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Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Monthly e-Newsletter | July 2023

Skate Jam

In partnership with First in Flight Skate Shop, we are excited to announce the 3rd annual Skate Jam Competition! The event will be held on Saturday, July 15, at the Stanford Skate Park. Skaters ages 4 and up can compete in one or both parts of the competition, which includes a game of Skate and timed best run competition. The event will start at 10 a.m. with the game of Skate, and the Skate Jam will take place after the conclusion of the game of Skate.  Participants can sign up for one or both parts of the competition below.  For information, please contact Lance Riddile at 828-261-2254 or lriddile@hickorync.gov

Saturday Screenings 

Sit back, relax, and enjoy free movies this summer! Saturday Screenings take place at 8:30 p.m. at Union Square in Downtown Hickory on the following dates this month:  July 8: The Sandlot and July 22: Jumanji. All movies are rated PG. Concessions and games will be available before each movie begins. Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Children must be accompanied by an adult.  Saturday Screenings are presented by Jay Brown, Realtors and hosted by the City of Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department. Additional partners include Footcandle Film Society and Metronet.  For more information about Saturday Screenings, please contact the Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department at 828-322-7046.

Introduction to Stained Glass Art

On Saturday, July 8, participants will get to make their own stained glass art during this fun and educational workshop. The registration fee of $99 will cover all materials. The class will be held at Highland Recreation Center and taught by Tina Morgan, owner of Morgan Custom Stained Glass in Monroe, NC. Space is limited. Participants must register online below. For more information on the class, please contact Lisa Miller at ammiller@hickorync.gov or 828-261-2248.

Teen Night After Hours

Calling all teenagers ages 14-17! Come hang out with your friends at Highland Recreation Center (1451 8th Street Drive NE, Hickory, NC 28601) and enjoy food, music, and games. This program will consist of various activities throughout the summer on the following Fridays - July 7, July 21 and August 4 - from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. $5 registration is required; limited spots available. For more information, contact Austin Cheek at acheek@hickorync.gov or 828-328-3997.

Camp Hoorah

Join us for our 3rd annual Camp Hoorah from Monday, August 7, through Friday, August 11, from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. This camp is designed to provide youth ages 9-14 with a fun-filled week of activities and excursions while on summer break. This engaging program will include visits to Skateland, Carowinds, Bo’s, and much more. The price per camper is $170 for City of Hickory residents and $190 for non-residents with meals included. Register below, registration will close on Monday, July 31. For more information, contact Yadil Sanchez at ysanchez@hickorync.gov or 828-328-3997.

Hickory Hikers Club

The Hickory Hikers Club will be venturing up to Blowing Rock, NC for a day trip on Saturday, July 15. We will offer a shuttle service to Moses H. Cone Memorial Park for the first 10 hikers who register online. We will depart from Highland Recreation Center (1451 8th Street Drive NE, Hickory, NC 28601) no later than 9:15 a.m. on Saturday morning and will aim to be back by 5 p.m. This is a free program and we will provide snacks, but lunch will not be provided. This hike is considered to be moderately difficult to most avid hikers and may be considered strenuous to some. Please understand your own limitations before registering. Register below.  For more information, contact Austin Cheek at acheek@hickorync.gov or 828-328-3997. 

Free Play Activities & Group Exercise Classes

Our recreation centers offer free play pickleball, basketball, volleyball, and group exercise classes for all skill levels!

Wild Bird Photo Contest

In partnership with Wild Birds Unlimited, we will be holding a free photo contest starting Saturday, July 1. The categories include song birds, water birds, and any bird behavior. Photos are encouraged to be taken at one of the Hickory City Parks. Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category! Submit all photos to Lisa Miller at ammiller@hickorync.gov. Photos will be displayed online at City of Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Facebook page.

Monthly Event Sponsors

To see how you can get involved and become a sponsor, click here: https://www.hickorync.gov/sponsorship-opportunities