Youngsters of Riverbank had an opportunity to learn firsthand a bit about traffic safety as part of Riverbank Police Services’ Bicycle Rodeo and Kids Safety Fair on Wednesday, July 6.

If they visited all the booths at the Community Center Park that evening, they could enter for a drawing for one of four bicycles in two age groups given away before the start of the weekly movie.

The free weekly activity saw its largest audience of the season, with parents and families turning out to visit the many community group-sponsored booths scattered about Community Center Park. The Bicycle Rodeo was held near the intersection of Santa Fe and Seventh streets.

The event was a feature of the Concerts in the Park/Family Night Out/Farmers Market sponsored by the Riverbank Chamber of Commerce each week. Besides the free music, food vendors, youth activities and produce for sale, the group shows a free movie from the Marvel Studios library of superhero films. Last week it was The Avengers. Tonight, Iron Man III is scheduled.

There were 57 kids that participated in the bicycle safety course this past week. Along with supplying the course, Safe-Kids also had booth at the rodeo. Approximately 100 kids were issued free bike helmets and 20 free bike licenses were also provided.

“Although we had hoped that more would attend, we had a healthy turnout and the weather was fantastic for the event,” stated Riverbank Police Services Chief Kiely. “The Community Center Park has been a great location to hold the annual event as it’s centrally located and provides plenty of shade.”

The youngsters that attended the event also won prizes that were raffled off which included two girls bikes and two boys bikes along with gift certificates for swim lessons, plunge passes, Galaxy Theater, a street hockey set, and several squirt guns, according to authorities.

The featured performer last week was Patty Castillo Davis, singing while accompanying herself on guitar.

Festivities tonight, July 13, will feature tunes from local musicians, and activities from the city Parks and Recreation Department. A ‘crowd favorite’ classic car competition also continues each week until August, with all votes counting toward the overall winner. A bounce house will also be available for youngsters, as well as youths having access to the nearby playground.

Also this week, at the Chamber booth, sign-ups continue for the back-to-school free backpack giveaway coming up at the July 20 event.

News reporter Virginia Still contributed to this story.