Parks and Recreation to celebrate family on Valentine’s Day

Elizabethton Parks and Recreation is getting ready for Valentine’s Day celebrations with not one, but two different dances. While they are similar in concept, they both help to give as many children as possible a chance to spend quality time with family and friends.

Program and Special Events Coordinator Kelly Kitchens said they are holding two Valentine’s Day dances: the regular one on Friday, Feb. 14, and a “sensory-friendly” one the day before.

“This year, it is glow-in-the-dark, ’80s theme,” Kitchens said. “They are encouraged to dress up like the ’80s.”

She said the purpose of the dances is to be as inclusive to as many members of the family as possible. She said many father/daughter dances do not also include a mother/son dance, or vice versa. The dances are a way to bring the family together.

“It is something that does involve the parents,” she said. “It is a great time. It is fun to watch.”

The sensory-friendly dance the night before Valentine’s Day is part of a collaboration between Parks and Rec, Kids Like Us and Curly Communications, who reached out roughly four years ago about the idea. During this dance, there is no glow-in-the-dark, though the theme will still be ’80s.

She said the theme will make this year’s dance extra special, as it will create more opportunities for parents to get involved with their children and spend time bonding.

“Both dances have had a great response,” Kitchens said. “We bring in about a couple hundred people.”

The inclusiveness of the sensory-friendly dance plays into Parks and Rec’s overall goal, she said, to be as inclusive as possible as a department.

“We really strive to build up programs that are already running,” she said. “We do have a large community of families who want them to have the same opportunities.”

Both dances will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at Parks and Rec on West Mill St.

“This has been a huge hit,” Kitchens said. “It is a great way to have a fun night out. Come out and have a great time.”

SportsPlus

Local news

Trick-or-Treat Events Calendar

Local news

Crowe seeks disaster-relief dollars from state’s $2.1 billion ‘rainy-day fund’

Local news

Elizabethton Golf Course remains closed after Hurricane Helene

Local news

Driver Services at Carter County Clerk’s Office to close Oct. 30 for equipment upgrade

Local news

Boys & Girls Club hosts heartwarming community dinner for all of Carter County

Local news

SOFHA names Dr. Kent Wright Chief Clinical Integration Officer

Arrests

Carter County Sheriff’s Office arrests

Community

Senior Center Schedule

Church News

Church Briefs

Local news

Helene Emergency Assistance Loans (HEAL) Program underway for E-T

Local news

Boozy Creek plans Thanksgiving meal Nov. 2

Local news

FEMA, SBA offer assistance for privately owned roads and bridges damaged by Tropical Storm Helene

Arrests

Johnson City man arrested for aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor

Community

UHS Class of ’74 enjoy 50-year reunion

Community

Sam Isaac and Amber Joy announce marriage

Local news

Hampton church hosts grey-shirted, veteran-led disaster relief team

Local news

TDOC sets Halloween restrictions for sex offenders

Local news

FEMA assistance available for Tennesseans with damaged wells and septic systems after Tropical Storm Helene

Local news

Trunk or Treat coming to Rocky Top Garage Doors on October 28

Local news

Cyclist dies from injuries sustained in Johnson City crash

Church News

Who in the Bible had a lot of patience?

Local news

New hours announced for NET Disaster Relief Center

Local news

Tusculum Community Band will perform Veterans Day celebration November 11

Local news

VIDEO: Harmony FWB Church named Volunteer Reception Center for Carter County