By Heather Wood

The best things to do in spring in Kernersville require you to spend some much-needed time outdoors. (No complaints here.) There is no shortage of delightful events and happenings in the town when the flowers are in bloom. From strolling through some of the best local parks, to scoring authentic arts and crafts items at local fairs, watching a movie under the stars, to pigging out at the best food festivals, we have everything you need to enjoy this supremely lovely season.

Tick-tock Tick-tock… Can you hear it? Your child’s internal clock ticking down to summer, with its long, warm days and fun with friends. If so, and you are already starting to plan summer activities and Kernersville Parks and Recreation has something that might help. Back by popular demand, the department recently announced the four movies showing this year at our Movies in the Park Series. We are kicking the season off Friday, May 11 with the aspiring animated film “Coco”. There will be fun games to play prior to the movie, as well as food to munch on from Home Slice pizza, Kona Ice, Patriot Pretzel Company, popcorn and drinks! The first 100 people will receive a free goodie bag, full of promotional items for your family to enjoy! Movies will begin at dusk. Circle your calendar, grab your blankets, lawn chair, family, and neighbors, and get ready to enjoy a family friendly movie under the stars in Harmon Park. Without the support of our local community, we would not be able to offer free events like this. Thank you to our May movie sponsors Cone Health Med Center Kernersville and State Farm-Susanna Nunn.

Kernersville is embracing the Hispanic Culture that surrounds us every day! Celebrate Hispanic Heritage at this year’s Carnaval! The vibrant celebration kicks into high gear on Sunday, May 20 in Fourth of July Park (702 West Mountain Street, Kernersville) from 1:00-4:00 pm. The free festival is organized by Kernersville Parks and Recreation and will have Latin music featured by Ricardo Diquez & La Orquesta Tropico, food trucks – Mojito Mobile Kitchen, Tacqueria el Azeteca, Kona Ice, dancing and games.

Carnaval is a free and family friendly event. To learn of more details as they are announced, check out www.kvparks.com.

If you are looking for classes indoors, we have you covered as well! Kernersville Parks and Recreation publishes a Leisure Guide, which details all programs and classes in adult and youth athletics, arts and crafts, exercise, fitness, dance, drama and music! Pick up a Leisure Guide at our Community Recreation Center, local businesses, Kernersville Chamber of Commerce, Town Hall or visit us online at www.kvparks.com for a full list of activities. Below are some of our newest programs being offered this spring and summer.
Learn to play guitar and become the musician you have always wanted to be! In these fun and informative lessons, you will build basic guitar skills step-by-step with the help of hands-on exercises.

First, you will get to know all the parts of your guitar, from frets to strings, and learn how to tune your instrument. After that, you will explore the fundamentals of music notation and find out how to produce clear, beautiful notes and chords. You will also discover how to control your rhythm, tempo, and volume, and how to express yourself artistically. The classic guitar skills you will master in this course will allow you to play any style of music, from hard rock to country-and-western.

And that is not all! Good guitar players know that the secret to making beautiful music is to practice, practice, practice—so that is what you will do. You will make rapid progress as you follow a carefully planned practice schedule that reinforces each new skill you learn. Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate student, this course will take your musical talent to the next level. By the time you are finished, you will be well on your way to becoming a skilled guitar player.

Guitar lessons are offered, Tuesdays from 7:00-8:00 pm at our Community Recreation Center, and taught by Michael Birch, who has twelve years’ experience. Participants must have an acoustic guitar and know 6 C D chords.

Join us as we learn the beautifully choreographed turns and spins of Chicago Style Stepping! Combined with the periodic dips and drags, this dance style spotlights the elegant ballroom nature of dance. Crystal Ramsey and Erika Little, have been dancing and teaching for over ten years. This program is offered Saturdays, from 2:00-4:00 pm. To register for classes, call 617.721.7745 or email cbramsey04@yahoo.com.

Build a lifetime bond with your furry friend through fun and positive classes. Proper training is essential for a long, happy and safe relationship with your dog, setting the foundation to ensure your dog stays physically fit, mentally alert, socially engaged and emotionally happy. To make dog training an enjoyable and fulfilling activity, our approach is positive, rewards-based, fun and effective.

Our dog training 101 is a beginning level class designed for new dog owners and others who want to teach their dog household manners! You will also learn more about canine behavior and learn how to solve common behavioral problems. House training is covered as well. Owners must be age 13 or older, puppies must be at least 4 months old. Rabies and vaccinations are required.

Once you have completed Dog Training 101, graduate onto Dog Training 102. Your dog will learn to work around distractions increasing throughout the class. Tricks and games will also be included! Owners must be ages 13 or older, puppies must be at least 6 months old. Rabies and vaccinations are required.

Our expert dog trainer teaches fun and effective group classes. Through positive reinforcement, your dog will be successful in the real world (not just the classroom). To register for either Dog Training 101 or 102, please contact Meghan at pawsitivefoundations1@gmail.com or call 336.775.8124.