Stories

Mark your calendars for October 9 through 11, 2026, because something exciting is coming to Dallas, North Carolina! The 39th annual Cotton Ginning Days festival is back, and it promises to be a weekend filled with fun, nostalgia, and community spirit. This year, exhibitors from across the Southeast will gather to showcase antique steam and gasoline engines and tractors, making it a must-see event for history buffs and families alike. Cotton Ginning Days Dallas, NC | October 9

National Farmers Market Week falling this year on August 2-8, 2026, is a great opportunity to make some time on your next adventure through Gaston County for a stop to explore and learn about how our food is produced, and also taste its bounty. GASTON COUNTY Farms & Farmers Markets Lineberger Maple Springs Farm 906 Dallas-Stanley Highway Dallas, NC OPEN: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:30 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm Family run for OVER ninety years, L

There's nothing like locally grown produce, and hand made products, produced by local farmers and artisans. Local farmers markets in Gaston County help make buying local easy. What To Expect Gaston County’s farmers markets have become community gathering spaces where customers can interact with farmers. Some feature live music, chef demos and kids’ activities. The markets not only stock fruits and produce, but also include locally raised meat and dairy products, homemade brea

Founded in 2002 by Paul and Milinda Kirkpatrick, Shining Hope Farms meets the needs of the community to provide therapeutic services in an enriching farm environment to improve the quality of life of the participants and their families. Their clients find wellness, strength, and hope on the back of a horse. Shining Hope Farms’ programs are structured to serve individuals and groups with a variety of disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down’s Syndrome, Developmental