Wicomico County Recreation & Parks is getting into the swing of spring by introducing new community events and joining with local partners.

First up is the Adaptive Easter Egg Hunt, set for Friday, April 15, at 10 a.m. This Salisbury Jaycees event is back for the first time since 2019, and this year, Wicomico Rec & Parks is partnering with the Jaycees to put it on.  

The event is free and for those with physical or mental disabilities and their siblings; please register online in advance. It takes place at the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex and also includes games and face painting. There will be different types of egg hunts for children ages 3-15 who have different disabilities. For example, the egg hunt for children with visual impairments will feature beeping eggs, and the egg hunt for children who use wheelchairs will include grabbers so that they can pick up eggs.

There will be an additional egg hunt at 11 a.m. for people ages 16 to 25 who have physical or mental disabilities.

“We are excited to be partnering with the Salisbury Jaycees to bring this unique event back to the community,” said Jamie Nichols, Program Director for Wicomico County Recreation & Parks. “This year, it will be featured at a new location using the inclusive facilities at the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex. We can’t wait to welcome everyone for a fun-filled day in the park.”

Next on the calendar is the Music & Arts at Pemberton Park event series, which is also free to attend. Each Friday in May will feature live acoustic music at the park’s amphitheater, Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council artists and food trucks. People can also take tours of the recently updated Education Building. The event runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Performers will be North Meets South on May 6, The Folk Villains on May 13, Jon Pheasant on May 20 and Everett Spells on May 27. Sponsors are Avery Hall and Davis, Bowen & Friedel.

“Pemberton Park is the perfect location for this new event series,” said Fallon Jackson, program director for childcare and environmental education. “Have fun with friends outdoors while enjoying live music, art and food.” 

On Saturday, May 28, Wicomico Rec & Parks and the Mizzle House Foundation will bring Hoops on the Ave. to the Wicomico Civic Center parking lot. This outdoor family-friendly festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and celebrate the culture surrounding the sport of basketball. The festival is free to attend and will include food vendors; interactive art activities; live hip hop, reggae and go-go music; a sneaker marketplace; and a kids’ area. Sponsors are TrueBounce and the Delmarva Sports Network.

Registration is now open online for the event’s 3v3 basketball tournaments, which will feature five divisions: Elite Men’s, Men’s, Women’s, High School and Middle School. Youth divisions must have an adult coach. A total of $1,500 in prize money is up for grabs in the adult divisions.

“The event is really about celebrating our local culture,” said Drew Davis of Mizzle House Foundation and owner of Deadstock SBY. “It’s centered around the on-court basketball competitions, but offers so much more by highlighting the off-court aspects like sneakers, music and arts as well.”

Learn more about our department and its programs and parks at WicomicoRecandParks.org. Follow us on social media at @funwicomico.

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