For over 35 years now, the Centre Region Parks and Recreation Kids on Wheels Parade has drawn in hundreds from the community.  

“It is really a grassroots, community, great start to a Fourth of July weekend,” Recreation Supervisor at Centre Region Parks and Recreation Beth Lee said. 

Kids decorated their rides red, white and blue style before taking to the streets in their patriotic bikes and trikes. But, what would a parade be without alpha fire company kicking off the show.

“They’re the greatest. They come out and bring an engine. Let the kids look at it, get up close, touch it, and then they lead us off with the parade cause every parade should have bells and whistles,” Lee said.   

This long valued tradition continues to be passed along to the next generation of riders.  

“We always have people say that they used to bring their kids to this and now they’re bringing grandkids to this, so that’s the best part of it,” Lee said.   

Megan Orient and her son Michael decided switch gears in the way they celebrate the day. 

“I think he’s just getting old enough to start understanding big celebrations like Independence Day, so we thought he might enjoy it,” Orient said.  

This might turn into a new tradition for them but for now, Michael just wants to enjoy being a kid and riding his bike. 

The Centre Region Parks and Recreation will be hosting several more events throughout the summer, including an end of summer block party in August.