With summer just around the corner, Wicomico County Recreation & Parks has plenty of special events and programs for the community to enjoy.

To register for programs that require registration or learn more, visit WicomicoRecandParks.org. Registration is also available at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center box office, located at 500 Glen Ave. in Salisbury. Box office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., excluding holidays.

Run to Remember Memorial Day 5K

Honor the nation’s fallen heroes this month at the Run to Remember Memorial Day 5K. The event will be held Saturday, May 25, at WinterPlace Park. New this year is the option for a 1 Mile Fun Walk, which will not be timed.

The race begins at 9 a.m., with check-in and registration at 8 a.m. Registration is $25 in advance or $20 for military (with ID, register in person only). The registration fee goes up to $30 on race day. To guarantee a race shirt, register no later than 5 p.m. on May 6.

Proceeds benefit the Wicomico War Veterans' Memorial at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, which honors the citizens of Wicomico County who lost their lives while serving the United States during war.

Youth Fishing Derby

A tradition for more than 50 years, Wicomico Recreation’s Youth Fishing Derby returns to the Salisbury City Park on Saturday, June 1.

The event is free for all kids ages 15 and under.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by fishing from 9 to 11 a.m. From 11 a.m. to noon, there will be lunch and awards. Food and drinks will be provided for youth participants. Kids can earn trophies in categories including, but not limited to, Most Fish Caught, Most Unusual Catch and Biggest Fish.

Summerfest

Have fun this summer as part of a new event series offered for kids and their families: Summerfest. This event series is free to attend and provides unique themed experiences for children. From giant inflatable obstacle courses and water slides to kayaking, fishing, archery, robots and dance parties, there’s something fun for the whole family.

A hot dog, chips and a drink will be provided to the first 200 kids for free, and a food vendor will be on-site selling food for adults, too.

The schedule is below:

·         June 20: Sport Spectacular at Billy Gene Jackson Sr. Park

·         June 27: Discover STEAM at Doverdale Park

·         July 11: Splash Bash at Indian Village Playground

·         July 18: Back to Nature at Billy Gene Jackson Sr. Park

·         July 25: Movin' & Groovin' at Doverdale Park

·         Aug. 1: Bouncin’ Around at Lake Street Playground

·         Aug. 15: Summer Sendoff at Waterside Park

Each event runs from 5 to 8 p.m.

Sand Volleyball

Jump into the action and enter a team in the Sand Volleyball league, which is for male and female players ages 14 and older.

Games will be held at WinterPlace Park from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The season starts June 6 and continues into August.

Teams can include up to six players and will play four vs. four. The registration fee is $125 per team.

Summer Camps

The start of Wicomico Recreation’s summer camps is also coming up.

Kids Klub Summer Escape is held at North Salisbury Elementary, Delmar Elementary and Westside Intermediate schools and will be held Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Camp runs for 10 weeks, from June 19-Aug. 23, and it includes fun themes and optional field trips. Camp is $125 per week, and field trips are $20-25 per trip (first-come, first-served). Kids Klub Summer Escape is for kids ages 5-12.

Children can get in touch with the outdoors during Pemberton Park Nature Camp. Camp runs for 10 weeks, from June 17-Aug. 23, at Pemberton Park -- a perfect location for exploring nature. There are also interactive field trips each Tuesday and Thursday. Hours are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Camp is $150 per week, and there is a sibling discount of $10 off per child per week when siblings are registered in the same week.

WYBL Presents Shore Hoops Summer Camp is a new camp that will be offered for boys and girls ages 9-14 this summer. Participants will learn and develop fundamental basketball skills and age-appropriate game strategies in this day camp. The camp is set for Monday-Friday, July 8-12, and it will be held at Salisbury University’s Maggs Gymnasium.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with check-in starting at 8:30 a.m.

The program fee is $150 per participant. Need-based scholarships are available; the application deadline is June 21.

James Simmons is the Recreation Superintendent for Wicomico County’s Parks & Recreation Department.