Good morning, Hickory.

Families and students in Hickory are invited to the annual Back to School Bash on Saturday, Aug.

22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Taft Broome Park—this free event offers backpacks, school supplies and fun activities like inflatables and face painting.

The Grace Chapel Volunteer Fire Department in Granite Falls received nearly $40,000 from the Gary Sinise Foundation and Whataburger for battery-powered hydraulic rescue equipment on July 14; officials said the grant will help improve response to vehicle crashes and support plans to build a second fire station.

Catawba County Public Health confirmed one case of cyclosporiasis yesterday; county officials said the count is within the usual range and not linked to outbreaks elsewhere.

Health guidelines stress safe food handling (washing produce and sanitizing surfaces) to reduce the risk of infection.

Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department has announced the inaugural HKY 100, a 100-mile ultramarathon set for Saturday and Sunday, Oct.

17-18 at Winkler Park. Endurance runners have until 4 p.m. Sunday to complete the course (registration ends Oct. 4) and may pick up race packets at designated centers.

Blakgraz Live Concert

7-10 p.m. — City Walk Brewery & Distillery — Cost Info not listed — Enjoy an evening of live music with 112+ original songs from Blakgraz.