Bike rodeo, barbecue held in Emo

The Donald Young School parent council reinstated the school’s family barbecue this year, holding the event Monday evening.
An annual function in the past, it hadn’t been held in the last few years.
Along with the multitude of hotdogs, hamburgers, and other goodies, there also was a DYS “Idol” competition held among the students.
Gemma Lamanato, a parent council rep, noted the barbecue was a well-attended event.
“We had at least 250 people—a fantastic turnout,” she enthused. “It was a real success.”
The “Idol” competition was open to any student, then was narrowed down to five participants in the instrumental category and five in the vocal/dance category.
Judges Wayne Barron, Cheryl Low, and Diane Maxey selected a winner in each group.
Third-grader Maxwell Williams placed first with his rendition of “Harmonic Blues” on the piano while Isaac Firth took top honours with his vocal choice, “I’m Leaning on a Lamppost.”
“It got the kids involved because they want to show off what they can do,” Lamanato said. “And it was nice to have the entertainment.”
In fact, she said the “Idol” competition might become an annual event.
“After seeing the ones who performed, others might want to participate next year,” Lamanato explained. “[The event] went with the idea of the school to get the families out and to relax.”
Since DYS is Wal-Mart’s adopt-a-school this year, they received help and donations from the company’s employees for the barbecue.
“Everyone pitched in and it was a very successful event for the community,” Lamanato said.
Also Monday, the Ontario Early Years/Emo Toy Library and Resource Centre hosted a bike rodeo there, with 24 participants.
“The kids really enjoyed it and it was a pretty good turnout,” noted co-ordinator Laurel Armstrong.
The children had their helmets checked for fit and were taken through an obstacle course one at a time. They also received a talk on bike safety.
“I think they learn a lot, especially about helmet safety,” Armstrong added.
There was no age restriction on the event. As long as the child could ride a bike—even a tricycle—they were welcome.
“We did it last year and hopefully it will become an annual event,” said Armstrong. “I hope it takes off.”
Two $100 gift cards from Tompkins Hardware were up for grabs. One was sponsored by the Emo Toy Library and Resource Centre while the other was provided by Safe Kids Canada and the Northwestern Health Unit.
Sam Gauthier and Rylee Redford each took home a gift card.
There also were two other prizes available—one for a boy and the other for a girl. Sawyer Gauthier and Jessi Armstrong won the prizes, which were from Tompkins Hardware.
In other news, the Emo Toy Library will hold its last play group next Friday (June 16) from 10 a.m.-noon at the Lions Park. The Teddy Bears’ Picnic will be held in the park from 10 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, June 20.
In case of rain, the events will be held at the toy library.