Things You'll Need:
- Event Flyer
- Patriotic Decorations
- Bikes, Trikes, Strollers, etc
- Boom Box with Marching Music
- Fun Attitude!
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Step 1
Youngsters Decorate for the July 4th Bike ParadeThis first year, you're going to have to take the initiative to get the parade started, but over time the parade will take on a life of its own as a neighborhood tradition with kids looking forward to decorating their bikes and themselves every year!
1. Determine the Parade Route -- this should be fun to brainstorm with some nieghborhood friends -- the route shouldn't be too long for the little ones, but long enough so that it seems like a parade. If you can find a route that creates a loop, that seems to work best to keep the parade marchers flowing smoothly and finishing back at the starting point. -
Step 2
The full gathering for the July 4th Bike Parade2. Announce the Event --- with the age of the Internet, this is now easier than ever. But, it would be great to make it a neighborhood event and create a colorful flyer, leaving it at each of the houses in your neighborhood. This serves not only to invite your neighbors, but also lets them know that there's going to be a gathering in the neighborhood. Leave the option open for trikes and bikes, strollers, wagons, skooters, skate boards, wheel chairs -- you'll be amazed at who and what will show up!!! [Hint - Microsoft Word has some great Event Flyer Templates and many versions have one already pre-created for a 4th of July Event - just go to "New" document and open "Templates", "Flyers", "Events"]
3. Gather a Stock of Patriotic Decorations -- for the first year, stock-up on no-frills type of July 4th decorations to use for decorating the bikes and other vehicles. Anything can work from red, white and blue streamers strung through the spokes of the bike or over the handle bars, straws on the spokes, helium balloons, bunting, penants, ribbons, leis, Uncle Sam hats, anything with stars and stripes, and of course -- American flags! An hour or two prior to the start of the parade, invite some of your friends and neighborhood kids over to decorate the bikes -- this is a big part of the fun for the kids! Don't just decorate the bikes, carriages, stroller, golf carts, etc. -- as anything goes -- face paint for simple crazy stars, hair paint with red and white stripes, and of course your favorite patriotic T-shirt! Show your true red, white & blue!!! -
Step 3
Creative Decorations4. Arrive Early to the Parade Location -- you'll have to get there first, because otherwise, everyone will look out and not think anything is going on -- so, head out there with your gang of friends and kids to create the initial gathering. You'll be surprised how long it might take to get 20 people all arranged to join the parade...... be patient!
5. Choose a Parade Leader -- this can be anyone, but if they have a way to carry a powerful battery-powered boom box with the marching music, then they're a great candidate to lead the parade! I've seen an older couple on a golf cart leading the parade one year, 2 girls carrying a banner followed by their dad pulling a wagon with the boom box behind them....really, whatever works! As the parade is about to start, remind everyone that this is a parade, not a race, and to stay together behind the leader. This is needed to keep the older kids from racing ahead on their decorated bikes. The Parade Leader should keep looking back and not going too fast, losing the rest of the group. It's better to go slow and all be together, than to speed by in a loose-knit parade ansemble....
6. Remember Your Camera - taking photos is a great way to bring together your family and neighbors and will bring smiles to your face as you look at them later. Plus, you can include some of the photos in the colorful flyer you'll make for next year!
7. Welcome Everyone to Join in the Parade - You may also find that there are folks who weren't planning to be in the parade, but when they see what you're doing, they too want to join the fun. Welcome them in as they'll be be
