In partnership with the Humane Society of Catawba County, we are excited to host the Spring Bark Festival on Sunday, June 11, from 1-6 p.m. at Fairbrook Optimist Dog Park. This family-friendly and dog-friendly event will feature a full day of doggie fun! Activities will include an owner-pet look a-like contest, a variety of vendors, raffles, and live music with Moose & Friends and Two Burnt Reggae Band, as well as food and beverage options. There will also be opportunities for your furry friend to receive their rabies vaccination and their 1-year vaccinations. Thank you to all our major sponsors: Catawba Valley Insurance, Big Dawg Radio, Pure Energy Dog Training, Caring Cremations, Allegra Marketing Print & Mail, Club Canine, Bark & Purr Pet Sitting, Hickory Downtown Development Association, and Blowing Rock Draft House. For more information, contact Lance Riddile at lriddile@hickorync.gov or 828-261-2254.
Skateboard Lessons
For anyone ages 8-14 that is interested in learning how to skateboard, here is your chance! Beginners Skateboard Lessons will be held on Saturday, June 3 and 17 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Stanford Skate Park. These classes will go over board control, balance, and safety. Skateboards can be provided; however, all participants must bring a helmet. For more information, contact Lisa Miller at ammiller@hickorync.gov or 828-261-2248.
The inaugural Juneteenth Festival will be held on Saturday, June 10, from 6-9 p.m. at Taft Broome Park. Come out to enjoy vendors, live music, spoken word, and the Greeks on the Green! We want to thank our sponsor, Walmart Supercenter store #948 in Hickory, for its support of our Juneteenth Festival. For more information, contact Natosha Clark at nclark@hickorync.gov or 828-324-8007.
Community Drum Circle
Come and drum with us downtown at The Sails! This Community Drum circle will be led by Rick Cline with Hickory Music Factory on Thursday, June 1, from 7-8 p.m. All ages and skill levels are welcome to this FREE event. Drums and chairs will be provided on a first come, first serve basis, or you are welcome to bring your own. For more information, contact Lisa Miller at ammiller@hickorync.gov or 828-261-2248.
Chalk Our Walk
The Chalk Our Walk Contest is a free sidewalk chalk art exhibition and contest being held at Stanford Park on Friday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants ages 2 and up are invited to show off their artistic talents in this fun contest. Prizes will be awarded for the top three entries in each category: ages 3-11, ages 12 and up, and artist groups of 2-4 people. Reserve a 3-hour time block and a 10 ft. x 10 ft. space to design your masterpiece. One box of complimentary chalk will be provided with registration. For more information, contact Lance Riddile at lriddile@hickorync.gov or 828-261-2254.
The Pitch Hit & Run baseball/softball skills challenge will be held on Saturday, June 10, at 10 a.m. at Jaycee Park. This event will allow boys and girls ages 7-14 the opportunity to showcase their baseball and softball skills at this local competition with a chance at earning a spot to compete during the MLB World Series! This free event is being brought to you in partnership with the Hickory Crawdads. For more information, contact Austin Cheek at acheek@hickorync.gov or 828-328-3997.
Come out to Highland Recreation Center and join the Hickory Museum of Art on Tuesday, June 20, at 6 p.m. and learn about various mediums and styles while having fun creating and sharing ideas with our art instructor. All materials will be supplied by the Hickory Museum of Art. This event is free and open to ages 10 and up. For more information, contact Lance Riddle at lriddle@hickorync.gov or 828-261-2254.
Spinning Spokes Bike Safety Rodeo
Spinning Spokes will be taking place on Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism will be giving free helmets for kids while supplies last and the Hickory Police Department will be doing a bike rodeo! There will be a bike safety skills course, bicycle games, bike inspections, helmet fitting, and food trucks for all to enjoy! There will be a Police SWAT truck and K9 on site. For more information, contact Lisa Miller at ammiller@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!
On Saturday, June 3, come learn all about the Eastern Bluebird, including identification, its breeding behavior, and habitat preferences. After the informational session, you will build and paint your own bluebird house. The program costs $6 and includes all tools and materials. All ages are welcome to participate. Kids under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact Lisa Miller at 828-328-3997 or ammiller@hickorync.gov.
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