Clinton parks draw thousands in October
October was a busy month for events in Clinton’s parks, with a 5K run, trick-or-treating, a chance for children to touch fire trucks, and even Viking-themed athletic competitions all taking place at city of Clinton Parks and Recreation’s parks and the Community Center.
Taylor Cullison, Clinton special events coordinator, said each of these events was a success, and he offered estimates of attendance.
Trials of Ragnarok, a ticketed event at Carden Farm Dog Park drew about 2,500 people on Oct. 10 and 11 to raise funds for Anderson County Animal Rescue Foundation. It featured live reptiles, concerts, and spear-throwing, knife-throwing, archery, axe-throwing, log-lifting and log-wrestling competitions.
The Touch a Truck event on Saturday Oct. 17 let children see and climb inside emergency vehicles at Jaycee Park. It drew around 500 people between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The annual Trick or Treat event at Clinton Community Center drew a line of children and families that Cullison estimated numbered close to 2,000 people on Oct. 25. In addition to booths with free candy, visitors enjoyed glow bowling, throwing axes at a target, petting highland cattle and bouncing around in inflatables.
The Clinton 5K and one-mile fun run on Saturday, Oct. 17, drew walkers and runners to a route including Lakefront Park, Riverside Drive and Riverbend Road, raising funds for Clinton City Schools and Anderson County Schools.
A total of 367 people registered. Of those, 304 walked or ran in person, while others participated virtually, Todd Temple, the event organizer, said.
“Each of these events targets a different set of interests,” Cullison said. “The city prides itself in being able to offer events for everyone, from the kiddos with the Touch a Truck and Trick or Treat event, to families with the 5K and both of the festivals.”
The city’s parks have no festivals scheduled for November, but the Clinton Community Center will host the Very Merry Mission on Dec. 4.
It will showcase a number of fundraising events including the Chili Cook Off, the Silent Quilt Auction for Quilts of Valor, a silent wreath auction, and an ornament-crafting area, which will raise money for Isaiah House 117.
The event will also include Clinton’s annual tree lighting, as well as pictures with Santa, hot cocoa, and cookies.
The following night, Dec. 5, will be Clinton’s Christmas parade.