Kids of all ages are invited to join us at Kiwanis Park for Kidfest! Come on out on Saturday, September 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for crafts, games, face painting, vendors, and so much more. This event will be fun for the whole family! Thank you to our sponsors, Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club as well as Aarons, for making this possible for the community. For more information, contact cmartinez@hickorync.gov or 828-261-2258.
Inclusive Play
Kids and adults with a disability are invited to Highland Recreation Center to come play basketball, pool, ping-pong, board games, and so much more! We will be offering the following dates this month: Friday, September 2, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.; Monday, September 16, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.; and Friday, September 30, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. All are welcome and encouraged to invite family or friends! For more information, contact Crystal Martinez at cmartinez@hickorync.gov or 828-261-2258.
Wild Bird Walk and Talk
All ages are invited to come learn about identifying and feeding wild birds in our area. Meet us at Glenn C. Hilton Park Shelter #1 starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 10. The event will begin with a presentation from wildlife photographer Mitzi Gellman and a presentation about birds and birdfeeders from Wild Birds Unlimited. We will conclude with a brief walk through the Glenn C. Hilton Park Boardwalk to identify some of the birds we learn about. All participants will be supplied with a small beginner's booklet about birding. For more information, contact Lisa Miller at ammiller@hickorync.gov or 828-261-2248.
Our Stormwater & You program will highlight stormwater issues, water quality, and fun STEM-related activities for children. This program will be offered for free in partnership with WPCOG. Activities will be hands-on and geared towards promoting healthy water habits and educating children about water, how it functions on the planet, and why it is important to help conserve the natural resources around us. The program is open for kids aged 7-15 and will meet Thursday, September 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Registration is required. For more information, contact Yadil Sanchez at ysanchez@hickorync.gov or 828-261-2251.
Come and drum with us downtown at The Sails! This Community Drum Circle will be led by Rick Cline and Hickory Music Factory on Thursday, September 29, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. All ages and skill levels are welcome to this FREE event. Drums and chairs will be provided, or you can bring your own. For more information, contact Lisa Miller at ammiller@hickorync.gov or 828-261-2248.
Hiking Club
Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department and the Hickory Public Library have teamed up to bring you Hickory's newest hiking club! Our next hike will be on Saturday, September 3, starting at 9 a.m. at South Mountain State Park. This club is open to hikers of all ages and experience levels. Children under the age of 13 are required to be accompanied by an adult. Participation is free, but registration is required, and space is limited. For more information, contact Austin Cheek at acheek@hickorync.gov or 828-328-3997.
Get your running shoes ready! On Saturday, October 15, at 9 a.m., we will host our annual Trick or Trot 5K. All ages are invited to join us for this fun, family friendly, Halloween themed run/walk! The race will start and finish at Highland Recreation Center. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Bill McDonald Scholarship Fund. For more information, contact Lance Riddile at lriddile@hickorync.gov or 828-261-2254.
Get your team together and join us Saturday, October 1, at 9 a.m. for this year’s Adult Cornhole Double Elimination Tournament! Anyone ages 18 and up is welcome to sign up for the competitive or non-competitive tournament bracket. Registration is $25 per team and is open until Thursday, September 29. For more information, contact Crystal Martinez at cmartinez@hickorync.gov or 828-261-2258.