It Only Comes Around Once a Year: Decorated Bike Contest for Fourth of July Parade

 It's time to start thinking about decorating- not the house- but the bikes! At least help grab the decorations now since the annual Fourth of July Parade is right around the corner, or actually starting up the road at and at 10 a.m. on July 4.

The annual event, sponsored by the features floats, cars, marching bands and one of the highlight for kids -the decorated bike contest. 

Registration for the contest is from 9:15 to 10 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce, 1 Holly Ave. There is no fee to enter.

Each year, the Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce, as part of its Independence Day festivities, sponsors the Decorated Bike Contest.  Children are encouraged to decorated their bikes, tricycles and wagons, and enter the contest.  There will be Hugs the Clown, bicycle obstacle course, and information on bike safety to round out the day, said Linda Zahn, CEO of the Chamber.

PARADE ROUTE:  The children enter the parade at Riggs Avenue as a group.  Older children enter first and the youngest enter last.  The WINNERS of the contest lead off!  The children on bikes will  turn right onto Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard and proceed towards Cypress Creek Park.  The children will then turn left into Sunrise Independent and Assisted Living where there will be a designated parking area for the children.  Parents should accompany their children, or be on hand at Sunrise to pick them up, as they complete the parade route.

Helmets are required.

Prizes will be announced at the Festival following the parade at Cypress Creek Park.  Categories include “MOST ORIGINAL,” “MOST BEAUTIFUL,” and “MOST PATRIOTIC.”

For older children who’d like to ride the ENTIRE parade route, the Pedal Pushers Bike Brigade will form at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church on Benfield Road.  Adults and children who would like to ride their bikes, are welcome and encouraged to participate!

More fun will be found at Cypress Creek Park after the parade where there will be plenty of things to do with food, refreshments, a rock climbing wall courtesy of the Big Vanilla Athletic Club, a moon bounce and more.

Call the Chamber at 410-647-3900 for more information.

Send your news to leslie.hunt@patch.com