"What's Happening Wednesday!"

Posted Date: 10/07/26 (05:00 PM)

Christmas Assistance: Apply by October 12
Catawba County families needing holiday assistance have until October 12 to apply for the 2026 Christmas Bureau.
The program provides toys, clothing, and coats for children ages 12 and younger. Teens ages 13–17 who are still in school will receive gift cards for clothing. Families must reside in Catawba County.
Apply online at www.SAangeltree.org. Applications are online only.
Before applying, gather photo identification for applying adults, children’s birth certificates or immunization records, custody papers if applicable, income and expense documentation, and proof of residency for everyone in the household. Have children’s clothing and shoe sizes and toy wishes ready, too.
All required documents must be uploaded for approval. You may photograph documents with your phone to upload them. Validate your cell number to receive updates by text.
Need help uploading documents? Limited in-person appointments are available October 8. Call United Way at 828-327-6851, Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., to request an appointment.
Allow up to one full week for approval confirmation after submitting. Please do not submit a duplicate application, as this delays processing.

Trick or Trot 5K

HICKORY – To conclude the 2026 Hickory 5K Series, the Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department will host its annual Trick or Trot 5K on Saturday, Oct. 31.

The family-friendly, Halloween-themed race will begin at 9 a.m. at Highland Recreation Center in Stanford Park and travel on a route through northeast Hickory before ending back at Stanford Park.

Runners and families can also purchase food from food trucks, visit vendors, and get their faces painted at the event.

Race timing will be done by Agape Timing Company.

Registration is available at runsignup.com/Race/NC/Hickory/HickoryKSeries until Saturday, Oct. 31, at 8:30 a.m. Race fees are currently $30. Prices will increase by $5 after Oct. 18. Sign up now to take advantage of early registration discounts and be guaranteed to receive a custom race t-shirt.

Runners can pick up their t-shirts and race bibs at Highland Recreation Center (1451 8th St. Dr. NE) on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or Friday, Oct. 30, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Runners can also pick up their materials on race day from 8-8:30 a.m.

Awards for the Trick or Trot 5K and the entire Hickory 5K Series will be presented at the conclusion of the race.

The Hickory 5K Series is presented by Frye Regional Medical Center, the Official Healthcare Provider of the Hickory 5K Series, and OS1st, the Official Performance Sock of the Hickory 5K Series.

Stanford Park is located at 1451 Eighth Street Drive NE in Hickory.

For more information, contact Lance Riddile at 828-322-7046, Ext. 7254, or via email at lriddile@hickorync.gov

Free Community Fall Festival – October 25
Looking for some fall family fun? Mt. Ruhama Baptist Church invites families to its Fall Festival on October 25, from 5–7 p.m.
Enjoy a bounce house, hayrides, free food, and trunk-or-treat! Admission is free, and all ages are welcome.
Location: Mt. Ruhama Baptist Church
3273 Mount Ruhama Baptist Church, Maiden, NC 28650
Bring your family and friends!

🍂 Fall Festival at The Chapel
Families are invited to enjoy games, candy, food, and bounce houses on October 31 from 4–6 p.m. All ages are welcome!
📍 410 26th Ave. NE, Hickory, NC 28601

Hickory Recreation Winter Sports Registration
Hickory Recreation offers youth basketball and indoor soccer for the following age groups:
Youth Basketball

Co-ed: Ages 5–6 (6U) and ages 13–15 (15U).
Boys: Ages 7–8 (8U), ages 9–10 (10U), and ages 11–12 (12U).
Girls: Ages 7–8 (8U), ages 9–10 (10U), and ages 11–13 (13U).

Indoor Soccer

Ages 6–8 (8U).
Ages 9–10 (10U).
Ages 11–12 (12U).
Ages 13–15 (15U).

Register online: Hickory Recreation program registration.