Rain, wind and - plenty of smiles

Rain, wind and

Cold, wet weather put a damper on attendance for the inaugural Medford Kiwanis Club Bicycle Rodeo event held Saturday, May 17 at Medford Area Senior High School.

Those who braved the rain, wind and chilly temperatures received free bike helmets from Medford Kiwanis and Aspirus, and had an opportunity to have them properly fitted. Volunteers with local bicycle groups were onhand to check over kid’s and adult’s bikes to make sure they were operating in top shape.

Student volunteers with Raiders Committed helped run stations that went through a variety of skills and safety awareness for youth on their bikes.

Representatives from the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department, Medford Police Department, Medford Area Fire Department and Taylor County Ambulance Service were on hand with an opportunity to check out the equipment.

The event was organized by the Medford Kiwanis Club with the help of numerous partner groups including the Taylor County Health Department, Aspirus, Taylor County Emergency Management, Medford Police and others. The event also had a number of community and business partners.

Kids were given a card to be stamped at each station. After the card was stamped they entered their card in a drawing for a number of free bicycles. There was also Tombstone Pizza, cheese sticks from Marathon Cheese, milk, water and hot cocoa for the kids and their parents to enjoy.

Those attending the event praised it as being a valuable service to the community. Kiwanis plans to make this an annual even.

Pictures by Brian Wilson • Page Layout by Lydia Ploeckelman