SHELBY – Queen’s “Bicycle Race” played faintly over an attendee’s speaker at Skiles Lawn, where hundreds of Shelby residents awaited fireworks.
The symbolism is notable. This weekend marked Shelby’s annual Bicycle Days, founded in 1921 to celebrate the city’s history – much of which is due to the bicycle boom of the late 19th century. Shelby wouldn’t be a city without it.
Events started Friday, with Black Fork Commons dotted with food and merchandise vendors, as well as carnival-esque inflatables and games. Later in the night, attendees sat back to enjoy live music at the amphitheater as Gone Sovereign covered rock and country classics.
Saturday was the main event, however, marked by the Bicycle Days parade and fireworks show. Main Street closed early in the afternoon, to the enjoyment of parade-watchers and chagrin of would-be drivers, stagnant in a line of cars.
The parade marched down Main and Gamble Street, lined with performers, politicians, religious leaders and Shelby residents of all kinds.
Saturday’s festivities officially began at the Shelby Justice Center at 10 a.m., which triples as the city’s historical center and bike museum. Visitors were treated to an open house and the Steel and Wheel Tour – a trip through several historical locations throughout Shelby.
The midway convened in Black Fork Commons at 11 a.m., staying open for 12 hours. Shelby also hosted a science show, a princess meet-and-greet, and armored combat displays from the Northern Raiders after the parade.
