PARENTING SWEET JULY 2023

Welcome to Parenting Sweet! Parenting Sweet is a resource for parents and caregivers, featuring all the great opportunities in our region that make parenting sweet!

This issue features family gathering, summer events, free activities, parenting classes, outdoor adventures, sports, dancing, reading, and more!

Appalachian Promise Alliance is Making Parenting Sweet

We have tips, information, practices, and parenting classes, sessions, workshops, support groups, seasoned educators, and friendships that can help lighten some of your load and make parenting easier. Wish you had an extra hand? A little help? A hack that makes things a little easier? Wondering if doing something different would help? Check out the Parenting Educator Network opportunities below in the April 2023 Highlights.

Monthly Fun Poll

Do you prefer to swim or sunbathe?

Parenting Sweet helps us keep our five promises of caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, effective education, and opportunities to serve.

Don’t miss out on the summer! According to American Academy of Pediatrics, “playing outside promotes curiosity, creativity and critical thinking”. July is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and make memories with your family. Local parks, splash pads, and public pools are great ways to get active in the summer heat, and we have a bunch listed in the newsletter below!

The Haynesfield Aquatic Center will be CLOSED for Summer 2023.
Franklin Pool (Elizabethton) – walking trail to Sycamore Shoals State Park
Fishery Park (Erwin) – swimming pool will be open through the season from 11AM until 5:30PM on Monday through Saturday and from 1PM until 5PM on Sunday. Admission is $5 per person, and concessions are available for purchase. The pool can also be rented for private pool parties after hours.
Hardin Park Pool (Greeneville) – open every day from 12PM – 5:30PM
John Cunningham Park (Mountain City) – has neighboring park
Rogersville City Pool (Rogersville)
Church Hill Municipal Pool (Church Hill)
Sneedville Community Center Pool (Sneedville) – Monday through Saturday – 11AM – 5PM, Sundays are 1PM until 6PM. Admission: Adults $4. Children ages 6 – 17 are $3. Children 5 and under are Free. Season Passes: 1x $30.00, 2x $50.00, 3x $75.00. These passes can be purchased at the Pool Concession Stand. Free Days for the month of June are as follows: 7th, 15th, 21st & the 27th.

Carver Park (Johnson City) Monday through Saturday 9AM-7PM & Sunday 1PM – 6PM
Rotary Park (Johnson City)
Riverview Splash Pad (Kingsport)
Steele Creek Park Splash Pad (Bristol)
Franklin Pool Splash Pad (Elizabethton)
Eastview Recreation Center (Greeneville)

Kingsport Aquatic Center
Wetlands Water Park (Jonesborough)
Soaky Mountain Waterpark (Sevierville)
Dollywood’s Splash Country (Pigeon Forge)
Wilderness at the Smokies (Sevierville)
Country Cascades (Pigeon Forge)

Rogersville July 4th Parade and Celebration in Downtown Rogersville

The annual Rogersville 4th of July Parade will occur on Main Street in downtown at 11AM. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Ring.” Line up in front east Rogersville Baptist Church at 10:00am.

The Rogersville July 4th Celebration will be at Rogersville City Park from 5PM to 9:30PM

DJ Ridge Charles will perform in the city park at 4PM and continue until 11:30PM. The firework display will start around 9:30PM.

As part of the 4th of July festivities, Rogersville Parks & Recreation will host a kickball tournament starting at 10AM for ages 16 and older, along with a three-on-three basketball tournament.

The Rogersville City Pool will also be open on the 4th of July from 10AM to 6PM.

Pepsi Independence Day Celebration at Freedom Hall in Johnson City

4:00PM – Food trucks, face painting, & children’s games via JC Parks & Rec Little League registration
5:00PM – 7:00PM – Register for prizes
6:00PM – 6:40PM – Music by George Birge
6:45PM – 6:50PM – Tribute to Gold Star Families and Disabled Veterans
7:00PM – 7:45PM – Music by Matt Stehl
8:00PM – 8:10PM – Color Guard with National Anthem (Miss Food City) and Pledge of Allegiance (Miss Johnson City)
8:15PM – 9:15PM – Music by Thompson Square
9:50PM – 9:55PM – Mayor Todd Fowler & WXBQ musical introduction for fireworks
9:55-10:15PM – Fireworks by Pyro Shows of Lafollette, TN

For event maps, a list of vendors, and other information, visit 2023 Fireworks (johnsoncitytn.org).

Town of Greeneville’s 11th Annual American Downtown celebration

The Greeneville Independence Day celebration will be held on the Saturday before July 4th, on July 1st at the Big Spring in Bicentennial Park.

