Learning a new language can be both a demanding and rewarding experience. Whether you’re aiming to advance your career or just looking to fulfill a personal challenge, mastering a foreign language provides you with a variety of advantages across all areas of life.

And now is your chance to accept the challenge. Kingsport Parks and Recreation is offering a Spanish Made Simple course later this month at the Borden Park Community Center (901 Lamont Street). The classes will be taught by Dobyns-Bennett High School Spanish teacher Elizabeth Wilkins.

Classes will be held on Mondays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. from October 26 through November 23. Participants ages 14 and up can register and the cost is $30 for city residents and $35 for non-city residents.

The course will introduce essential vocabulary, common phrases, pronunciation and everyday communication skills to help build confidence in speaking Spanish.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/46gJe7q. You can also click on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the “CivicRec” link, then search for “Spanish” in the search bar.

For information about other programs, activities and classes offered by Kingsport Parks and Recreation, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org or call 423-224-2489.

Christmas Connection – a Kingsport tradition for more than four decades – returns to the MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center next month, showcasing the best arts and crafts vendors our region has to offer.

The two-day event will be held in the main convention hall (1901 Meadowview Parkway) on November 13 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on November 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Christmas Connection is sponsored by Kingsport Cultural Arts.

“We are excited to continue this tradition for the 47^th year, serving our local artists and the community,” said Program Leader Beth Lane. “Whether you’ve been enjoying the Christmas Connection for years or are visiting for the first time, this artisan and craft fair is sure to have something for you.”

Christmas Connection offers a variety of unique gifts just in time for the holiday season. Some of the items available include country crafts, home décor, fine wood and leather crafts, handmade soaps and lotions, jewelry, ornaments, stained glass, wheel-thrown pottery, baked goods, pet accessories and much more.

In addition to a fine selection of arts and crafts, visitors can grab a snack or a meal at the Connection Café, which offers a variety of country favorites.

For more information on Christmas Connection, please visit www.artskingsport.org or call Kingsport Cultural Arts at 423-392-8414.

Kingsport Parks and Recreation is offering an entry-level course this fall for children interested in learning how to safely ride a scooter. Students will be guided through the fundamental techniques and safety measures essential for mastering this exciting sport.

Scooter Basics for Beginners classes will take place at the Scott Adams Memorial Skate Park (2016 Brickyard Park Drive) every Thursday from October 22 through November 12 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The cost for the lessons is $30 for city residents and $35 for non-city residents. The lessons are open for boys and girls ages 6 to 12. The maximum number of registrants is 10.

Participants will learn the basics of riding a scooter in a friendly, safe environment. Parents are encouraged to remain onsite during the class. Participants must bring their own helmet, safety equipment and scooter.

“Through this program, our instructors will get children started on the right path towards proper and safe scooter riding,” said Program Administrator Jason Wilburn. “It’s the perfect way to build your riding confidence and have fun with friends on two-wheels.”

To register for the classes, please visit https://bit.ly/4j2db2q. You can also click on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the “CivicRec” link, then search for “scooter” in the search bar.

For information about other classes, programs and events from Kingsport Parks and Recreation, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

Golden Retrievers are an amazing breed that can make a wonderful family pet. These enthusiastic dogs have an unmatched friendliness about them, are eager to please and can be great around other dogs.

What better way to reward your Golden Retriever than to have an event just for them.

Kingsport Parks and Recreation is hosting its first-ever Golden Retriever Meet Up at the Kingsport Barking Lot (124 Cherokee Street) on October 19 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

“Whether your pup loves to run, make new friends or simply soak up attention, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with other Golden Retriever owners in a fun and welcoming environment,” said Program Administrator Erin Larkin.

For information about other programs, activities and classes offered by Kingsport Parks and Recreation, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org or call 423-224-2489.

The Kingsport Farmers Market is hosting its 9^th annual Fall Festival later this month (October 24) with a variety of vendors, kids’ activities, live music and a pumpkin carving and painting contest.

The festival will take place 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Kingsport Farmers Market (308 Clinchfield Street) and all events and activities are free and open to the public. The market will be open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. with more than 50 vendors offering a variety of fall produce, baked goods, meats, fresh eggs and crafts.

Fall Festival Schedule:

• Pumpkin Carving/Decorating contest – Pumpkin check-in begins at 8 a.m. and the judging starts at 11 a.m. Entrants must pick up their pumpkins by noon. Enter to win prizes in two categories—Best Carved and Best Decorated—in 12 & under and 13 & up categories.
• Kids mini-pumpkin painting starting at 9 a.m. (while supplies last).
• Pumpkin carving demonstrations from Gary Bortz.
• Live music by Mike Milhorn and friends.

The market opens at 7 a.m. so come early and get in the fall spirit with the Kingsport Farmers Market. The Kingsport Farmers Market is open on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, please visit kingsportfarmersmarket.org.