MONTE VISTA - It was a beautiful morning and sunny afternoon, with about 11 children at the Bike Rodeo at Fullenwider Park on June 14. 

The Monte Vista Elks Lodge and the Monte Vista Police Department work together on the annual event. 

Elks Lodge member Shari DeSautell and Exalted Ruler C E Glunz were at the rodeo. MVPD Sgt. Robert Pino was at the event. Children were given lunch.  

There were kids at the rodeo who borrowed bikes, and according to Glunz, there were also kids who went home, got their bikes and came back. 

“All of the kids looked like they were enjoying themselves and having lots of fun,” stated Glunz.  

The rodeo kicked off with the children riding through a designated course for the event. There was also a flag ceremony. 

“We appreciated our members being there and helping with the ceremony. It went really well,” DeSautell said. 

Sgt. Pino spoke to the kids about bike safety, including wearing helmets.  

Glunz said that although this year they didn’t have their traditional bouncy house set up in the middle of the park, the kids seemed to enjoy themselves. 

DeSautell said that drawings for prizes were held for kids. She mentioned that they usually give out a few bikes every year, but this year the kids were much younger than usual. 

“The kids were too small for the bikes this year, so we will have quite a few to give out next year,” she said. “The kids were so excited when we had the drawings. We gave out water bottles, helmets, gift certificates to Wal-Mart, and to Kristi Mountain Sports.” 

DeSautell said that they were thankful for the great donations for the bike rodeo this year.  

Both Glunz and DeSautell said that they love putting on the rodeo for the kids and look forward to it every year.  

The Monte Vista Elks Lodge thanked everyone who came down and participated in the Bike Rodeo, their wonderful volunteers, the Monte Vista Police Department for their attendance and help with the event, and all the businesses who donated to the event.