The Shadow
The 23rd annual Alleghany Highlands Bike Rodeo will take place on Saturday, May 4, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Jackson River Sport Complex.
The rodeo, which is organized by area law enforcement agencies, is held in conjunction with Kids Day, which is sponsored by area parks and recreation departments from Alleghany County, Bath County and the city of Covington.
The bike rodeo is designed to promote safety for area youth, and to continue to build positive relationships with area law enforcement and the children.
“We emphasize the importance of bicycle safety, and knowing your surroundings when the youth are out and about, said Sgt. Chris Fisher of the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office, who serves as the coordinator of the bike rodeo.
“There are many businesses, civic groups, individuals and volunteers that step-up to the challenge to make this event happen,” added Fisher. “Last year, the bike rodeo was off the charts, as we had over 450 youth that participated and over 1000 people in attendance.”
The bike rodeo is open for children ages 4-14 years old. “We had a lot of four-year-olds that rode in the rodeo and that was the first year that we allowed that age group to participate,” said Fisher. “For the first time since moving the rodeo to the sport complex, we had all age groups riding at one time, and that was a blessing.”
There will be other activities during the rodeo as well. There will be a petting zoo, jolly jumps, games and other activities and food for everyone to enjoy. The event is free of charge, and is made possible through donations.
If anyone wishes to make a contribution to the bike rodeo, contact Fisher at (540) 965-1770 ext. 104; or (540) 968-0651.
Pre-registration is available and is strongly encouraged. There will be postings on the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page of locations and times. Individuals wishing to pre-register can also contact the sheriff’s office.
“It’s a lot of work to put it all together, but when the plan comes together, it is worth every ounce of energy to make a positive difference in a child’s life and in this community,” Fisher said.
