MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Hutchinson Recreation Commission has several events planned as summer winds down, including dog races during Third Thursday, a Final Friday concert and registration for fall youth and adult sports.
Hutch Rec Assistant Executive Director Amy Conkling said the Aug. 20 Third Thursday celebration will include the “Dog Days of Summer,” featuring dog races at DCI Park.
The races are open to all breeds, with dogs divided into four categories based on size. Check-in begins at 6:30 p.m., with racing starting at 7 p.m. There is no cost to participate, and advance registration is available through Hutch Rec.
Third Thursday will also feature live music and art along Main Street from 6 to 8 p.m. Conkling said the lineup continues to evolve as additional partners join the event.
Hutch Rec will continue its Final Friday summer concert schedule the next week on Aug. 28.
The trio Sirens and the Sailor will perform at 7 p.m. at DCI Park. The concert is free, and those attending are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair. The Final Friday concert series began in May and is now nearing the end of its summer schedule.
Adult fall sports are also approaching. Hutch Rec will offer a kickball league, with games beginning in September at McQueen Fields and Carey Park. Fall adult volleyball leagues are scheduled to begin in mid-October.
Several Hutch Rec fundraising events are also on the calendar.
The Farm to Table dinner is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, at Dillon Nature Center. The event features three local chefs or cooks preparing dishes using locally sourced produce, meats and other ingredients. A locally produced dessert, along with selections from area breweries and wineries, will also be featured.
Proceeds benefit the Dillon Nature Center Foundation, which supports projects, facility improvements and programming at the nature center.
Hutch Rec's annual Brew Fest follows on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Reno County Farmers Market Pavilion in downtown Hutchinson. The event coincides with the downtown Rod Run.
Tickets are $45 and include samples from craft breweries from around Kansas. Organizers typically bring in between 10 and 15 breweries, including Hutchinson breweries Salt City Brewing Company and Sandhills Brewing. An after-party is also planned at Sandhills Brewing.
Conkling said Brew Fest typically attracts between 300 and 400 people and serves as a fundraiser for the Hutch Rec Foundation.
More information and registration for Hutch Rec programs and events are available through Hutch Rec or on their website.