By Heather Wood
As we see another year draw to a close, the days are now beginning to pad their edges with a few more minutes of light – though you might not sense it beneath the clouds. But, as we head into 2018 and look forward to more light, we thought we would reflect on what has gone by in 2017.

We started 2017 with a magical walk down the yellow brick road, where the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true! Our annual Father Daughter Dance was another HUGE success this year! This event calls for all hands-on deck, and really takes a village for this high demand, SOLD OUT event to run smoothly. I must say the Kernersville Parks and Recreation Department does not disappoint, with their creativity and passion to make it a night for all attendees to remember. Featuring a new theme each year, this event continues to be one of our favorites.

Looking ahead, the annual Father Daughter Dance is just beyond the reef! Join us as we set sail with Moana and friends for this year’s adventure on Saturday, February 10 from 6:00-8:30 pm at First Christian Church. Tickets are available for purchase beginning Tuesday January 2, and are limited! To order, visit www.kvparks.com. In the words of Maui… “You’re Welcome!”

Continuing with the celebrations with the Year of the Rooster, The Town of Kernersville and the Sister City program hosted the 2017 Chinese New Year celebration on Saturday, February 18 at Kernersville Moravian Church. We experienced great entertainment and authentic Chinese food to a sold-out crowd.

The Town also hosted a networking opportunity at Bryan Park Golf Course. The Double Ten was an effort to maintain various Sister City relationships and to foster cultural, educational, economic, and social feelings and exchanges between the citizens and residents of the Kernersville community and surrounding areas. We had 27 golfers from Kernersville, Charlotte, Cary, and Raleigh.

As we headed into Spring and the warmer weather, families were finding ways to spend more time outside. What a better way, than in the middle of Harmon Park under a starlit sky. It was that time again for our popular Movies in the Park Series. Unfortunately, the Spring showers rained on our parade the first two movie dates. However, we ended the series strong with, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Moana in record setting attendance to end the season.

Fourth of July Park was all the BUZZ this summer for the 23rd Annual Honeybee Festival. Vendor attendance was the highest it has ever been with 160 talented arts and craftsman. The festival is always a Town favorite and the park was swarming with activity from beginning to end. We look forward to seeing you in 2018 on the third Saturday in August.

As summer turned to fall, we decided to change things up by relocating the Pumpkin Run to downtown Kernersville in order to accommodate our newest event, the Harvest Food Truck Challenge. We started the chilly morning off with 175 runners dressed in their Halloween best. From the fun run to the themed contest it was not long before the smell of food and the sound of music drew you in to Rotary Park for some food and fun at the Harvest Food Truck Challenge. The seven food trucks served their best dish, to a panel of Sister City judges for cash prizes. Event attendees enjoyed the authentic cuisine with international flair, while listening to live bands on the Rotary stage.

To finish out the year, we will host the Town of Kernersville’s Tree Lighting ceremony. A family tradition that gets everyone in the holiday spirit. Join us on Saturday, December 2 for hot cocoa and holiday cheer in Harmon Park at 7 pm as we round out the year!

Most of all we would like to thank Kernersville and the surrounding communities for their continued support and are looking forward to another exciting year in 2018!