West River Health Services, the healthcare leader in southwest ND and northwest SD, decided to offer a “Bike Decorating Contest” and “Bike Parade” just before and during Hettinger’s Annual 4th of July Parade. Thankfully, 26 boys and girls arrived from 11:15-11:45 with their creatively decorated bicycles, tricycles and even a tandem bike – to be judged and ranked among their peer age groups. Plus, West River Health Services gifted $520 in Hettinger Chamber Bucks for all of the placewinners, so our youth can support our local businesses with their winnings. Kind of a win-win for all.
Owen Anderson won the 13-16 year old division and runnerup honors went to Olivia Madrigal. Callie Timm and Molly Anderson won 1st place in the 9-12 year old division, followed by Noah Schultz in 2nd, and a three-way tie for 3rd among Max Seamands, Eli Schmitz and Molly Seamands.
Grace Yeadon won the 6-8 year old division, followed by Anika Braun in 2nd, and Camdyn Fried, Rachel Ranum, Evi Wolff, and Julia Ranum in a four-way tie for 3rd place. In the 5 and under division, Austin Wolff and Grant Yeadon tied for first place honors, while Klay Fried came in 2nd, and Owen Schwarz placed 3rd.
The 1st place winners each received $40 in Hettinger Chamber Bucks; 2nd place winners $30 and 3rd place winners $20. Hopefully, these youth will be coming into our local businesses to help spur our local economy. Heck, bring your parents or friends along!
Following the judging and explanation of awards, the children followed the West River Health Services Ambulances down Main Street and were part of the 4th of July Parade. It was glorious! The Hettinger Chamber Bucks were handed out to the winners at the end of the parade route.
Special THANK YOU to the West River Health Services Parade Committee led by longtime Chairperson Cindy Ham, and committee members Tammy Rosso and Ted Uecker. Also, thank you to Tera Fried, Jay Ohm and Cindy Heidecker for helping us with organization and judging the day of the event. Nothing like pulling together for the common good!
Stay tuned for next year’s “Bike Decorating Contest/Bike Parade” on the 4th of July. Thank you volunteers, children and parents for participating. And thank you West River Health Services for stepping up for our area youth once again. Onward!
By Ted Uecker, WRHS Foundation