Kettering Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Department has events coming up for the community

Kettering, Ohio – Kettering’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Department has several events coming up for residents to participate in.

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First up is Ugly Sweater Skate. Kettering says, “Don your ugliest holiday sweater and join us for a jolly good time on the ice while skating to Christmas music.” The Ugly Sweater Skate will take place Saturday, December 18, 2021, from 1:45 P.M. to 3:45 P.M. The skate will be at the Kettering Recreation Complex Ice Rink at 2900 Glengarry Drive, Kettering. The event is open to skaters of all ages. Kettering says that the skate is a walk-in event so no prior registration is required. The fee for skating will be $5 for Kettering residents and $10 for non-Kettering residents. The event fee includes skate rental.

It is hard to believe, but Christmas is just around the corner. If you're looking for something to do on Christmas Day, Kettering has you covered. The City will be holding a community Christmas Day Gathering on December 25, 2021, from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. The event will take place at Kettering’s historical Polen Farm, 5099 Bigger Road, Kettering.

The Polen Farm Christmas Day gathering will include food, pictures with Santa, Christmas carol singing, Kiddie Korner, a Christmas train display, Santa’s bookstore, and cookie decorating. The City is offering the Christmas Day gathering free of charge as a benefit for the community, particularly those who may not have others to share the holidays with.

In addition to driving, Residents can also access Polen Farm via Regional Transit Authority bus route 16. Note that the City’s event flyer says that the event can also be accessed via Route 23, but this appears to be outdated information as RTA no longer lists route 23 on its schedule. Route 16 will operate on a Saturday schedule on December 25th. If you have questions about the Kettering Christmas Day community gathering at Polen Farm you can contact the City at 937-296-2433.

Kettering has also announced a Poster Art Contest for the 15th
anniversary of Kettering’s TreeFest. Kettering will be holding the annual TreeFest in April, but they are seeking Poster Art Contest entries now. The contest is open to students in Grades 6 through 12. The year’s theme is “Plant Trees…Plant Hope”. Kettering is asking students to submit artwork showing how important trees are to you and “…more importantly, to planet Earth.” The winner’s artwork will be featured in TreeFest promotions. Entries must be submitted to either the Rosewood Art Center, 2655 Olson Drive, Kettering, or Habitat Environment Center 3036 Bellflower Street, Kettering. The deadline for entering the contest is 4:00 P.M., Monday, January 10, 2021. Make sure to read the application materials carefully as it describes the criteria for submitted artwork. To learn more and download the contest application visit https://www.playkettering.org/event/treefest-poster-art-contest/.