Tunes emanating from Covered Bridge Park in the summer and spring months isn’t out of the ordinary. But a new initiative from a handful of community organizations is looking to add a youthful stamp to the location.

City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department, in conjunction with Carter County Drug Prevention and Elizabethton High School, is in the process of hosting the inaugural “Battle at the Bridge” concert competition at the park on Saturday, May 12, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Free and open to the public, the battle of the bands competition is geared to include bands consisting of teenagers between the ages of 13-19 years old. Any musical style, as long as it is family friendly, is eligible for the competition, but park officials indicate the competition is for amateur musicians only — not for any band under contract.

According to Parks & Rec, the winner of the competition will receive eight hours of studio recording to produce one original track courtesy of Sound Asylum in Johnson City, $250 in Ticketmaster gift cards from CCDP, a first place trophy and other prize donations. Runner-up bands will also receive a trophy for their efforts.

The May inaugural event is being spearheaded by Parks & Rec Events Coordinator Kelly Kitchens. Since assuming the position of coordinator, Kitchens indicated the goal moving forward is to continue the list of projects offered by the department and continue to offer other thanks in part to partnerships with different community and regional entities.

Adding an event for the teenage demographic is vital to encourage growth and community pride in Elizabethton, according to Parks & Rec Director Mike Mains.

“This day will be a positive message that will highlight local youth talent and encourage teens to remain drug and alcohol free,” Mains recently stated in his request to City Council for a road closure the day of the event. The recommendation passed by Council during January’s meeting.

Mains added the event will feature a variety of food trucks, vendors and the possibility of a demonstration for those interested in skateboarding and BMX.

Registration is underway for the “Battle at the Bridge.” For more information for potential sponsorship opportunities or to participate, email kitchens_kelly@outlook.com, call (423) 547-6441 or visit the City of Elizabethton website.