IWBA hosting Human-Powered Rodeo events in Eastern Idaho on April 18
Idaho Walk Bike Allianace with host a pair of Human-Powered Rodeo events in Eastern Idaho on April 18.
The first event on Saturday will be held at the Idaho Falls YMCA during the annual Healthy Kids Day from 9 to noon. Executive Director – “Cowboy” Ted Hallisey will host IWBA’s new SIGNATURE events that features events that are normally held on horseback at actual rodeos. Kids will ride stick horses and scooters in four events – barrel racing – pole bending – keyhole race – flag race. Cowboy Ted will also teach kids how to rope the metal and fiberglass bull during the event.
The second events will be held along with Southeast Idaho Safe Routes to Schools at Lookout Point during the annual Portneuf Environment Fair in Pocatello from 1 to 3 and kids will ride stick horses and scooters around the traditional rodeo events. Cowboy Ted will also present FREE KIDS BOOKS to the first 88 kids at each event.
Southeast Idaho Safe Routes to Schools and “Cowboy Ted” host Human-Powered Rodeo events for preschoolers in Bancroft
Preschoolers at North Gem Elementary School had a special visit from the Idaho Walk Bike Alliance and “Cowboy” Ted Hallisey on April 6 and 7. Hallisey hosted a pair of Reading and Human-Powered Rodeo sessions for three and four-year-old students in Bancroft, as part of the Southeast Idaho Safe Routes to Schools program.
Jessica McCulloch coordinated the programs with Hallisey last month – before going on maternity leave and giving birth to another child on April 2nd.
Hallisey read one of his books to the kids and also provided a pair of books for each student to take home. The reading session was followed by a Human-Powered Rodeo session that featured Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Flag Race and Keyhole events – that are traditionally performed on horseback at rodeo and gymkhana events in rural communities.
The Human-Powered Rodeo events were created by Hallisey when he was hired as Executive Director for Idaho Walk Bike Alliance last March. Hallisey said he wanted to create events that are familiar to rural kids and are events that are actually performed at rodeo events – unlike some of the current Bike Rodeo events hosted by other organizations.
“Our New Signature Human-Powered Rodeo events are designed specifically for kids and families in rural communities, Hallisey said. “We want to teach kids how to walk, bike and roll safely to school and to other locations across Idaho. And we want the events to be fun for kids and especially for rural kids and communities which are our primary audience and focus in Idaho.”
Kids and families are invited to walk , bike or roll through the pole bending course, barrel racing pattern and keyhole activity – along with flag race and a chance to rope the bull (a metal and fiberglass roping buddy – not a real bull), according to Hallisey. Kids can choose to ride a stick horse or scooter or both during the activities and they are encouraged to enjoy the events at home too and also use a bike.
“My daughter and nephew had so much fun!,” said Malyssa Hainline. “Thank you for doing this for our kids.”
Idaho Walk Bike Alliance has also created one of the most comprehensive online Safety Resources libraries in Idaho and across the Mountain West on their website at www.idahowalkbike.org/resources and is available to educators, parents and kids.
The IWBA Safety Resources page features lesson plans, animated features and videos that showcase safety and wellness activities for rural kids and families.
Idaho Walk Bike Alliance and Cowboy Ted will be back in Bancroft to host additional Safe Routes to Schools and wellness programs during the Summer Reading program at the North Gem library. Cowboy Ted will read one of his 12 books for kids during weekly sessions each Tuesday at 10 am in June and July and the reading session will be followed by more activities to show kids how to walk, bike and safely across Idaho.
Hallisey said, “I had so much fun in Bancroft and I’m really looking forward to hosting weekly reading and Human-Powered Rodeo sessions at 10 am on Tuesdays in June and July.”
“We will definitely be there!!, commented Hairline. “All of my kids are super excited for it.”
Upcoming Events
APRIL HUMAN-POWERED TRANSPORTATION (HPT) EVENTS
April 6/7 Reading and HP Rodeo for Preschoolers at North Gem Elementary in Bancroft 1:45
April 18 Portneuf Environmental Day Human Powered Rodeo/FREE Kids Books noon to 3
April 18 Healthy Kids Fair – Idaho Falls YMCA – 9 am to noon – HP Rodeo/FREE Kids Books
April 20 Lava Hot Springs Academy Wellness and Safe Routes to School Assembly – 1:30
April 25 National Celebrate Trails Day-Caribou County GOAL trail clean up day Soda Springs
April 27 Power County Transportation Coalition in American Falls7pm
April 28 Blackfoot School District After School Program 2 of 4 elementary schools 4 to 6
April 30 Blackfoot School District After School Program other 2 elementary schools 4 to 6
April 30 Lava Hot Springs Academy Human Powered Rodeo in all PEclasses– 12:30 to 2:30
MAY
May 7 in Blackfoot for Bonneville County 4H for Ag Safety Day-250 kids 9:30 to 2:30
May 16 Girl Scouts Open House and Ribbon Cutting – Pocatello
May 19-21 Mountain West Trails Annual Conference – with Rails to Trails Rock Springs Wyo
May 26Harwood Elementary School Field Day in Rigby – 420 students all day
JUNE
June 15 Grace Library Reading and HP Rodeo event 10:30 & 1 pm – over 100 kids expected
June 22 Grace Library Reading and HP Rodeo event 10:30 & 1 pm – over 100 kids expected
June 25 Harwood Elementary – Rigby 10 to 12 After-School SUMMER Program – kids/parents
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Bancroft Summer Reading Program – Reading and HPRodeo event 10 am
June 30 Reading/Human Powered Rodeo Day Cornerstone Learning Hub / Pocatello10 am
JULY
July 7, 14, 21, 28 Bancroft Summer Reading Program – Reading and HPRodeo event 10 am
Please consider a donation to Help FUND our efforts to encourage kids & families to SAFELY Walk – Bike – Roll across Idaho – by sponsoring a Human-Powered Transportation event
