Play ball.

Two words every baseball fan loves to hear. And we’re just 15 days away.

That’s when our Gastonia Ghost Peppers take the field against the High Point Rockers for opening night at CaroMont Health Park.

I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t grow up a baseball guy. Never played. Couldn’t tell you much about that Braves' ‘95 World Series team either.

But somewhere along the way, I came to appreciate it. Not sure if I found baseball, or if baseball found me.

I love the pace. The rhythm. The way it builds. Baseball has a way of making the big moments feel even bigger.

A buddy of mine told me recently he’s stopped watching the NBA altogether. He’s been a lifelong fan, but just doesn’t do it anymore.

I asked if he was still keeping up with his Cubs.

He said yes, but not the way you’d expect. He listens now. Out on the back porch with his dog, Lil’ Vin, by his side.

That’s my kind of baseball.

So whether you love the game, like the game, or just enjoy a good night out on the town, I’ve got something for you.

As a small thank you for reading Hello, Gaston! each week, I’m giving away a pair of Gastonia Ghost Peppers tickets to opening night on Friday, April 24.

This one’s just for subscribers. And hey, if this goes well, we might do more of this down the road.

So go ahead, throw your name in the hat.

And from me to you, just two more words: Thank you!

Big thanks to Dean Gamble and the entire staff at the Gastonia Ghost Peppers for their partnership this season!

And as always, thank YOU for reading! Please share with your friends and neighbors!

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We’re kicking off baseball season by giving away a pair of tickets to the Gastonia Ghost Peppers Opening Night game against the High Point Rockers on April 24 at 7 p.m. at CaroMont Health Park. This one’s just for Hello Gaston! subscribers. One winner will be selected and notified by Monday, April 20. Enter now!

Fifth Third Bank officially opened its first Gaston County branch in Belmont, bringing national resources with a small-town feel. Located in Belmont Town Center, the new branch supports local families, small businesses, and community partners, highlighted by a grand opening celebration and a donation to Holy Angels this spring season.

Strawberry season kicked off yesterday at Lineberger’s Maple Springs Farm in Dallas and Berry Hill Farm in Iron Station. Fresh-picked berries are available now, with u-pick opening soon at Maple Springs and expected by April 18 at Berry Hill. Farmers say this could be one of their biggest, tastiest crops yet this season.

In a new Queen City Greens episode, host John Searby talks with Ashton Lamb of the Carolina Thread Trail about a 1,600-mile regional trail vision. The episode highlights Gaston County’s South Fork River Corridor, a key 23-mile segment connecting communities, parks, and outdoor access from Lake Wylie toward Hickory.

Groundwork Montessori is opening in Mount Holly, marking the first Montessori school in Gaston County. Enrollment is now open for Fall 2026 for children ages 2.5 to 4. The one-classroom school will offer hands-on, curriculum-based learning with a focus on independence and small class sizes.

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

Simply American Dog Treat Company – North Carolina's only mobile dog treat truck from Belmont!

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Belmont Farmers Market — Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Gastonia Farmers Market — Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 
Mount Holly Farmers Market — Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Gaston Business Association - Small Business Expo
📍 Gastonia Conference Center, 145 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Gastonia
📅 Wednesday, May 6
⏰ 3–6 p.m.
Connect with local businesses, explore services, and meet entrepreneurs at this free community expo hosted by Gaston Business Association. Vendors range from established companies to rising startups. More Details.

Friends of the Gaston County Public Library Book Sale
📍 1555 E Garrison Blvd., Gastonia
📅 Now through Saturday, April 11
⏰ times vary
Browse thousands of books and support library programs during this annual Friends of the Gaston County Public Library sale. More Details.

Black Gold Sale
📍 3100 Duke St., Gastonia
📅 Friday, April 10 - Saturday, April 11
⏰ times vary
Stock up on compost at Keep Gastonia Beautiful’s Black Gold Sale. Bring cash, a tarp, and your own bucket if you want. More Details

Belmont Drive-In - Opening Weekend
📍 Belmont Drive-In, Belmont
📅 Friday, April 10 - Saturday, April 11
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Belmont Drive-In opens its 2026 season with a carload movie night, burgers from the snack bar, and a big-screen kickoff under the stars. More Details

Friday Night Live Music feat. Secret Monkey Weekend
📍 Confluence, 117 Center St., Cramerton
⏰ 7–9 p.m.
Kick off the weekend with live music, plus craft beer, cocktails, and a laid-back night in downtown Cramerton. More Details

The Little Theater of Gastonia presents August: Osage County – Dysfunction & Delusion
📍 238 S Clay Street, Gastonia
⏰ Times vary
A darkly comedic drama exploring family tension, secrets, and reunion fallout. Intended for mature audiences. More Details.

Garden Photography Walk
📍 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont
⏰ 8–10 a.m.
Explore Daniel Stowe Conservancy with photographer Nelson Stegall during this guided walk focused on slowing down, noticing beauty, and creating meaningful images. More Details

Chalk The Walk
📍 400 E Central Ave., Mount Holly
⏰ 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Artists of all ages are invited to turn the sidewalks into colorful creations during this free community art event in Mount Holly. More Details

Sprout ‘n Shout Spring Festival
📍 Hampton Homestead Farm, 2328 Hickory Grove Rd., Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Celebrate spring with live music, local vendors, food, kids activities, and a full day of family-friendly fun. More Details

2026 Slow Art Day
📍 Catawba River Antique Mall, Belmont
⏰ 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Slow down and spend time with local art during this mindful Belmont gathering focused on conversation, curiosity, and meaningful connection. More Details

Spring Container Garden
📍 Wild & Whimsy Living, 231 E Main Ave., Gastonia
⏰ 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Learn how to build a blooming container garden that lasts all season during this hands-on workshop in downtown Gastonia. More Details

The History and Future of Spencer Mountain
📍 1555 E. Garrison Boulevard, Gastonia
⏰ 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Learn about Spencer Mountain’s history and future trail plans with Carolina Thread Trail’s Ashton Lamb. Free program for adults and teens, held at the library. More Details.

April Plant Swap & Shop
📍 Traust Brewing, 128 S Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 12–3 p.m.
Bring a plant to trade or just come shop during this pet-friendly Mount Holly gathering with plant lovers, accessories, food, and drinks. More Details

Free Tuesday at The Schiele Museum
📍 1500 E. Garrison Boulevard, Gastonia
⏰ 4–8 p.m.
Enjoy free evening admission to explore natural history exhibits, the planetarium, and interactive displays at Gastonia’s own Schiele Museum. More Details.

Dallas NC Caffeine & Conversation
📍 Gaston College Center for Advanced Manufacturing, 870 Gastonia Technology Parkway, Dallas
⏰ 9:30–11 a.m.
Grab coffee and connect with Dallas business leaders, residents, and community stakeholders during this monthly conversation hosted by the Gaston Business Association. More Details

Get to Know Gaston
📍 Tuckaseegee Park, Mount Holly
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
Meet local organizations, enjoy lawn games, food trucks, giveaways, live music, and family fun during this community-focused event in Mount Holly. 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.

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