Live music, a kids’ zone, and food vendors will begin at 4PM. A hot dog eating contest, nighttime parade, and fireworks show will finish off the free family event held behind the Greeneville-Greene County Public Library.

The theme of the parade this year will be “Star-Spangled Greeneville”, beginning at Towne Square Shopping Center on Summer Street around 9:15PM . The parade will turn from Summer Street left onto Main Street and right onto Tusculum Boulevard, ending at Greeneville High School. When the final parade entry arrives at GHS, the fireworks show will launch at approximately 10PM from the hill behind Burley Stadium.

Kingsport’s Red, White and BOOM! Independence Day Celebration

Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 5PM on Main Street in Downtown Kingsport

Free performances by Music City Stones, a Rolling Stones Tribute, and legendary Cheap Trick will be performed at the Cardinal Glass Industries stage. Music begins at 6:30PM. Immediately following the concert will be the largest Independence Day fireworks display in Kingsport history. Food trucks, fireworks, and fun for the entire family!

City of Elizabethton Parks & Recreation’s Independence Day Celebration

Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 4PM at Covered Bridge Park

Patriotic Pedal and Best Decorated Bike/Non-Motorized Vehicle Competition, Patriotic Pup Pageant, Little Miss Firecracker Pageant, live performances, food trucks, and fireworks all in one!

Jonesborough Days 2023

July 1st from 10AM – 10PM and July 2nd from 12PM – 10PM in Downtown Jonesborough. Click here to learn more about Jonesborough Days 2023.

Enjoy 60 local artists and craftsmen showcasing a variety of handmade wares, as well as a variety of musicians, storytellers, and festival foods. Festivities will include a Moon Pie eating contest, a cornbread cook-off, and free watermelon. A fireworks display on Sunday, July 2nd at 10PM will wrap up the weekend.

Patriot Park will have children’s activities, carnival games and prizes, bouncy houses, and inflatables. Located behind the International Storytelling Center in Jimmy Neil Smith Park, Patriot Park will be open Saturday from 11AM to 6PM and Sunday from 12PM to 6PM.

Bristol’s Star Spangled July 4th Celebration

Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at 3PM at Anderson Park in Downtown Bristol

Parade begins at 5:00PM on State Street.

Park activities begin at 6PM at Anderson Park.
6:30PM — Salute to Veterans
6:40PM — Performance by Olina Dance Company
7:00PM — Fritz & Co.
8:30PM — Scythian

Freedom Fest at Pioneer Point

Saturday, July 1st, 2023 at 4 PM – 10 PM.

Live Music, Fireworks, Food, Fun & Games!

Ages 18+- $15 ($20 at the Gate)

Ages 11-17-$10 ($15 at the Gate)

10 & under Free!

Parking included with Eventbrite Tickets ($5 at the Gate)

Welcome Home Veterans Parade in Erwin

Gather in Erwin on Saturday, July 1st to celebrate all veterans of every war with a time of food and fellowship. Breakfast for the Brave will be held at Erwin Town Hall at 9AM. The parade will begin at 10:30AM at Erwin Town Hall and end at the Unicoi County Veterans Memorial Park. Veterans can ride on professional floats that are provided, or can bring their own transportation. Car Clubs, side by sides, golf carts and bicycles are welcome to decorate their wheels and ride. A veterans cookout will be held at the Veterans Memorial Park following the parade beginning at 11AM. Free snow cones will be available at the Downtown Splash Dance also after the parade, from 11AM to 12:30PM, at the corner of Love and Main Streets.

Fizzy Fairway Independence Day Special

Spend the 4th at the putt-putt course! All day on July 4th, enjoy a round of mini golf, an arcade pass, a drink, and a scoop of ice cream for only $15.

Fun Fest Parade

July 14, 2023, 6:30PM – 8:30PM at 200 Clinchfield St. in Kingsport

The parade marks the official start of Fun Fest 2023! Bring a chair or some blankets and watch as floats parade through the streets of Downtown Kingsport. View the image to see the parade route for this year.

Parade registration is $30 per entry, which includes up to 3 vehicles.

Kid Central at Kingsport Fun Fest

Kids Central is a two-day event taking place at V.O. Dobbins Sr. Community Center. Children can enjoy outdoor play, educational “fun shops”, stage performances and the Indian Path Community Hospital “Exreme Challenge.”

The activities are completely free and allow other family oriented non-profits to promote their programs to the audience.

On Monday at 3PM is the Spin, Sprint, Splash Kids Triathlon and on Tuesday, get ready for Splash Dance at 5 PM.

