Though it was triple-digit weather in Riverbank last week, it wasn’t too hot for loads of residents and their youngsters to participate in the annual Kids Health and Safety Fun Fair and Bike Rodeo at the Plaza del Rio Park downtown.

Co-sponsored by Riverbank Police Services, Central Valley Community Services and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, there were a number of booths spread around Third Street, between Santa Fe and the alley, and in the park.

Many of the booths were included in a scavenger hunt for information that brought families to most of the vendors. One, Safe Kids Stanislaus County, provided properly fitted and adjusted bicycle safety helmets to youngsters participating. Another, staffed by RPS, registered bicycles for attendees, for free. There was also an opportunity for kids to practice their bike riding skills as part of the ‘rodeo’ event.

A major part of the event was the donation of 29 bicycles that were given away free to participating families. The bikes ranged from full-sized adult-style cruisers down to the tiniest three-wheeled tricycles for the youngest bike riders.

Riverbank Police Services officers helped keep the bikes organized while Chief Ed Ridenour called out the names and numbers of the lucky winners.

The bicycles were donated by a number of local individuals, community organizations, and businesses.