In 2016, PATH launched a new program called The Sizzlin’ Summer Series, with the goal of increasing connections between neighbors and people, and increasing physical activity, while highlighting fun opportunities to play and be active in our community. This physical activity campaign was developed with the generous assistance of NC Population Health Improvement Partners, with evaluation support from NC Center for Health & Wellness at UNCA. NC Population Health Improvement Partners presented our program as an example of a successful model for evidence-based public health intervention at the NC Public Health Association Conference.

The Sizzlin’ Summer Series features fun, family-friendly activities and is traditionally held each Saturday morning throughout the summer months on the Burnsville Town Square. Themes include biking, water sports, dance, and much more. All events are free, and appropriate for all ages and abilities. During the summer of 2019, the events drew over  1,000 participants (the highest participation since the program’s inception!). We conducted a survey to measure the impact of the 2019 Sizzlin’ Summer Series and here’s what we learned:

• 41% of survey respondents said that they tried an activity that was new to them
• 67% of survey respondents said that, due to the Sizzlin’ Summer Series, they engaged in more physical activity than they otherwise would have

places to visit:

Black Mountain/Briar Bottom – Burnsville

Carolina Hemlocks – Burnsville

Farmers Market – Bakersville

Farmers Market – Burnsville

Farmers Market – Spruce Pine

Local Parks – Bakersville

Local Parks – Burnsville

Local Parks – Spruce Pine

Mount Mitchell State Park – Burnsville

Orchard at Altapass – Spruce Pine

Roan Mountain – Bakersville

Springmaid Mountain – Spruce Pine

things to do:

Bare Dark Sky Observatory – Burnsville

Riverside Story Trail – Riverside Park, Spruce Pine

Summer Movies in the Park – Mayland’s Earth to Sky Park, Burnsville

Summer Movies in the Park –  Spruce Pine Main Street, Spruce Pine

Summer Reading Program – Local AMY Regional Library Branch

The Thickets Mountain Bike Pump Trail – Brad Ragan Park, Spruce Pine

Willis Observatory – Bakersville