By Heather Wood
Well, it is here. When the alarm clock goes off, it is not just for parents anymore. It is also for local students, who headed back to class last week. No matter how much students do not want it to be, summer is (supposedly) over when school is back in session.
We wish parents good luck as they try to get their kids back in the routine of going to bed earlier and getting up in time to get dressed, eat breakfast, and catch the bus. It will not be long until we are all back in the swing of things.
Honestly, it seems like there is maybe one week of summer we can actually enjoy. In June, everyone is thinking ahead to the July 4th weekend, or muttering something about how it “doesn’t feel like summer yet.” In July, the back-to-school commercials start. In August, stores are filled with backpacks, school supplies, and fall clothes. Then there is the ultimate indicator of not-summer, which is the appearance of the Pumpkin Spice Latte, which many coffee lovers mark on their calendars as the summer version of Groundhog Day. Already, people are sipping their lattes and dreaming about sweater weather.
Yet, as I write this, it is currently 90 degrees. Summer is not over. We have weeks left until September 22, the last official day of the season. Everyone, please, stop the rush to fall. I am not ready to see summer go just yet.
Kernersville Parks and Recreation will be winding down the summer season through September. On Saturday, September 15, grab the family and head to Harmon Park to catch “Moana” under the stars. KPRD announced the popular Disney movie as its final selection for its Movie in the Park summer series. Follow an adventurous teenager sail out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demigod Maui, who guides her in her quest to become a master way-finder.
In addition to the movie, families can enjoy games and activities, a food truck, face painting, goodie bags, and local vendors. The festivities begin at 5:30pm, with the movie getting underway at dusk. Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to watch the movie on the outdoor screen.
In early September, KPRD also kicks off all of our new events and programs. We offer something for everyone in the family from fitness classes, athletics, and programs that are just good for your soul. For a complete list of all our programs and events happening September – December visit www.kvparks.com. You can also pick up our Leisure Guide at local area businesses, our office, or right in your kids backpack.
The Pumpkin Run will also return this year with a bit of a twist. Gather up the family for this exciting event on Saturday, October 21! All ages are invited to walk or run the newly marked 5K and 1-Mile course beginning at Kernersville Town Hall, winding through local neighborhoods and ending right back where you started. Participants are encouraged to come in costume for the festive event. There will be a costume contest for adults, children and dogs. Register early by October 14 (11:59pm) and receive a discount. Registration includes a t-shirt and goodie bag, except for 4 and under; ages 5-13 receive a medal!
Don’t leave after the race is over, stay and hang out at the Autumn Bash Food Truck Challenge from 11:00am – 5:00pm in the Town Hall parking lot and Farmers Market! Savor the different types of food truck menus, while enjoying music from a local cover band and then our main headliner The Brick House Band. Food trucks will be judged in three different categories for cash prizes.
If you are interested in registering for the Pumpkin Run or if you are a food truck that would like to enter, visit our website for more information www.kvparks.com.