Hope Center Diaper Drive-By in Greene County

You do not have to be participating in the Hope Center program currently to take advantage of this opportunity. Call the Hope Center to sign up!

Popsicles in the Park with WCQR

Join WCQR June 28th from 11AM to 1PM for their last Popsicles in the Park event of the summer, where they hand out free popsicles in local parks.

Meet at Kiwanis Park, Elizabethton, TN (Intersection of G St and Carter Boulevard, Elizabethton, TN)

Summer in the Park

Park Ranger Marty Silver is hosting the Summer in the Park event series at Warriors Path State Park. Park guests are invited to enjoy guided hikes, experience old traditions, discover local wildlife, and more. For a full list of events and details for the week of June 26th through July 2nd, click here.

Meet at Warriors Path State Park main campground. All events are free and you do not have to preregister for these “Summer In The Park” activities.

Spectrum Skate and Special Needs Session

On July 12th from 1:30PM to 3PM, Bristol Skateway will have minimal lights, low music, and staff ready to assist at their Spectrum Skate and Special Needs session! Skaters and Wheelchairs are welcome.

Kids Color Guard Day

THS Mighty Viking Color Guard will be hosting “Kid’s Color Guard Day” on Saturday, July29th from 9AM to 1PM. Students will have the opportunity to learn an age-appropriate color guard routine taught by the members of the 2023 color guard, make new friends from other schools, dance, and have fun! All rising 1st – 8th graders are welcome to attend.

Located at Tennessee High School – Viking Hall (1100 Edgemont Ave, Bristol, TN 37620)

$20 Donation – Cash or Card accepted at door.

Theatre Bristol Fall Acting Classes

Registration is now open for fall acting classes! Space is limited so register today at theatrebristol.org/tbarts!

Mondays 5:00-6:00 PM
Creative Dramatics – $160
Ages 5-7: July 24-September 11

Tuesdays 5:00-6:00 PM
Dramatics 1 – $160
Ages 8-10: July 25-September 12

Wednesdays 5:00-6:00 PM
Dramatics 2 – $160
Ages 11-13: July 26-September 13

Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachia is bringing back day camp! The “Super Shero” theme is focusing on our inner super-sheroes who make the world a better place.

Meet every day at Camp Wildwood in Johnson City from 10:00AM to 3:00PM for five days to earn badges, make crafts, lead experiments, and foster your inner (and outer) shero!

Camp Details and Registration: http://ow.ly/Nrot50Op6z9

Volunteer: http://ow.ly/XbO150Op6za

Mountain City Sunflower Festival

July 8th, 9AM – 5PM

The Mountain City Sunflower Festival has fun for the whole family! Free inflatables and electric animal rides all day, a beauty pageant, car/truck/bike show, live entertainment, axe throwing, and much more! With over 250 food and sales vendors and a special appearance by Marshall from Paw Patrol, this event will be sure to please all ages.

Baby & Family Expo

July 29, 2023 10AM to 2PM

AT YWCA NETN and SWVA

Join the YWCA, the Parenting Sweet, and other local businesses and organizations with products and services, goodies, resources, and information for parents and caregivers in the region!

Camp Cupcake

Make your very own cupcake campsite diorama! Learn how to make your own icing, tools, and edible decorations for your camp-themed cupcakes in the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

Upcoming Parenting Opportunities

Learn, question, and meet other parents and caregivers!

Attached at the Heart Parenting Program Thursdays at 7:30PM – FREE, ONLINE
Attached at the Heart Parenting Program Fridays at 10:30AM – FREE, ONLINE, IN PERSON
Tricities Parenting in-person meetup, Sundays at 4:30PM at the Parenting Sweet – FREE, ONLINE, IN PERSON
Prenatal Parenting Series at Ballad Health OBGYN offices and health departments – FREE, IN PERSON
Baby & Family Expo- Saturday, July 29th, 10AM – 2PM at YWCA (106 State St, Bristol, TN) – FREE, IN PERSON
Mom Power Series by Families Free – FREE, IN PERSON
AHH Babies breastfeeding in-person meetup on Fourth Tuesdays at the YWCA – FREE, IN PERSON
Family Playtime is being offered at multiple local libraries to foster strong bonds within families – FREE, IN PERSON

Visit the Parenting Sweet Program Catalog for Details and Registration or email samantha@appalachianpromise.org! Don’t see a class you need? Let us know!

CherishedMom presents: Mama-U

Join Mama-U and learn about maternal mental health. Plus, get rewarded with a coupon book filled with freebies and discounts upon completion.

For more information, visit cherishedmom.org or email info@cherishedmom.org.

