In partnership with the Humane Society of Catawba County, we are excited to host the Spring Bark Festival on Saturday, May 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 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.
Spring into Summer
Come “Spring into Summer” with us at Taft Broome Park! Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about upcoming summer camps and events while enjoying games, food and fun! Spring into Summer will be held on Thursday, May 4, from 5-7 p.m. A big thank you to our sponsors, Plush Kutz Barber College and Catawba County Partnership for Children, for helping make this possible for the community. For more information, contact John Smith at jsmith@hickorync.gov or 828-324-8007.
Skateboard Lessons
For anyone ages 9-15 that is interested in learning how to skateboard, here is your chance! Beginners Skateboard Lessons will be held on Saturday, May 6 and 20 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 annual 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.
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 3 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.
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, May 20, 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, N.C. Space is limited. For more information on the class, please contact Lisa Miller at ammiller@hickorync.gov or 828-261-2248.
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