sizzlin’ summer series
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
“The Sizzlin’ Summer Series has made me fall in love with our town again.”
—Sizzlin’ Summer Series Participant
2023 sponsors:
sponsorship:
85% of Sizzlin’ Summer participants told us that they visited a downtown merchant while they were in town for the Sizzlin’ Summer Series. Interested in sponsoring next year’s event?
Give us a call at
828-682-7899 to talk about sponsorship opportunities!
“Great use of square and coordination with timing of farmers market! Keep up the great work. This is a great resource for building on great community.”
“Keep it going! This is a really good thing. Adds so much to the charm of our town. It adds an element of fun for kids who might not find the Farmers Market exciting.”
“I appreciate the variety and accessibility of the activities. Well done!”
“I stopped by when I was going to the Farmers’ market. It was fun. I don’t have kids, but still enjoyed seeing other people’s kids having fun.”
Free Pool Days
Yancey County Government and Healthy Yancey are once again sponsoring FREE pool days at Yancey County public pools!
Both the Burnsville Pool at Ray-Cort Park and the Toe River Campground Pool at Patience Park will waive their entrance fees on the following days:
2024 dates coming soon!
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
other helpful resources:
Art Scavenger Hunt (and answer key)
Bike Routes – Mitchell County
History Scavenger Hunt (and answer key)
Interactive Hiking Trails Guide
Walking Guides – Mitchell County
Walking Guides – Yancey County