰ 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Bring the family for hands-on activities and local art at Bessemer City’s favorite green space. More Details.

Robinwood Lake Opening Day
📍 2221 Robinwood Rd, Gastonia
📆 Saturday, May 31 - Sunday, June 1
⏰ times vary
Robinwood Lake is officially open—grab your swimsuit and sunscreen for lakeside fun! More Details.

SUNDAY, JUNE 1

Chicken Hill Buckin' Bulls - Bull Riding
📍716 Old Stubbs Road, 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.

Good Times for Gage – Block Party & Benefit Ride
📍 Dallas Town Square, Dallas
⏰ 1 – 6 p.m.
Join the community for a benefit block party with music, food, and motorcycles. More Details.

MONDAY, JUNE 2

 Exhibition on Screen: Hopper – An American Love Story
📍 Gaston County Public Library, Gastonia
⏰ 6–8 p.m.
Enjoy a free screening and lecture on Edward Hopper’s art and legacy. More Details.

TUESDAY, JUNE 3

Ghost Peppers Baseball vs. Lexington Legends (3-game series)
📍 CaroMont Health Park, 800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia
📆 Tuesday, June 3 - Thursday, June 5
⏰times vary - - More Details.

 Cherryville Main Street Farmers Market
 📍 Cherryville Mini Park, Cherryville
 ⏰ 5 – 7 p.m.
Midweek market featuring local growers, artisans, and small-town community charm. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
 📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
 ⏰ 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced produce, baked goods, meats, and flowers every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. 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.

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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