As the frigid temperatures periodically appear in the region, expect the coming days to heat up at the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation facility.
Starting off the 2017 event calendar on the right note, the department is hosting the second annual Father/Daughter & Mother/Son Dance on Friday, Feb. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. inside the park’s gymnasium.
Kelly Kitchens, with Parks & Rec, described last year’s event as a success, and the potential of nice weather coming up could see this year’s turnout to be much of the same.
“Last year we had the theme of ‘Frozen’ and the snow was a little bit of a problem, so we decided to change up the theme,” Kitchens joked. “But with last year’s event doing so well, we wanted to offer it again and keep looking at ways to make it better for the public.”
The department is looking at changing up the theme each year with the dance. With last year’s being themed toward the Disney motion picture, this year’s dance will feature some swashbuckling and royalty as participants are encouraged to dress as pirates and princesses.
“The dance is free of charge and there’s no registration required,” Kitchens said. “Last year we had around 150-200 people.”
While the theme is set, Kitchens said that special attire is not required. The department is just encouraging residents to stop on by and enjoy family time with one another, she added.
During the dance, participants will be greeted with a live DJ and finger foods on hand. Bojangle’s of Elizabethton is also providing treats to the public.
The dance somewhat serves as a starting point for what will be a stretch of busy months ahead for Parks & Rec.
Kitchens alluded to different events coming up, including the addition of dates to the Covered Bridge Jams concerts. While receiving the greenlight last year in June, the musical performances are set to begin in June.
Along with the recreation at Covered Bridge Park, the department also has their adult athletic leagues going in full effect. The schedule continues with the Franklin Pool opening up in spring and the beginning of Elizabethton Twins minor league baseball near the end of June.
“It’s an exciting time,” Kitchens said about this year. “We want to keep building off the events from last year and keep making them better. We want to have these different options available to show the public that there are events and activities to be offered in Elizabethton.”
Away from the dancing scene, the department will also hold player registrations for the Elizabethton/Carter County Youth Baseball and Softball Association on February 18 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their main office.
For more information on the happenings at the Parks & Rec, visit elizabethton.org and click the ‘departments’ tab for Parks & Rec. Individuals can also call 547-6441.