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Parks director: Ivy Redmond events draw thousands, town plans April 11 America 250 celebration
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Summary
Parks & Recreation director Ernie Page told the Board of Aldermen that Ivy Redmond Sports Complex hosts major tournaments that bring thousands of visitors and an estimated $1.2 million in economic impact; he also outlined the town's April 11 America 250 celebration featuring Little Texas as the evening headliner.
Ernie Page, director of Parks & Recreation, told the Kernersville Board of Aldermen on March 25 that the Ivy Redmond Sports Complex has become a regional draw, hosting tournaments and events that bring thousands of visitors and generate significant local spending.
"Last year in total, when I ran all of Ivy Redmond, full calendar year, we've had the furthest point that anybody's traveled to Kernersville was Alaska," Ernie Page said, and later estimated "we've brought in an estimated... $1,200,000 economic impact" from recent major events. Page and town staff cited large gymnastics and wrestling meets (attendance figures the presenters gave included single events drawing 2,400–3,200 participants/spectators) and long‑running hosting of the state cross‑country championships.
Page also gave details for the Town's America 250/Kernersville 155 celebration on April 11: a vendor fair and historic village activities in the morning at Harmon Park, and an evening concert, drone show and fireworks at Ivy Redmond with Joy Cohn, Alec Otaway and headliner Little Texas. The town will charge for parking to offset production costs, Page said.
Town manager Curtis emphasized that the parks are used year‑round by local leagues and school events in addition to weekend tournaments and that the town has not surveyed the newly acquired parcel because it is contiguous to existing property but will complete standard title work. "It's been very successful," Curtis said of the sports complex's event hosting.
The report framed Ivy Redmond as both a community resource for local recreation and a driver of visitor traffic that supports local businesses during tournament weekends.
Next steps: the board will proceed with parkland additions and event plans for April 11; the town's event website (kvl155.com) is posting updates for the public.
