By: Whitney Morrow
Carter County Extension Agent
Summer Solstice began on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, marking the first day of summer. It’s the longest day of the year. To celebrate this special day and to encourage families to get more physical activity, the Carter County Extension Service, Carter County Schools, Carter County Health Department, Grayson Sports Park, Grayson Primary Plus sponsored the first annual Carter County Longest Day of Play event at the Grayson Sports Park.
Over 250 children and adults visited the park from 4:00-8:00 pm to play games, receive educational resources, get prizes, and enjoy the playground and splash pad! All Carter County businesses and organizations were invited to be a part of this event and it would have not been possible without the 16 businesses/organizations that donated their time and resources.
- Empower Athletics provided hours of fun with their gymnastics equipment and mats!
- Foundation Church provided s’mores, corn hole, and games!
- FCC Grayson provided popcorn and games!
- First National Bank provided vouchers for Snowies!
- Carter County Health Department provided an obstacle course and prizes!
- Carter County Schools gave away snacks, water, free books, and led a fun craft!
- King’s Daughters Medical Center provided games and giveaways!
- Primary Plus sponsored the sound system, music, and led the dancing!
- City National Bank hosted a coloring contest and prizes!
- Fresh Start Health, Grayson HomePlace, Community Collaboration for Children, Members Choice Credit Union, Northeast Head Start, and Grayson Lake, US Army Corps of Engineers all passed out goodies, prizes, and more!
The Carter County Sports Park used a portion of the concessions sold that evening to generously donate to the Carter County Schools backpack program, helping to provide meals to children over the weekends and school breaks.
Special thanks to all our participants, businesses, and organizations! We are already looking forward to next year!
