Music, dancing, and fun are on tap for the inaugural Sikeston Parks and Recreation Gala on Jan. 28. The Gala is just one of 50 programs that SPR will be involved with in 2023.

“Our goal was 20 (programs) and now we have at least 50,” said Abbi Lindsey, SPR recreation coordinator. “We try to keep them low cost, if not free, so we can have maximum participation. Since we have not had sponsorships in the past, we just have a small budget, so sometimes we have to charge enough to offset our costs.”

The Gala is a child/adult combination dance for kids between the ages of 5 and 12. It can be multiple children with one adult or multiple adults with one child, as long as the child is between the ages of 5 and 12.

The dance is a formal event and Lindsey said SEMO Selfie and Sound will be on hand.

“They are going to be our DJ and our photo booth,” Lindsey said. “They will print out the pictures for the kids so they can take them home.”

Tickets remain for the Gala that will be from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Clinton Building. Tickets are $15 per person and food and drinks will also be available at the event. To sign up, go to: www.bookeo.com/sikestonparksandrec

The Gala is just one of many programs for Sikeston Parks and Recreation in 2023, with many kids’ programs planned.

Currently, children are taking part in Smaller Ballers Basketball while registration continues through Feb. 15 for the Smaller Ballers Intro to Football program. Later in the fall there will be a Smaller Baller baseball and soccer program as well.

The programs are for children ages 3-6 that have not participated in an organized sports league and teaches the basic fine motor skills needed for the sport.

There are also Kids in the Kitchen programs for children ages 5-12. The first program, which begins Jan. 26, is already sold out with other programs planned for later in the year.

Other kids’ programs that will be held in the coming months is a kids’ Easter egg hunt and Brunch with the Bunny.

While there are plenty of programs for children, there are many adult programs as well.

On Feb. 9, a Valentine Cookie Decorating Class taught by Mi and Ni Hoang will be held at the Clinton Building beginning at 5:30 p.m.

On March 11, SPR will hold their annual 1K Donut Dash fun run, as part of the St. Patrick’s Day Festival, held in Downtown Sikeston. Participants will be rewarded with donuts every few meters as part of the event.

Also on March 11, SPR will hold their Cornhole Tournament as part of the St. Patrick’s Day Festival. Held in the Sikeston Depot parking lot, two-man teams will take part in the round-robin event with prizes available for the top three places.

The Adult Flashlight Egg Hunt will also return on March 31 with over $8,000 in prizes. Adults who purchase tickets will fill two baseball fields with their glow-wear and flashlights to hunt for eggs. From gift cards to a 55-inch TV, those who attend will leave with a prize to brag about.

These are just some of the events SPR will hold throughout the year. Be sure to check the SPR Facebook page or the City of Sikeston Facebook page to keep up with what events are on the horizon.

“Our main concern now is getting sponsors to help with events,” Lindsey said. “It’s not just money. We can trade out volunteer hours or donations in-kind.”

Anyone interesting in sponsoring an event should contact Lindsey at alindsey@sikeston.org.