The 148th annual Oregon State Fair (8/28 – 9/7) isn’t usually considered a venue to put Oregon’s love of bicycling on display, but this year might change that. Bikes will take center stage at the 2009 State Fair Bicycle Parade. Organizers say the reason for the parade is to, “get out and have fun on a bicycle.”
The parade will receive a full police escort, official Blue Ribbons will be awarded in a variety of categories, and there’s even going to be a “bicycle drill team” (which, according to parade organizers, is still accepting members).
In addition to having fun, the parade is meant to highlight the bike activities at the Fair, which include BMX racing, mountain bike short track racing, and a freeride skills park with dirt jumps and a pump track.
The parade route will be a four-mile loop from the State Fairgrounds in Salem to the Capitol building and back. Bike decorations and costumes are encouraged and Blue Ribbons will be awarded to the following categories:
- Best Bike Choreography
- Best in Bike Show
- Best Vintage Bike
- Best Bike At-Tire
- Yellow Jersey Award
- MVP (Most Valuable Peddler)
- Most Enthusiastic Cyclist
While this is the first time in the Fair’s 148-year history a Blue Ribbon will be given for “best bike choreography,” it’s far from the first time bikes have taken center stage. Over 100 years ago (in 1895) the Fair featured a series of bike races sanctioned by the League of American Wheelmen (now known as the League of American Bicyclists).
The parade is on Friday, August 28th. Meet at the State Fairgrounds in front of the Pavilion off of Sunnyview Rd. at 5:30, parade starts at 6. More info here.