By Mindy Kearns

For Mason County Extra Edition

MASON, W.Va. — There will be something for all ages Saturday at the Mason Town Park as the town hosts it’s second annual Mason Bike Rodeo, as well as the second Music in the Park event for the summer.

The free bike rodeo begins at 10 a.m. and will include bicycle safety and rules, a skills obstacle course, a course for very young riders, and healthy snacks and drinks. At the end of the event, there will be drawings for bike giveaways and helmets.

Jodie Roush of the Bend Area Sprocket Spinners will be teaching bicycle safety and rules of the road to riders. The Mason Volunteer Fire Department will set up a “skills obstacle course” that will include ramps, rumble strips, and mazes. An “Anything on Wheels” course will be offered by the Mason Police Department for children ages four years and younger, who are invited to bring bikes, trikes, battery powered vehicles, or other ride-ons.

Free healthy snacks and drinks will be provided by the Clifton United Methodist Church. At the conclusion of the rodeo, drawings for bicycles and helmets will be held. Age groups include four years and younger, five to seven years, eight to 10 years, and 11 years and older. The bicycles and helmets were donated by area businesses, groups, and individuals.

Later that evening, beginning at 7 p.m., Keith McGrath’s Big Gas Band will take the stage for the second in a series of Music in the Park events. The group combines multiple genres of music. Mainly a classic rock band, members have a diverse song list that includes blues, new and oldies country, pop and rock, modern rock, and 80’s hair band songs, according to the band’s bio.

Food will be available from the Broken Bread Catering food truck. Those attending should bring lawn chairs.

Remaining dates and bands for the music series include July 1, Bretton Casto and the Memphis Rundown; July 21, Free Country Band; August 5, Skyhawks; and August 26, Flatrock Revival.  Although not a part of the series, a “Bend Area Gospel Night” featuring Josh Oldaker will be held at the park on July 15.

© 2023, Mason County Extra Edition, all rights reserved.