Bicycle safety is the top priority at the upcoming 12th Annual Jim Bean Memorial Safety and Crime Prevention Fair.
The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 22, in the Sweet Home Police Department parking lot, 1950 Main St.
Sweet Home Fire and Ambuilance District, SHPD, Oregon State Police and Linn County Sheriff’s Office will have representatives at the event.
“We have almost everything that we had last year coming back,” said SHPD Community Services Officer Gina Riley.
Jacobs, which operates the city’s water and wastewater treatment plants, will provide free hot dogs and soda, Riley said, and a shredder service will be available.
Children may have their bicycles registered for free and receive a free bike helmet. Volunteers will inspect bicycles and may make minor repairs for the sake of safety.
Sponsors have provided bicycles to be given away as prizes, Riley said, and various agencies and organizations will have games and fun activities.
“Almost everybody wins some form of prize,”she said.
Children will receive passports that are stamped at each station for a chance to win bicycles. They’re invited to bring their own bikes to participate in a special bicycle course.
“We just want kids to get out there,” Riley said. “Officers are going to be looking this summer for kids with bike helmets.”
When they find them, they’ll hand out treats to the young bicyclists, she said.
For more information about the event, call the Police Department at (541) 367-5181.