‘Pack the Park for Education’ May 2 has activities for all ages

Fun and entertainment for all ages is planned for “Pack the Park for Education” activities surrounding the Tusculum College Pioneer baseball game at Pioneer Park on Saturday, May 2.

While providing a fun weekend outing for local families is one reason for Tusculum College to sponsor “Pack the Park for Education,” its goal is to honor those who are dedicated to providing a quality education to the community’s young people. Last year’s event hosted the all-time record attendance with more than 1,730 participants.

The county school and city school with the highest attending number of students and staff who attend the game will receive $1,000. Through this event, Tusculum College hopes to express its appreciation to all those involved in the Greeneville and Greene County school systems whose efforts are preparing the leaders of tomorrow.

 

“What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon, enjoying baseball, music, food and fun, while honoring a profession central to the local community, economic development and the future of the region, state and nation,” said Tusculum College President Nancy B. Moody.

Additionally, Tusculum College is offering high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to learn about college life and options available to them in continuing their education during an open house.

Open House registration will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. An official welcoming program will be held from 12:30 – 12:45 p.m., followed by a financial aid session for parents and a discussion panel for students until 1:30 p.m. A parent discussion panel will take place from 1:30 – 2:45 p.m., while students participate in mock classes.

“A visit during Open House gives prospective students and their families a chance to get to know Tusculum College and our home in East Tennessee,” said Melissa Ripley, executive director of enrollment management operations and residential admission at the college.

A campus tour will begin at 3 p.m., with tours ending at the Pioneer Park baseball stadium, where the Pack the Park event will take place from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Genuine country band Austin Baze features the duo Brian Buckner and Nick Gunter. Michelle Leigh is an up-and-coming southern-rock performer who has toured with the “Young Guns of Country.” Local band Step Cousins mixes past and present country and has played in the popular Dogwood Park Concert Series.

A “fun zone” for kids and those young at heart will feature inflatables, corn hole, face and body painting and other free activities outside Pioneer Park during the event.

Concessions will be available and an area will be open to all who want to bring a blanket or chairs to tailgate prior to the baseball game against Bluefield State.

Admission to the baseball game will be free to all students, teachers, teacher assistants, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians and maintenance personnel, school board members, etc. Throughout the game, local educators will be honored in a variety of ways.

In addition, a fireworks display will immediately follow the game to conclude the day’s festivities.

 

Last year's Pack the Park attracted more than 1,700 people for the fun and activities.