More than 500 youngsters are expected to hit the beach with bicycles emblazoned in red, white and blue for the 9th Annual Great American 4th of July Kids’ Bike Parade, taking place on the beach bike path in Long Beach's Belmont Shore.
All ages are welcome and registration is free for the which starts at 10 a.m. at 1 Granada Ave.--the parking lot for the Granada boat launch and dog beach, at Ocean Boulevard. The parade route will travel east down the path, continuing along Bay Shore Avenue to Second Street and back.
Children are encouraged to decorate their bicycles for the chance to win $10 prizes available in one of several contests to follow the parade, which also include watermelon seed spitting, patriotic costume and patriotic speech contests (these are really inspiring and good).
Patriotic speeches must be between 60-90 seconds and read to judges prior to the parade for a chance to win one of five $10 prizes, have their speech read to the crowd and be featured in a Youtube and Facebook video. Prizes are being sponsored by the Exchange Club.
About 40 area school children lacking a set of wheels will be presented with new bikes, locks and helmets at the event, chosen for the inspirational behavior they have demonstrated at their schools, according to a statement.
Also in the celebration following the parade, a rendition of the National Anthem will be sung by winner of the 30-Minute Beach Cleanup on June 19, Diana Michel.
Donations are being accepted at on the web site or by contacting Justin Rudd, executive director of the nonprofit Community Action Team responsible for presenting the bike parade and numerous other community events in Long Beach, at Justin@JustinRudd.com.
“Let’s teach our kids about patriotism and creativity. It's that simple,” Rudd stated on his web site. “With this patriotic bike parade we hope to do just that.”
Spectators are welcome to show their support at the sidelines.
All bike riders are required to be accompanied by an adult and wear helmets. Riders may register free online or at the event starting at 9:15 a.m. For more information, click here.
Check out our extensive bike from 2011. Lots of smiling faces - kids and parents!
