Happy Tuesday Gaston County! David here.
Today is October 6th, 2026.
The surprising demise of the Gastonia Ghost Peppers has some folks all aflutter. Those people are doomsayers and Negative Nancies. In almost every setback there is an opportunity to be found, if you just look.
Gastonia now has a chance to reimagine what the CaroMont Health Park, and actually what the whole FUSE District can become. Maybe multiple sports teams? Summer league wooden bat baseball, soccer-girls, boys, travel teams? Music? Surely there are other smaller successful venues in the country that can be emulated.
Many times the worst thing that can happen, in retrospect, actually turns out to be the best thing that could have happened.
Looking forward to seeing what creative solutions Gastonia comes up with.
Have a great week!
Today's weather: Nice with plenty of sunshine, and a high of 74.
Tonight: Clear with a low of 49.
Gastonia Ghost Peppers fold
Last Wednesday Zawyer Sports & Entertainment, owner of the Gastonia Ghost Peppers, withdrew from the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. For the moment at least, this leaves Gastonia and CaroMont Health Park without a professional baseball team.,
Zawyer Sports & Entertainment said in a prepared statement“This was not a decision we made lightly,” said . “We are incredibly grateful to our employees, players, partners and community leaders who have given so much to the Ghost Peppers and helped make this organization part of Gastonia.”
The city of Gastonia is working with the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and Zawyer to identify a new team or operator for the ballpark.
Along with ongoing issues the city has with the former team owner Brandon Bellamy, the Ghost Peppers have had a hard time drawing fans to the stadium. The Ghost Peppers attendance was 9th out of 10 teams in the ALPB. Zawyer says they are going to concentrate on arena sports.
Looking at Zawyer Sports website, all of their 15 teams are either men’s hockey or women’s basketball. My guess is that, along with low attendance, they wanted to focus on their bread and butter, which is not baseball.
Should Gastonia try to continue with a team with the ALPA, or go back to the Coastal Plain League like we had with the Gastonia Grizzlies, or something else? Somebody said soccer…
Update: Looks like my friend Keanu Trujillo has started some buzz about a fan owned team and possible alternative/ancillary sports and activities. Stay tuned!
Ray’s Smokehouse has closed
After six decades, Ray’s Smokehouse in Gastonia closed this weekend. Owner Butch England and his wife plan to spend more time with family. “I’ll be 72 next month, and it’s time to get out,” said England.
The restaurant had several homes over the years, but most recently was located at 219 South Broad Street in Gastonia. They were famous for their barbecue,brisket, burgers and hotdogs.
New owners plan a breakfast and lunch restaurant in the same location.
Cool Beans Cat Cafe is looking for another location
I am more of a dog person, so I never really understood the appeal of a cat cafe…but evidently a lot of people do! Cool Beans Cat Cafe is looking for another location-their lease runs out in February. They are currently in downtown Gastonia, and would prefer to stay there, BUT, they are open to other cities/locations. They want to buy, not lease.
Mountaineer Days Heritage Festival: October 10th, 2026
Kings Mountain, NC: The City of Kings Mountain is proud to present the Mountaineer Days Heritage Festival, scheduled for October 10th, 2025. “This is a unique festival that celebrates Kings Mountain’s heritage while bringing our community together,’’ stated Angela Padgett, Tourism and Events Coordinator for the City of Kings Mountain. “Come out and spend the day in our town, enjoying live music and family-friendly activities for all to enjoy.”
On October 10th, the fun begins in Patriots Park at 12:00 pm, with activities at the Gazebo and Liberty Falls Amphitheater. A sweet potato pie recipe contest, pumpkin pie eating contest, and a Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest are just a few of the fun activities families can enjoy together.
Liberty Falls Amphitheater will offer live music throughout the day, beginning with Kings Mountain High School’s Kings Revue. Smitty and the Jumpstarters, Mason Cole, and Common Clay will also take the stage. DJ Drew Fulton will MC the entire event.
You’re invited to a Labyrinth opening!
Where: 500 East Central Ave., Mount Holly
When: Thursday, October 8th, 4:30 PM- 6;30 PM
What: Join us for the Blue Ribbon opening ceremony for the Labyrinth at Arts on the Greenway. Enjoy learning to use a labyrinth. Arts on the Greenway will be open and refreshments will be served. Visit the brick sidewalk with the names of those donating bricks, and be sure to check out the bench donated by the Acipiter family.
What’s going on at Linwood Springs Park?
According to the City of Gastonia website, Phase I was to be completed at Linwood Springs Park by early summer 2026. Not sure what Phase I includes, but it was pretty quiet yesterday when we were on the property.
Linwood Springs Park is located on the former Linwood Springs Golf Course property,near Captains Cap restaurant in southwest Gastonia.
We did see one worker, but overall it was pretty abandoned. We also saw a picnic shelter and a really nice playground area. According to the city , they have completed these items:
Renovation of two (2) existing restrooms
Two (2) 20’x40’shelters (CDBG)
New restroom building (CDBG)
Concrete multi-use pad (ARPA)
Grass volleyball court (ARPA)
Playground (ARPA)
Small and Large dog park areas (ARPA)
Disc and soccer golf hard goods on-site (ARPA)
Evidently the city has applied for a grant to begin Phase II of the park project.
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US 74 Catawba River bridge to be replaced
The 93 year old bridge on Wilkinson Blvd. will soon be removed, rebuilt, and widened. The new bridge will have 6 lanes instead of 4, and 10 foot multi-use paths on each side of the bridge.
The existing bridge will remain open during construction. The bridge is expected to be completed by summer of 2032.
Budget Blinds is locally owned and operated!
Great news!
Jon Walker Stables has openings for Beginner & experienced Riding Students!
First lesson free!*
Ages 5 & up - Available Thursday and Saturday afternoons only-call now to reserve a spot! 803-818-0312
*with purchase of lesson package
Cotton Ginning Days, Oct. 9-11
Exhibitors from all over the southeast will convene in Dallas, North Carolina on October 9 through 11, 2026 for the annual 'crank-up' of antique steam and gasoline engines and tractors. In addition to the engine show, many activities are planned including a kids county fair, heritage arts area, handmade craft vendors, and music. So mark your calendars and plan to join GAMTRA and Gaston County Parks and Recreation Department as we present Cotton Ginning Days. As always, the food is good and admission and parking are free.
Metal seed advertising wall art
Weathered hobby horse relic
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
Gaston County Jobs
All jobs are in Gaston County, or within 15 minutes of Gaston County
Can you say Schnauzer?
I am a handsome boy…I just need a bath and a trim!
Animal ID 61815024
Species Dog
Breed Schnauzer, Standard/Mix
Age 8 years 5 days
Gender Female
Size Medium
Color Black/White
Spayed/Neutered
Declawed No
Housetrained Unknown
Site GCACE
Location Dog ISO
Intake Date 9/29/2026
Stage New Arrival
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