MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch Rec is preparing for several community events in the coming weeks while nearly 1,000 children participate in its fall youth sports programs.
The schedule begins with Third Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 17 in downtown Hutchinson. This month’s theme is “40,000 Stories,” reflecting the idea that nearly every Hutchinson resident has a story to share.
Amy Conkling, assistant executive director of Hutch Rec, said the event will include interactive storytelling activities in DCI Park, along with art, music and food vendors.
“We don’t want to skip a Third Thursday because the fair’s in town, so we scale it back a little bit to adjust and accommodate that,” Conkling said.
The Dillon Nature Center Foundation will hold its annual Farm-to-Table Dinner on Sept. 26. The outdoor event features three courses prepared by local chefs using locally grown and produced food.
Sandhills Brewing will provide beer, Inland Ocean will provide wine and Reno County native Holly Thomas of Holly’s Sweet Treats will prepare dessert.
“The concept is really just celebrating our local food producers and food providers, as well as local chefs,” Conkling said.
Individual tickets and full tables are available. Conkling said the event was about 50% to 60% sold at the time of the interview, leaving approximately 30 tickets available.
Proceeds benefit the Dillon Nature Center Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) organization chaired by Steve Dillon. Conkling emphasized that the Dillon Nature Center Foundation, Hutch Rec Foundation and Hutchinson Recreation Commission are separate organizations.
The Nature Center foundation raises money for projects that may not fit within Hutch Rec’s regular budget. It helped finance the restoration of the center’s pond and supported a master plan identifying potential projects, including an updated nature playscape, new boardwalks and additional outdoor recreation opportunities.
The busy schedule continues Oct. 3 with the Salt City 8K, 5K and one-mile races in Carey Park. The event is open to runners and walkers of all ages, along with children in strollers and dogs on leashes.
“It’s a race for all,” Conkling said.
Later that day, the Hutch Rec Foundation will hold its annual Brew Fest from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Farmers Market Pavilion near Sandhills Brewing. The event will feature beer samples from breweries across Kansas.
Both events coincide with the Downtown Hutchinson Rod Run weekend.
The Hutch Rec Foundation is also an independent nonprofit organization. It raises money for youth scholarships and other Hutch Rec programs and projects. The foundation previously helped purchase Hutch Rec’s downtown building and supported the Salty Dog Triathlon and Flag Tag specialty license plate program.
Meanwhile, approximately 950 to 1,000 children are participating in Hutch Rec’s fall flag football, soccer, volleyball and cheerleading programs.
“To have 950 to 1,000 youth participating on a Saturday and a Sunday in the fall, that just warms your heart as a community member to see that in action,” Conkling said.
Conkling said the programs encourage physical activity and teach young children how to listen, follow directions and be part of a team. She also credited volunteer coaches for contributing their time, knowledge and patience to the programs.