MOMS R US

The YWCA’s teen pregnancy and parenting support program is beginning enrollment for Prepared Childbirth Classes: Sullivan County, TN, Bristol, TN and VA City!

Summer Film Quest at Legacy Theaters

Lakeside Concert Series

The Lakeside Concert Series will be held 6:30PM – 8:30PM each Thursday through July 27 at Winged Deer Park’s Goulding Amphitheatre, 199 Carroll Creek Road, Johnson City.

The event this year includes a kid zone, food trucks, theme nights, games, giveaways and more!

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or folding chairs.

Free Summer Movies at Marquee Cinemas

Specialty Camps by Kingsport Parks and Rec

LEGO Camp

Game On Camp

Cycle Kids

Appalachian Literacy Initiative at the Bristol Border Bash

The Appalachian Literacy Initiative will be at the Bristol Border Bash on Friday, July 21st giving out FREE books to children ages 0-16 in downtown Bristol for Border Bash.

Award-winning author Kimberly Brubaker Bradley will be at the tent meeting fans and signing books for free starting at 6PM. Donations of $15 or more will get you a book and personalized autograph!

Spectrum-tacular Autism Support Group

Sunday, July 16th at 2PM

Gather at the London Pavilion in Rotary park for social interaction, autism play, free ice cream, and splash pad fun!

Kingsport Parks and Rec Kids Summer Camp

Washington County 4-H presents Livestock Club

Join Senior 4-H member Allie Harrison at Star Valley Farm to see behind-the-scenes of the beef cattle operation.

June 27th, 10:00AM

Art at the Library at Thomas Memorial Library

Painting Fun with Mr. Daniel at Colonial Heights Library

Non-profit Reading Challenge to Provide Appalachian Children with Books

The Appalachian Literary Initiative is holding a July ‘Reading for Literacy Challenge’ and Fundraiser to promote family reading and provide low-income children with books across Appalachia.

The Reading for Literacy Challenge is taking place in a free mobile app called FytFeed.

Summer Esports & Open Gym Days

Join City of Elizabethton Parks & Rec’s first Summer Esports & Open Gym Days! Mon, Wed & Fri from June 2nd-Jul 21st from 1PM – 3PM at Parks and Rec on Mill St., Elizabethton.
Ages 5 & up can come play video games and/or basketball. Game times will last 20 mins per player, first come first serve. Basketball will be unlimited for the two hours.

Washington County 4-H Outdoor Club

Washington County 4-H Outdoor Club gathers at Farm Bureau Jonesborough to learn about fire safety, the job of foresters, and how to keep forests safe with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Forestry Division!

Ninja Bristol

Jr. Ninja Camp – 4-5 year olds!!
Camp #1 June 12 & 13 – 10:00am-12:00pm both days! $50
Camp #2 July 24 & July 25 – 10:00am-12:00pm both days! $50

Summer Camps 2023 Dates:
Summer Camp #2 – June 19th,20th, and 21st
Summer Camp #3 – July 10th,11th, and 12th
Summer Camp #4- July 17th,18th, and 19th
Summer Camp #5- July 31st, August 1st, and August 2nd
Camps are 9:00am-12:00pm each day. $120/3 days $40/1day
Snack and Camp t-shirt included!

Summer Camp

Monday, July 10th – Friday, July 14th
Monday, July 24th – Friday, July 28th

Register: https://visithandson.org/summer-camp/.

The International Storytelling Center
is celebrating 20 years of performances with a Storytelling Live performance series featuring 28 nationally-known storytellers in live afternoon concerts every afternoon at 2PM (Tuesday – Saturday) from May through October. Special events are also offered throughout the season, including evening shows, virtual concerts, and holiday programs.

Click here to see the full schedule.

PLAYtime in the ARTspace

PLAYtime in the ARTspace is for ages zero to five years old or so, and those who love them! Saturdays at 10:00AM in the ARTspace Theatre at 506 State Street, Bristol, TN.

PLAYtime in the ARTspace entertains and educates with favorite songs, skits, rhymes and more. Parents have the chance to connect with each other, eat coffee and bagels, and discover great parenting resources from around the region. $5 per family, free coffee and bagels, and great parenting resources. Doors open at 10:00 AM, program begins at 10:15 AM.
Be sure to check the PLAYtime calendar for PLAYtime dates and follow our social media accounts. Sponsored by Theatre Bristol, Bristol Bagel and Bakery, & Appalachian Promise Alliance, and the Tennessee Arts Commission.

Are you a grandparent?

