CIPD officer Evan Stamper (right) goes over basic bicycle safety with Josiah Teesateskie at the start of the obstacle course during the First Annual Rod Cooper Bike Fest held at the Cherokee Youth Center on Tuesday, July 23. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather photos)
By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.
ONE FEATHER STAFF
The 4H/Cherokee Youth Center Bike Club hosted the 1st Annual Rod Cooper Bike Fest at the Youth Center on Tuesday, July 23. The event featured bike safety information, an obstacle course, helmet fittings, games and more.
Chayme Cucumber rides in the parking lot during Tuesday’s Bike Fest.
“We have a mentoring grant working with North Carolina A&T and 4-H, and we’re trying to come up with activities for our kids, get them active and out interacting with families and kids,” said Matt Hollifield, CYC manager. “We had the idea for a bike rodeo, and when we had the idea the first name that popped into our minds was Rod Cooper. He used to do these all the time.”
“We started out this year with the Youth Center kids, and next year we hope to have a community-wide Bike Fest and grow it from there and see what we can turn it into. We’re very excited about it.”
Booths were set up for the kids by various organizations including: North Carolina A&T, Cherokee Indian Police Department, Bryson City Bicycles, and the Remember the Removal Riders.
“It’s great to have a chance to give back to the community since they gave so much by sponsoring us on the ride, encouraging on the ride and welcoming us back,” said Hugh Lambert, an EBCI tribal member who participated in the 2012 Remember the Removal ride. “It’s just a chance to give back and encourage people to experience some of the wonderful things we have come to love and enjoy.”
Music for the event was provided by the Cherokee Youth in Media program at the Cherokee Youth Center.
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