City of Hickory e-Newsletter

City of Hickory Monthly e-Newsletter | August 2026

Public Meetings for CREEC Project

The City of Hickory is currently designing the Catawba River Environmental Education Center (CREEC), a new destination that will showcase one of the region’s most treasured natural resources: the Catawba River and Lake Hickory. The center will offer opportunities for environmental learning, outdoor recreation, wildlife observation, cultural exploration, and engaging activities for visitors of all ages. Community members are invited to attend upcoming public input meetings in August to learn more about the project, share feedback, and help shape the future of the center.

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Annual Back to School Bash

The Hickory Police Department is partnering with the City of Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department to host the annual Back to School Bash on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 5-7 p.m. at Taft Broome Park. This community event provides students of all ages with free backpacks and school supplies to help them start the new school year with confidence. Children attending the event can also enjoy free haircuts, face painting, food, and a variety of vendor booths offering resources and fun activities.

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Government Engineer of the Year

City of Hickory Assistant Public Works Director Caroline Kone has been named the 2026 Government Engineer of the Year by the Professional Engineers of North Carolina (PENC). This honor recognizes outstanding leadership and service among public sector engineers throughout North Carolina. The award is presented annually to a PENC member employed by a municipal, state, or federal agency who exemplifies the dedication, integrity, and professionalism of a public servant engineer. Nominees must be registered Professional Engineers or Engineer Interns in good standing with PENC and demonstrate a well-rounded record of achievement in education, career accomplishments, professional involvement, and public service. Only one engineer statewide receives this distinguished honor each year.

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Join Team Hickory

Make a difference where it matters most—right here at home. Join the City of Hickory team and serve your neighbors while helping shape a stronger, more vibrant community.

In addition to competitive salary, the City of Hickory provides a generous benefit package valued at over $15,000 annually:

• NC Local Government Retirement System (City Contributes 15.1% Per Employee)

• City-Provided Life Insurance (1.5x Salary, Up to $125,000)

• 401K (City Matches Up to 5% Contribution)

• Competitive-Rate Voluntary Benefits (Additional Life Insurance, Dependent Life, Short-Term Disability, Accident and Critical Illness)

• Competitive Health Insurance Options for Employees and Family

• Low-Cost Dental and Vision Insurance

• Employee Assistance Program – Five Free Visits

• On-Site Wellness Clinic & Pharmacy

• Free Membership to Highland Fitness Center

• Paid Holidays (11 days per year)

• Paid Sick Leave (12 days per year)

• Paid Vacation (10-22 days per year, depending on years of service)

• Tuition Assistance Program

• Individual Development Classes & Training

• Leadership and Professional Development Opportunities

Ready to craft your career with the City of Hickory? Learn more at www.hickorync.gov/employment and apply today.

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August 2026

City Snippets

Want more news and information about what's happening in Hickory? Check out the City Snippets, our monthly printed newsletter that gets mailed with your utility bill. If you’re signed up for e-billing or not a City of Hickory customer within city limits, the City Snippets is available digitally on our website. Browse the latest edition (and past issues!) anytime.

View Snippets Online

Calendar of Events

HICKORY CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, August 4 & 18
6 p.m.
Hickory City Hall Council Chambers

UNEARTH SELF-CARE

Saturday, August 1

2-3 p.m.

Registration Required

Ridgeview Branch Library

ROCK OUT TO THE END OF SUMMER: OUTDOOR CONCERT

Saturday, August 1

2:30-4 p.m.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library Outdoor Stage

GLOW IN THE DARK PICKLEBALL

Saturday, August 1

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Registration Required

Highland Recreation Center

EMBROIDERY PHOTO FRAME

Wednesday, August 5

2-3 p.m.

Registration Required

Ridgeview Branch Library

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT WITH HICKORY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Wednesday, August 5

Event Starts 5 p.m.

Game Starts 7 p.m.

L.P. Frans Stadium

CLASSIC FILMS WITH JOE BARRETT: PLANET OF THE APES

Thursday, August 6

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

CRAFT AND ART SUPPLY SWAP

Saturday, August 8

2-4 p.m.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

SATURDAY SCREENINGS: INSIDE OUT

Saturday, August 8

8:30 p.m.

Union Square, Downtown Hickory

MEET THE AUTHOR: JACQUELINE FRIEDLAND

Monday, August 10

12-1:30 p.m.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

CATAWBA RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER (CREEC) PUBLIC INPUT MEETING

Tuesday, August 11

Presentation: 4:30 p.m.

Drop-In: 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Council Chambers, Hickory City Hall

LEARN TO PLAY UKULELE

Wednesday, August 12

3-4 p.m.

Registration Required

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

GATHER & GAME

Wednesday, August 12

6-8:30 p.m.

Registration Required

Highland Recreation Center

STORIES IN THE PARK: WIGGLY WORMS

Thursday, August 13

10-11 a.m.

Taft Broome Park

CATAWBA RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER (CREEC) PUBLIC INPUT MEETING

Thursday, August 13

Presentation: 4:30 p.m.

Drop-In: 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Highland Recreation Center Community Room

SPARKLE & CELEBRATE: DIAMOND ART

Thursday, August 13

6-7:30 p.m.

Registration Required

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

LIGHTNING BUG BOOGIE 5K

Friday, August 14

9 p.m.

Registration Required

Hickory City Park

PUNT, PASS, & KICK

Saturday, August 15

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Registration Required

Samuel William Davis, Sr. Multipurpose Field

WEAVING DINOSAUR PLUSHIE

Saturday, August 15

2-3:30 p.m.

Registration Required

The Learning Lab, Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

CUSTOMIZED VANITY PLATE

Monday, August 17

6-7:30 p.m.

Registration Required

The Learning Lab, Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

HICKORY POETRY SALON

Tuesday, August 18

6-7:30 p.m.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

SOLAR PRINTING

Wednesday, August 19

2-3 p.m.

Registration Required

Ridgeview Branch Library

ADDRESSING ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN OLDER ADULTS: PART 2 – COPING SKILLS

Thursday, August 20

2-3 p.m.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

STEP-BY-STEP PAINTING FOR ADULTS: BOOK BOUQUET

Thursday, August 20

6-7:30 p.m.

Registration Required

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH

Saturday, August 22

5-7 p.m.

Taft Broome Park

SATURDAY SCREENINGS: A MINECRAFT MOVIE

Saturday, August 22

8:30 p.m.

Union Square, Downtown Hickory

PRESERVING THE HARVEST: CANNING, JAMS, AND BEYOND!

Monday, August 24

6-7:30 p.m.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

BOOK BEDAZZLING WORKSHOP

Wednesday, August 26

6-7:30 p.m.

Registration Required

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

WRITING YOUR ANCESTOR'S STORY THE FUN & EASY WAY

Thursday, August 27

6-7 p.m.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

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