All area youngsters are invited to bring out their bicycles and helmets for the third-annual Treaty #3 bicycle rodeo at the Couchiching multi-use facility this Saturday (July 7).
“It’s awesome. The kids love it and really look forward to it,” said co-organizer Alana Fyfe.
She and Treaty #3 Police Cst. Armand Jourdain began the bike rodeo in 2005. “We just wanted to give something to the kids to do,” she explained.
Last year, the event drew 125 kids. “It’s getting bigger every year,” Fyfe enthused.
“This year we’re hoping to have more,” Cst. Jourdain noted.
The rodeo, running from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., will include an obstacle course, where children are asked to ride their bikes through a series of tests, including whether they can maneuver through pylons and what to do at railroad crossings.
Officers from the Treaty #3 Police also will instruct the children in the proper use of hand signals to indicate direction, and what different street signs mean.
Before going through the course, each child’s bike will be inspected by Chris McKinnon of Skates & Blades.
“He’s just awesome. He does a wonderful job,” Fyfe said of McKinnon.
The day also will include a barbecue, duck races, a Chinese auction, and loot bags for all the kids.
“Nobody leaves empty-handed,” Fyfe said, adding some kids even will walk away with a new bike.
“We’ve got some really good prizes already,” she noted.
More than 40 local businesses have donated money or prizes to the event, including a number of new bikes to be won.
“It’s amazing. The community really comes together,” Fyfe added.
The entire event is free, and is open to all kids in the area and their families. Children must bring their bicycle and a helmet.
In addition to promoting bicycle safety, Fyfe said it’s an opportunity for kids to get to know some of the local police officers.
“The kids have such a bad image of the police,” she explained. “They’re people. It’s not just a uniform. There’s a person in there.”
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
