A Great Day for Bike Riding
Dateline: Aug. 20, 2025
It was a warm, sunny day but a steady breeze made it more comfortable. Police officers, firefighters, EDC members, and other volunteers converged on the Community School parking lot mid-morning to set up for the event.
Police Association personnel set up their popup canopies, registration table, and bike helmet display.
Along with their banner, notice the Cookie Cop cookie jar on the table.
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The Police Association Welcome Booth. |
The venerable Cookie Cop. |
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Early arrivals sign up for the event. |
More parents and bike riders arrive. |
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Two 24-inch mountain bikes were raffled off.
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Officer clocking a speeding bike.
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Chef Keith Klawes cooking cheeseburgers and hotdogs. |
Notice how the grill covers function as side trays. |
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Chief Beth Tower adjusts an "Outer Space" helmet. |
Officer Campbell leads kids through the obstacle course. |
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Officer Campbell working with another group of bikes. |
The "Outer Space" kid on a bike with no pedals. |
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Fire Dept. Tower 2 truck positions its ladder. |
VIDEO: Tower 2 ladder rotating to the rear position. |
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A few brave people decide to take a ride in the bucket. |
Pretty soon there was a line to take a ride. |
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Chief Lambert takes Chief Tower up into the sky. |
The Chiefs coming down to earth. |
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T2 bucket heading up again.
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Click for a Drum Roll Please!
And the Bike Rodeo Raffle Winners are: |
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Addie |
Leo |
Above photos by the Allenstown Police Association.
Before the event started, the officers went through the two large parking areas on the right side and set up orange cones for the bike obstacle course.
At the front of the school building, the Firefighters Association set up their popup canopies, food tables, drink coolers, and new propane grills.
Shortly after 11:00 people started arriving with their children and their bikes. They were directed to the registration table to sign up for the bike raffle and get a string backpack filled with goodies.
Chief Tower helped one youngster adjust his helmet to fit snugly. The helment was an eyecatcher being decorated with colorful stars and planets and space ships. That child could later be seen on his little bike with no pedals, using foot power to propel the bike.
Over at the food concession, after enough people had arrived, they started cooking cheeseburgers and hot dogs. The food, drinks, and chips were served compliments of the Firefighters Association. Kids on their bikes stopped by frequently for a drink after riding several times through the obstacle course.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this family-oriented event. This includes Police Chief Beth Tower and the Allenstown Police Association, Fire Chief Eric Lambert and the Allenstown Firefighters Association, Michael Frascinella and the Economic Development Committee, resident volunteers, and Facilities Director Matt Boisvert for allowing use of the Community School.
Next year, the plan is to schedule the event in May when children are still in school and the weather is a bit more comfortable.
What You Can Do
Encourage your children to remember the bike safety they learned, the fun they had riding though the obstacle course, and the tasty food they enjoyed.
You might also send a Thank You note to the Police Chief and Fire Chief for their efforts to provide a fun family event.
Photos © 2025 by Michael Frascinella
Other photos as noted © 2025 by Elizabeth Joyce