Let's get ready to boogie! The 2nd annual Lightning Bug Boogie 5K Trail Run will take place on Friday, August 18, starting at 9 p.m. (Yes, at night!) on the Lake Hickory Trails. This course will consist of some portions of paved trail, as well as off-road trails that include hills, descents, tight turns, roots, rocks, and other trail type features. All participants will be required to have a light in the form of a headlamp or flashlight. For more information, please contact Lance Riddile at 828-261-2254 or lriddile@hickorync.gov.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy free movies this summer! Saturday Screenings take place at 8:30 p.m. on the following dates this month:
August 12: The Karate Kid (Downtown Union Square) August 26: Remember the Titans (Samuel William Davis Field) 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.
On Saturday, August 19, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., we will continue our journey of stained glass art. For this project, we will be making a stained glass night light or an advanced sun catcher. You can pick the pattern design the day of the class. All materials and glass are included. The price for this project will be $99 per group, with a max of two people per group. Participants must be at least 18 years of age to participate without a guardian. You will need to bring a lunch, but snacks and waters will be provided. The instructor is Tina Morgan from Morgan Stained Glass in Monroe, N.C. For more information, contact Lisa Miller at ammiller@hickorync.gov or 828-328-3997.
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. The next Teen Night will be on Friday, August 4, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. A $5 registration fee is required; limited spots available. For more information, contact Austin Cheek at acheek@hickorync.gov or 828-328-3997.
Whether you’ve never picked up an instrument before, or have had a guitar that you’ve never learned to play, this is your perfect opportunity to make the music you have always wanted to make. Guitar Center's talented and experienced instructors will be at Highland Recreation Center (1451 8th Street Drive NE, Hickory, NC 28601) every Wednesday evening August 2 through September 6. These lessons are for acoustic or electric guitars, and are open to all ages. If you have an electric guitar and need an amplifier speaker, then please specify when registering. Loaner acoustic guitars will be available if you need a guitar for the lessons. Registration for this 6-week series is REQUIRED. You may sign up and pay for each lesson individually, pay for three weeks at a time, or pay for five weeks and receive one lesson FREE. For more information, contact Lisa Miller at ammiller@hickorync.gov or 828-328-3997.
Are you a fan of hummingbirds? Travel with us to Riverbend Park to watch park staff and volunteers capture and band Ruby-throated Hummingbirds! Hummingbird banding is done to track the migration, growth, and life span of the hummingbird species. Catawba County Parks Ranger Dwayne Martin will answer questions and teach you all about their biology. This program is open to all ages, but 16 and under must have adult supervision. You must register to reserve your spot and this will include lunch on the trip. Our bus will depart from Highland Recreation Center (1451 8th Street Drive NE, Hickory, NC 28601) Saturday, August 5, at 8 a.m. to go to Riverbend Park and will return at approximately 1 p.m. There is some walking involved and we do recommend that participants bring a chair. Each person attending must register individually to save their seat on the bus and the free meal; spots are limited! For more information, contact Lisa Miller at ammiller@hickorync.gov or 828-328-3997.
We are excited to announce we have added two new classes to our aerobic class schedule at Highland Recreation Center! Join us on Tuesdays at 6:30 a.m. for Body Blast, a 45-minute circuit training class with cardio and strength-based intervals. Our second addition will be Cycle Strength on Thursdays at 6:30 a.m. This is a 45-minute nonstop rhythm ride of climbs and sprints that will incorporate upper body strength and will end every class with core. Classes cost $2 for residents and $4 for non-residents. Ask the front desk how you can attend additional classes with a fitness membership! For more information, please call 828-328-3997.
Back to School Bash
It's almost that time of year again! Come out to Taft Broome Park on Saturday, August 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the annual Back to School Bash presented by Modern Nissan of Hickory. There will be food, vendors, games, haircuts, face painting, and plenty of school supplies to get everyone ready for the upcoming school year! For information, please contact Todder Clark at 828-324-8007 or nclark@hickorync.gov.
Free Play Activities & Group Exercise Classes
Our recreation centers offer free play pickleball, basketball, volleyball, and group exercise classes for all skill levels!
The Co-ed Volleyball League is open to anyone ages 17 and up. Games will be played on Monday and Wednesday evenings at Highland Recreation Center starting late August/Early September. Teams must consist of at least two females. The cost per team is $200 and team captains must register their teams. For more information about the Co-ed Adult Volleyball League, or for assistance with registration, please contact Yadil Sanchez at 828-261-2251 or ysanchez@hickorync.gov.
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