Youth and Teen Events:
Superstar Dance
The Belmont Parks and Recreation Department implemented the Superstar Dance in February 2024, after noticing a few youth participants having to leave the Sweetheart Dance in 2023 due to the over stimulating environment (large crowds, loud music, strobe lights, etc.). The Superstar Dance is open to youth who would benefit from a more sensory-friendly environment and their adult guardian. This semi-formal dance includes all the same fun activities as the Sweetheart Dance, including a live DJ, dancing, photo booth,
crafts, refreshments, and a visit from a Disney princess. However, there is reduced capacity and no strobe lights and loud music to provide a more sensory-friendly experience for attendees.
Sweetheart Dance
In 2020, the traditional Father Daughter Dance that the Parks and Recreation Department had been hosting since 2008 was rebranded to the Sweetheart Dance to allow for all youth, ages 5 -12, to attend with any adult guardian of their choice.
Adaptive EGGventure Hunt
The Belmont Parks and Recreation Department implemented the Adaptive EGGventure Hunt in April 2024 since their traditional Egg Adventure Hunt only continues to increase in size each year (over 1,000 attendees) and therefore might make it challenging for individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental challenges to have a positive experience with such large crowds and the hectic environment. The Adaptive EGGventure Hunt is open exclusively for individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental challenges and offers the same exciting activities as the Egg Adventure Hunt, just on a smaller scale. We also offer eggs that light up and make chirping noises to accommodate individuals with hearing and visual impairments.
Community Events:
Martin Luther King Jr. Poetry and Essay Contest
The Dr. Martin Luther King Poetry & Essay Contest invites all Belmont youth in 3rd-12th grades to submit an original poem or essay reflecting on the powerful and inspiring quotes and speeches by Dr. King. Since its inaugural year in 2023, the contest has doubled in submissions. In its first year, Belmont youth responded to “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out the, only love can do that” and in 2024, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” All submissions are judged by our esteemed panel of judges, comprised of Belmont’s Poet Laureate, community poets, Belmont's Mayor, city council members, and the BRSSD Superintendent’s Office. Eighteen finalists from each age category are invited to recite their poem or essay at the Awards Ceremony, where they are evaluated on the recitation and impact of their piece in front of the audience. A poem and essay winner are selected from each age category and presented with their monetary prize and winner certificates. Winners are also invited to recite their piece at the Feb. city council meeting.
The City of Belmont and Parks & Recreation created this contest as an opportunity for Belmont’s youth to share their original work, while drawing inspiration from the powerful legacy of Dr. King. With so much going on today, it’s important to hear from youth on issues like social injustice, politics, conflict resolution, cultural awareness, current events, etc. and how their experiences have shaped who they are, how they see the world, and what changes they’d like to see in their community.
Diwali Celebration
The City of Belmont and Belmont Library co-hosted the first Diwali celebration in November 2023. The celebration provides an opportunity for community members to come together and learn about the festival's significance, rituals, and customs. The event includes a variety of musical and dance performances, poetry, crafts, and refreshments to honor the Festival of Lights. The City of Belmont and Belmont Library will host the Diwali celebration on an annual basis.
Lunar New Year Celebration
The City of Belmont hosted their first Lunar New Year celebration in February 2022 to display the rich traditions of the Asian community in Belmont and provide an opportunity for community members to come together and learn about the celebration’s significance, rituals, and customs. The first Lunar New Year event was hosted in front of City Hall and has expanded over the years. The City of Belmont collaborated with the Belmont Library for the 2024 celebration and continues to do so on an annual basis. The celebration includes a variety of musical and dance performances, poetry, crafts, and refreshments.
Pride
We are committed to recognizing, including, and safeguarding all individuals and to celebrating Pride Month with our community. In 2017, Belmont City Council formalized Belmont's support by passing a resolution affirming the civil rights, safety, and dignity of all community members. In 2019, we raised the Pride Flag for the first time in front of City Hall and are proud to do so again ever since. Our commitment to recognizing and to celebrating Pride Month with our community remains steadfast.
