Patriotism, History And Creativity Converge In Kids’ Decorated Bike Contest

Many of the greater Severna Park community’s youngest residents celebrated the country’s 250th anniversary on two wheels on July 11, sporting their patriotism with decorated bicycles.

During a beloved annual tradition, children gathered in front of the Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce (GSPACC) office before the Independence Day parade stepped off to showcase their creativity in the spirit of the Fourth of July.

Bikes shimmered and sparkled in the morning sunlight, adorned with red, white and blue garland, stars, flags, wreaths, streamers, bows, flowers, ribbons, stuffed animals and other décor. Kids competed for first-, second- and third-place prizes in three categories: Best Overall, Most Patriotic and Most Original.

This year marked 7-year-old Ava Paisley’s fourth year participating in the bike contest, and she held nothing back. She dressed from head to toe in green — including painting her face — to transform into “Lady Liberty.” She wrapped her bike in green and blue, with sparkly blue streamers draped all around. Her Statue of Liberty-themed entry earned Ava first place in the category of Best Overall.

A star-spangled red, white and blue wreath with a large, gold “250” on top was the centerpiece of Lola Rice’s decorated bike. A nod to American history, her design included a photo of every U.S. president. Lola, 11, has participated in the contest six times; this year, she took home the first-place prize for Most Patriotic for her “America 250” themed bike.

A testament to how many children participate in the decorated bike contest year after year, it was also Most Original first-place winner Oliver Bark’s fourth year wrapping his wheels in a beautiful display of patriotic décor. His bike, themed “The Tinsel 2000,” lived up to its name. The wheels, frame and handlebars were wrapped in tinsel, with large stars and “250” signs intermixed. Oliver, 9, donned a Statue of Liberty hat, a USA shirt, and a patriotic lei. This was the first year he executed his design all by himself, and he shared his decorating secret: Zip ties are the key.

The contest was sponsored by Lean on Dee Senior Home Care, and this year’s judges were Pam Spearman, former GSPACC president; Sue Gerbracht of Edinboro Early School; and Brian Lancione of the Severna Park Voice.

“It was great to see the creativity that the kids put into their bikes,” said Spearman, who has resided in Severna Park for nearly three decades and has volunteered with the parade in various roles over many years. “The kids were very excited to participate.”

GSPACC CEO Liz League shared that after the kids gather for the contest, photos, and celebration with family and neighbors, they join the parade procession following Lean on Dee and pedal to the end of the parade route.

“Our decorated bike contest gives our youngest community members a chance to shine, celebrate their creativity, and kick off the parade with excitement,” League said, adding that their presence in the procession brings “color, energy and community spirit to the lineup.”