Here are some handmade bike decorating and bike parade ideas courtesy of a family in my neighborhood. Every year, they organize a Independence Day children's bicycle parade. Kids decorate their bikes, wagons, scooters, and even pets with American flags, streamers, garlands, pinwheels, and anything else red, white, and blue. The kids have a wonderful time making about a mile trip around the block at 9:00 in the morning before it starts to get too hot. People throughout the neighborhood come out to watch the festivities and cheer on the kids as they pass by.
I was really impressed with how well organized the event was. A few weeks before the bicycle parade, signs were posted at all of the main neighborhood entrances telling what time and where the parade started, so that families could start planning their participation. Then today, the host family made a little speech before the start and had treat bags ready for all of the kids at the parade's end. In addition to the parents walking in the parade, there were adults on bicycles who rode in the opposite direction on the parade route to make sure no children were left behind.
It's a wonderful event and tradition that kids in my neighborhood look forward to every year. If you're new in your neighborhood or want to meet more families nearby, consider starting your own neighborhood bicycle parade for a holiday or as part of a block party, your own bar-b-que cook out, or a birthday party.
To celebrate the parade and the Fourth of July, I made handmade paper pinwheels to hand out to the kids and parents at the parade start. I put the extras in my front yard in a bucket for passersby to take throughout the day. It's one little way I can spread some holiday cheer and share my love for handmade celebrations.
Happy Independence Day!
The Belly Feathers Party Blog has moved! Visit the new location at BellyFeathersParty.blogspot.com for more handmade party ideas.