INTRODUCING GRAND CONNECTIONS

Grandparent Workshop Series Bristol’s Promise will be offering a workshop series just for grandparents of children ages birth to five! Why? We love our grandparents! Whether you are “sharing the care” or a custodial grandparent, we recognize the vital importance of grandparents. If you or someone you know may be interested in learning more about this program, please submit your information here. Questions? Email Lily Royston (lily@bristolspromise.org). Click to learn more!

Family Playtime

The Children’s Resource Center is reaching out to the community. Join them for Family Playtime at your local library!

Parent Educator Network

The Appalachian Promise Alliance’s Parenting Network meets the third Thursday of each month at noon and works to support parenting education in our community by sharing efforts, communicating the value and importance of parenting education, and learning more about how we can better serve families. If you are interested in helping teach classes, mentor parents, or have parenting educator updates to share, please contact us!

Nourish Kids

Teach your kids the importance of fruits and vegetables by letting them get their own goods from the Farmers’ Market! Children between the ages of 2 and 12 can taste fresh produce, engage in educational activities, and receive $5 to spend at the Farmers’ Market.

Get the most out of your local farmers’ market!

Family Bowling Pass

Get A Family Pass For Less Today! After you’ve created your account, upgrade to our Kids Bowl Free family pass, which allows adults in your family to enjoy the same great FREE Bowling offer as your kids. You pay it one time, and you can bowl with your kids all summer long. !It’s great for parents, grandparents, older siblings and babysitters. Use Coupon Code: NoJoke5

You’ll save $5 on your Family Pass Today! Just go to the website at: https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/.

The Wellness Center of Kingsport still has spots available in their swim classes! Anyone can learn to swim at The Wellness Center – no matter the age or skill level.

Group Swim Lessons: Children ages 3-12 | Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 pm

Parent & Child Safety Swim Sessions: For ages 6 months to 36 months and a guardian | Saturdays, 9-9:45 am

Preschool Group Swim Lessons: Ages 3-5 | Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1-2 pm

Private Swim Lessons: All ages, adults included | upon availability

Fill out this form to sign up or request more information.

Are your kiddos ready to take their swimming skills to the next level? The Wellness Center is now offering an Advanced Skills Swim class for children ready to learn more advanced strokes, breathing techniques, and become more confident in the water.

The next session starts July 3. Complete this form to sign up or get more information: https://form.jotform.com/222846007828157

Attached at the Heart Parenting Program

Weekly free sessions

Attached at the Heart Parenting Program

Weekly free sessions

Coffee & Conversation for Grandfamilies

Support
Information
Resources

1st Monday each month at 10:00 am
Memorial Park Community Center
Johnson City

Prime Your Parenting with resources from Appalachian Promise Alliance

Series, groups, training and more!

Library, handouts, babycarriers, coaching, and consulting!

iCode Summer Camps

Free Reading Resources

Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation is partnering with the Tennessee Department of Education to provide at-home reading resources for free to all Tennessee families of K–2 children to help young learners become stronger readers. Based on your child’s grade level, they will receive the At-Home Decodable Book Series, a collection of seven booklets containing 20+ exciting stories full of sounds and words to practice, and age-appropriate, high-quality Scholastic books. Click here to order your kit.

Looking for information or support?

Bristol’s Promise Parenting Education Network Programs Find a program that fits your needs! Click to search for free or low cost, morning or evening, online or in-person, first-time or veteran parent/caregiver, and more

Visit www.BristolsPromise.org to learn more about: The Parenting Education Network, Bristol Family Resource Center, YWCA MOMS R US, Mom Power, Hope House, Frontier Health, Highlands Community Services, Breastfeeding Essentials, La Leche League Breastfeeding Support, Cherished Mom, Attached at the Heart Classes, Twin City Reads, Buckle Up for Life, Doula by Donation, Sullivan County Family Services, High Country Doulas, ETSU Family Physicians, Bethany Services, TriCities Babywearing TN, Sullivan County Health Department, STRONG Pregnancies, STRONG Starts, and more.

Parenting Sweet is here to help make parenting sweet!

Parents get connected to support and information because learning about parenting and getting support does make a difference. If you would you like to continue receiving Parenting Sweet, you’ll need to be sure to sign up on the website. If you know a parent, caregiver, grandparent, or anyone who cares about children, share the sign-up link with them and help them find all that’s great for children and families in our community. Past issues and all the events are available anytime on the AppalachianPromise.org Blog.

Support for this program is provided by Ballad Population Health Community Health Initiative and Bristol Public Housing. Parenting Sweet Team: Samantha Gray, Lily Royston, Susan Turner, Emily Macbeth, Katherine Wilson-Thompson, Melissa Roberts, and Margaret Feierabend. Have information to share? Submit it to parentingsweet@bristolspromise.org.

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