
Good morning Gaston County, David here…
Today is June 30th, 2026
We got back from France and a family vacation on Sunday night. It was absolutely sweltering, and I lost my phone on the train to Paris. Alas, only about 30% of homes in France have air conditioning, versus about 90% in the USA. They are also very stingy with ice. I know, cry me a river…
Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home!
So June is summer, but July is serious summer. Have a happy and safe 4th of July! See the remaining fireworks and celebrations listed below!
Today's weather: Partly sunny and warm, with a high of 91.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low of 72.


City of Gastonia still wrestling with bad taste of Brandon Bellamy
The Gastonia Ghost Peppers have been a runaway success after being named the successor team to Brandon Bellamy’s Gastonia Honey Hunters. As you may recall, Bellamy’s company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, after being sued by the City, and was also terminated from the Atlantic League over unpaid debts.
But Bellamy’s company still controls 3 parcels used for parking near the stadium: that includes 0.4 acres outside of right field, 0.4 acres outside the stadium along West Franklin Blvd., and a 2 acre parking lot outside of left fields.
The story is too convoluted to go into here, but Bellamy has suggested a $6.5 settlement to resolve the ongoing litigation. Gastonia City attorney Eric Edgerton said recently “the City continues to zealously pursue its claims against the former team operator.” Meanwhile, fans, the city , and the public do not have use of the parcels mentioned.

Food Truck Alley moving ahead in Belmont
Food Truck Alley broke ground in Belmont in December. After some unforeseen delays, construction is finally moving ahead. Food Truck Alley will have space for 7 food trucks, and serve lunch and dinner. It will be located directly behind the Everyday Market just off South Main Street in Belmont.

Viva Tequis celebrates 25 years
Congratulations to Francisco Montes as Viva Tequis turns 25 years old. Montes started Tequilla’s in 2001 at 238 West Main Ave. in Gastonia . After operating for about 15 years, the restaurant underwent extensive renovations and rebranded as Viva Tequis (which roughly translates to "Long live Tequilas"), a name famously suggested by the owner's son. Francisco also owns Tequilas Mexican Grill in the area.
Another successful business in downtown Gastonia, and one of the first in the modern day. Congrats Francisco!

to courtesy of Trish Jordan
Have you been to Savory in DTG?
Have you tired Savory at 223 East Main Ave. in downtown Gastonia? Even my famously grumpy friend went and said it was great-so it has to be good! Check it out!

Ice ice, baby- Downstairs Ice Cream sells out first day upstairs
So Downstairs Ice Cream is now upstairs, at 111 East Main Ave, in downtown Gastonia. Their first full day at the new location was Thursday June 25th-and they sold out of ice cream! Last Sunday was Sorbet Sunday Sundays-love me some sorbet! Hope they continue with Sorbet Sunday! More

Gaston County Fireworks Schedule(s)
July 2, Cherryville: Live music 6-10, fireworks start at 10:00 PM
July 3rd, Red, White & Belmont, Upper field of Stowe Park, time TBA
July 4, Gastonia, 5:00-9:30, downtown
July 4, Dallas, Cloninger Park, Live music, food trucks, fireworks at 9:30
July 4, Lowell, check with city
July 4, Stanley, Harper Park, 9:30 PM
July 17, Ranlo, car show, fireworks, food, 5-9 PM, Ranlo Park


Metal cow weather vane decor

Vintage wrought iron architectural salvage
Have you been to Shelli’s She Shed yet?
Shelli's She Shed is a home decor boutique full of floral stems & arrangements and unique, vintage, antique, retro, farmhouse styles and the perfect gift items.
New Hours: Fri & Sat 10am-3pm
980-318-3816
106 W. Dallas Rd.. Stanley , NC 28164
We will be closed from 6/22 through 7/13, reopening 7/17-7/18
Check us out!
Gaston County Jobs
All jobs are in Gaston County, or within 15 minutes of Gaston County

Just call me Ol’ Blue Eyes- Frank for short!
Animal ID 60975701
Species Dog
Breed Siberian Husky/Mix
Age 4 years 1 month 17 days
Gender Female
Size Large
Color Black/White
Declawed No
Housetrained Unknown
Site GCACE
Location Dog Stray
On Hold
Intake Date 5/12/2026
Stage Rescue only




