A Bike Rodeo was held during the Cadillac Farmers Market on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
Kids entered a raffle drawing with the chance to win a bike or scooter. Event organizer, Mary Galvanek, says the goal for the raffle is to “put summer fun in the hands of kids.”
Galvanek also says that they wanted to include a raffle for bikes so that families who are not able to afford a new bike could still enjoy the summer activity. Games of ‘Red-light, Green-light' took place alongside a row of balloons designed for a bike-handling obstacle course.
Free helmets were given away to every kid participating in the rodeo. Galvanek told one young event volunteer “If you see a kid without a helmet send them over to the booth.”
77 helmets were given away during the event.
Galvanek explained that the event's purpose was to teach kids about bike safety in a fun and active way. She also noted that the bike giveaway was included to give families that can't afford a new bike or scooter an opportunity to still experience the iconic summertime activity.
Firefighters from the Cadillac Professional Firefighters L704 had a booth set up at the rodeo, handing out free bike decorations and outdoor toys.
Firefighter Dale Hall says he wants to show kids that first responders are part of the community and not only around for the bad things. Hall also says anytime there is a chance to educate kids on safety issues, the firefighters take it.
The idea came from a recent Michigan Farmers Market Association conference, attended by Chere Elenbaas- Cadillac Farmers Market organizer.
According to Elenbaas, farmers markets in big cities have been hosting Bike Rodeos for years. The event is a way to educate children about bike safety as summer activities start up in full swing.
Amy Sikorski, a representative from the Michigan Hope for a Home program, had a table set-up at the rodeo. Hope for a Home is a program that helps find foster families for kids in need.
Sikorski said she was at the event today to bring awareness to the need for foster parents in northern Michigan.
According to Galvanek, the rodeo expects to grow every year and talk of moving to a larger location has already begun.
