HURRICANE – Area residents are invited to come play in Hurricane on May 21 during the city’s first annual “Rec Fest,” a full day of free sporting events, recreational activities and music shared in a family-friendly atmosphere.
“We have something planned for everyone, with lots of opportunities to try out different activities at no cost,” said Samantha Hinton, Hurricane City’s volunteer coordinator. “It’s really going to be a lot of fun.”
All of the Rec Fest events will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hurricane City Community Center, 63 S. 100 W., which many residents will remember as the old Hurricane Elementary School grounds.
Among the free, fun events planned for folks to enjoy trying out are pickleball, archery, land paddling, skateboarding, fishing, rock wall climbing, golfing, paintballing, mountain biking and basketball. Cody Latuda and The Band perform from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Rick Eddy from Skydive Zion will literally be “dropping in” for the party. Food and drink will also be available for purchase.
Youngsters 12 years of age and under can enter the Fun Zone for a mere $2, giving them nonstop access to a slew of carnival games geared toward sports-related challenges.
Sponsors for the daylong event include Chums, Lip Trix, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Sky Mountain Golf Course, Sand Hollow Golf Course, The Utah National Guard, Battle Ball Paintball, Classic Sports, Hill Sports, Blue Desert Digital and Hurricane City.
Basketball enthusiasts are invited to sign up for a 3 on 3 Hoopjam tournament, Hinton added, which starts Friday, May 20, at 6 p.m. and plays through Saturday, May 21.
“This tournament is for the occasional basketball player and the highly skilled player,” she said. “All games will be played on outdoor courts and there will be awards for the winners in each division.”
Referees and scorekeepers will be provided for every game, with each participant receiving a Hoopjam T-shirt. Each team of three to four players is assured at least four games in the tournament and can participate in a 3-point contest and skills challenge.
Teams are divided into divisions by age or grade (starting at the third grade) and must submit an entry form and $60 fee by May 1. Forms and information on the Hurricane 3 on 3 Hoopjam are available at the city offices, 147 N. 870 W., online at www.cityofhurricane.com, or by calling Hinton at 635-2811 ext. 106. The Hurricane Rec Fest can also be found on Facebook, with giveaways and prizes on tap for those who “like” us!