Good Tuesday morning Gaston County! David here.
Today is October 27th, 2026.
You may not have heard of Pleasant Ridge Elementary School in Gastonia, or their marching band. Yes, an elementary school marching band. However, the marching band has been disbanded. (I know, I know). Principal Shawn Hubers told me that the band teacher was a special position that was based on enrollment, and was reassigned.
Elementary school marching bands are a rarity, and it’s a shame for those students involved to lose that experience. But a marching band doesn’t necessarily have to serve one school. Several schools could combine musicians, or it could be community supported, or maybe an after school program. Lacking that, perhaps they could offer a drum line, which could later be expanded.
Gaston County has lost lots of art teachers as well, due to budget cuts. Budgets are a reality, but students who grow up without music and art are impoverished compared to those who are exposed.
I don’t have any solutions, but losing art and music programs is not nothing. It’s a real loss for the kids of Gaston County. Music and art are gifts that last a lifetime.
Have a great week!
Today's weather: Plenty of sunshine, a nice afternoon for outdoor activities, with a high of 75..
Tonight: Mainly clear, with a low of 45.
New arts district in downtown Gastonia?
Last week we proposed a new arts district in downtown Gastonia,. We had a poll at the end of the article where we asked how many folks would support artists and an art district in Gaston County and/or in downtown Gastonia. 93% of you were in favor.
We also posted the same question on the GA Facebook page, and got some interesting comments. Lots of folks were just in favor generally, and some had more specific suggestions. Suggested were: food halls, a small business incubator, more apartments or condos downtown, vintage clothing stores, stores that sell unique home decor, jewelry, hand crafted items, and more.
A smaller 2-3 block area to begin with might be a path forward to begin with, Rents would have to be affordable, with landlords, the city, and local art organizations on board.
There are some interesting challenges, to be sure. It has to be economically viable for the artists. There are programs in other cities that we could emulate:
Vollis Simpson Whirlagig Park in Wilson, NC: A distinctive signature art attraction connected to downtown redevelopment. The lesson is the power of creating something visitors cannot experience anywhere else.
River Arts District in Asheville NC: A major example of artists, working studios, galleries, and adaptive reuse. Also important for studying flood resilience, property costs, and protecting creative spaces
Salisbury NC: A useful peer downtown to examine for the interaction of historic buildings, cultural institutions, performances, restaurants, and downtown promotion.
A local baseball management team?
Since the City of Gastonia opened its search for a new operator at CaroMont Health Park, one question has hung over the FUSE District: who's next, and how will it be different this time?
According to a source close to the effort, a new group is quietly coming together, and it may not be what anyone expects.
We're told the group pairs a well-connected local entrepreneur with an operator who knows the business of baseball from the inside. The two intended on submitting separately, however, once connecting they quickly decided to join forces. One brings deep ties and existing impact to Gaston County; the other brings ball knowledge and experience running a team. Together, our source says, they're "creating a regional destination, not just a baseball team."
And baseball may not be the only game in town. "There's more than one sport on the table that we aim to activate immediately," our source said.
The bigger goal is year-round activation: a venue with something happening weekly, not just on game nights. Think concerts, festivals, community gatherings, and events that keep people coming back all year long.
Check out Gastonia Baseball brainstorming website here.
Sugar Creek Brewing plans for Gastonia
Sugar Creek Brewing plans for the former Cavendish Brewing location in Gastonia look pretty spectacular- a dramatic transformation.
The new design features expansive glass walls and includes an outdoor patio and covered seating space.
Check out a short video of the renovations here.
New management at the Pancake House
We hear that the Pancake House on 321 is under new management (not ownership). So evidently now they have homemade corned beef hash-yum! The pancakes with blueberries look yum too!
New Waffle House in Cherryville
Construction is underway in Cherryville for a new Waffle House. Now you can start your day with your hash browns smothered, covered, chunked, diced, peppered, capped, topped, or country. You know you love ‘em.
The new store will be located near Walmart at 109 Bud Black Road. They throw these up in a hurry-construction just started and they expect to be open in January 2027.
The project is expected to create 20-30 new jobs (servers, cooks, and management.)
Band and shop buildings torn down at Mount Holly Middle
Mount Holly Middle used to be Mount Holly High School. The band and shop buildings were unused and left to deteriorate, and were torn down yesterday.
The buildings were in sad shape…no idea why they were not maintained. But they held a lot of memories for former Mount Holly Marching Band members, and shop class students.
Time marches on…
New amphitheater planned for Cramerton
Cramerton Mayor Nelson Wills and Senator Brad Overcash announced a new amphitheater to be constructed in the Cramerton town center. The project will be kicked off with a $125,000 State grant. They final design has not been decided on.
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
New sidewalk artwork in downtown Gastonia
Designed to represent the city's historical roots in the textile industry, this new ground activity includes yarn paths to follow and buttons to hop on in downtown Gastonia! This is the first of three little projects to add some color to main street and is located outside of Downstairs Ice Cream.
Southern Grace is moving
Southern Grace Women’s and Children’s Boutique is moving to Gastonia and will be open for business November 3rd at 501 West Garrison Blvd Corner of Garrison and Chester. You can shop their liquidation sale in Dallas Friday 12-5 and Saturday 10-2 pm at 110 West Trade Street Dallas NC.
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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
Hey- I’m a fancy dog!
I ‘m a Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) mix
Animal ID 61941158
Species Dog
Breed Dogue de Bordeaux/Mix
Age 3 years 7 days
Gender Male
Size Medium
Color Brown
Declawed No
Housetrained Unknown
Site GCACE
Location Dog Rescue
Intake Date 10/20/2026
Stage Rescue only
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