Editor:
The Vanderhoof RCMP, Volunteer Fire Department and BC Ambulance-Vanderhoof held our first annual Emergency Services Bike Rodeo at the Vanderhoof Arena on May 7, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It turned out to be a be a beautiful day with the sun shining and smiling faces everywhere. The event was held inside the arena with emergency services vehicles on display for all to look at and tour. We had a hot dog barbeque set up at the entrance with a number of firemen and helpers working away to serve everyone. The children were able to visit with most of our local firemen, police officers and BC Ambulance attendants while they prepared to test their biking skills and knowledge.
There were a total of four test stations set up for all participants to go through. First the staff at Omineca Source for Sports checked every participants helmet and bike for proper adjustment and safe operating condition. They would then move down and learn about our Rip’n the North Bike Park located off Seventh Street in Vanderhoof. Participants would then go through the four stations of testing, overseen by our local RCMP and volunteer firemen. Finally they would head to the finish line and pick up their tickets for our draw prizes and a great lunch provided by the Vanderhoof and District CO-OP. The participants then checked out the prizes, supplied in a large part by the Success by Six Committee.
The line up started at 11 a.m. and continued through the day up to 1:30 p.m. There were children from three years old all the way into high school that attended with a total of 120 participants. There were well over 200 people that attended with all the parents and friends that went through. All were very impressed by the attendance of volunteers and the incredible support of our local sponsors who were the Vanderhoof CO-OP, Success by Six and Omineca Source for Sports. Our generous sponsors all contributed to a very successful day with safety checks on the kids helmets and bikes, food and drinks for all that attended and over 70 great prizes. We were able to give away five new bikes, 20 new helmets and over 40 other prizes.
This type of event is for educating our youth and their parents, making them safer in our community and promoting our community as a place you want to stay and raise your family. The Bike Rodeo was larger than expected and given the overwhelming positive feedback it will certainly continue to grow. We are looking forward to another great time next year and for many years to come.
Cpl Darin Underhill
RCMP Vanderhoof
Detachment
Joe Pacheco
Vanderhoof Volunteer Fire Department