Kingsport Parks and Recreation is bringing back last year’s breakout springtime event – the Hobby Horse Derby. It’s time for an exciting afternoon of jumping, racing and just plain “horsing around” on the front lawn of Allandale Mansion.

Hobby Horsing is a unique sport that involves participants riding stick horses for events like barrel racing and jumping courses. Kingsport’s 2^nd annual hobby horse derby promises to be a fun-filled, family-friendly event celebrating the art of hobby horsing.

Kingsport’s Hobby Horse Derby will take place at Allandale Mansion on April 26 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  The three-hour event will include Barrel Racing, a Jump Course and a Speed Race and is broken down by age categories: 3 to 6, 7 to 11, 12 to 15 and 16 and older.

Each event costs $7 per person to participate and participants must bring their own hobby horse to the event. Winners will be selected based on course time and fewest faults.

“Last year’s hobby horse derby was extremely popular and well-received by the community, so we’re excited about bringing it back for a second year,” said Program Leader Jennifer Henry. “Allandale Mansion used to be a horse and cattle farm, so what better venue to hold our second annual derby.”

To register, visit https://bit.ly/422oUUG. 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 “hobby horse” in the search bar.

For information about other programs, activities and classes offered by Kingsport Parks and Recreation, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

Teaching basketball to young girls provides a wide range of benefits – from improving physical health and building confidence, to learning teamwork, communication skills and discipline.

And to top it all off – the game of basketball is fun and exciting for players of all ages.

Kingsport Parks and Recreation is offering a one-day Girls Basketball Camp at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street) on April 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The camp is free and open to girls ages 8 to 14.

During this one-day camp, participants will learn the fundamentals of basketball, teamwork and confidence for girls of all skill levels. No prior basketball experience is required.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/4sc3q34. 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 “basketball camp” in the search bar.

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

Why should children have all the fun hunting for treats this Easter season? Your furry friends deserve to join in on the festivities as well.

Kingsport Parks and Recreation is hosting a special Easter Treat Hunt at Kingsport’s Dogwood Park (800 Granby Road) on April 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, so bring your pup down and watch him search, sniff and score some delicious snacks.

Participants are welcome to dress up the dogs in their best springtime garb, connect with fellow dog lovers and discover more about what Dogwood Park has to offer. Whether you’re a current member or considering joining, everyone is welcome to come out and share in the fun.

Though the event is free, Kingsport Parks and Recreation officials are asking folks to register to know approximately how many people will be showing up.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/4sgAtmQ. 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 “treat hunt” in the search bar.

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