The Imperial Lions presented members of the CCS marching band with a trophy designating them a “Smokin’ Hot” band after they led the bike parade Saturday morning. Band members taking part included, from left, Heather Stumpff, Braxton Maris, Krystal Smith, Andrew Wiest, Eric Gonzalez, Luis Co, Conner Tyerman, Malachi Christensen and Tristen Stumpff. Lions Club members helping with the parade were, back from left, Dennis Batterman, Bruce Curtis and Sheryl Curtis. (Johnson Publications photo)
Despite a little dampness, the bike parade drew a big group of youths and adults. (Johnson Publications photo)
Alex Fortkamp had a comfortable ride in the parade, surrounded by his pillow pets in the wagon pulled by his mom. (Johnson Publications photo)
Bike parade proves popular despite rain
A new event added to the lineup at Smokin’ on Broadway proved popular, and will return next year.
The bike parade kicked off events for the kids that morning, although many parents and adults were on the parade route, too, guiding their younger family members.
Members of the Imperial Lions Club coordinated the parade, and they plan to be involved next year again.
Despite intermittent rain in the morning, 45 youths participated in the parade on bikes, wagons, in strollers, on stick horses or other means of kiddie transportation. The rain let up just as the parade started.
Most of the youths came dressed in costumes (which was encouraged) as princesses, super heroes, all Americans and even Santa Claus.
Led by a small but mighty band from Chase County Schools, the parade started at the south side of the library, traveled along Broadway on the sidewalk for a block, ending on West 8th Street.
Afterwards, each youth received a lady bug bell or bicycle beads for their spokes provided by the Smokin’ committee.
Sheryl Curtis, 2019-20 Imperial Lions president, also presented the band members with a trophy as the first “Smokin’ Hot” band at the parade.
“I am so grateful for the turnout of the band and so appreciative of all the parents and kids showing up in the rain,” she said.