SHELBY — The two newest chairs of the Shelby Bicycle Days festival this year certainly didn’t expect to find themselves in this position.
Felicia Kreinbrink and Jennifer Alt were at first a bit reluctant to step up to the plate when approached by a former chair of the festival. However, now in the home stretch of planning, they couldn’t be more excited.
“The excitement radiating from downtown Shelby this week has been contagious,” said Alt.
“There is something in the air during Shelby Bicycle Days,” Kreinbrink added. “It makes you value your friends, family and community and you can’t help but have fun.”
The Shelby Bicycle Days festival officially kicks off on Thursday, July 12 and runs through Saturday, July 14. The three days are packed with family-friendly games, food, a parade and a fireworks finale.
This is Alt’s first time being heavily involved in Bicycle Days, having attended the festival in years past. Kreinbrink has been involved on the Bicycle Days committee for the past four years – including winning the Spokes4Kids Challenge last year with this article’s author – but admits chairing is a whole new experience.
“There are so many minute details that go into planning the event to ensure that it runs smoothly,” she said. “Even with being on the committee the past several years, I did not know in depth what it took to pull this festival off.”
Luckily, planning this year’s festival has come with some pleasant surprises.
“Felicia and I have broadened our sponsorship reach, but almost by accident,” Alt said. “In just having casual conversations about the festival with people, we’ve secured a number of new sponsors. The idea that the sponsorship is growing tells me the future is very bright not only for Shelby Bicycle Days but for the entire city of Shelby.”
Co-chairing with an old friend has certainly helped, too.
“Felicia and I have been friends for a very long time, she’s a hard worker and a go-getter,” Alt said. “It was much easier to say yes knowing I had Felicia as my right-hand woman.”
“Jennie has kept me grounded throughout this process,” Kreinbrink said. “We make a great team; when I get worried about an aspect of the festival, Jennie is there to set me straight. Working with someone you know will get the job done, and done well, makes planning this festival a doable task.”
From bike rides to history walks to inflatable fun, there’s truly something for everyone at this year’s Shelby Bicycle Days festival. Alt noted the festival shows off the charm of “Small Town America” at its finest.
But the most rewarding aspect of the festival by far is the camaraderie of the entire Shelby community for at least one weekend a year.
“Knowing that the festival is not only a community celebration but it is powered by the community, makes me have such a strong faith in the festival and the city of Shelby,” Kreinbrink said. “The festival would not function if it wasn’t for donations, sponsorships, our committee of volunteers and our community coming together.
“I cant explain it really, but when you ride down Main Street, and see the streets packed, it puts an instant smile on you face.”
For more information about the Shelby Bicycle Days festival, visit www.shelbybicycledays.com.
THURSDAY: July 12, 2018
MTD Midway Open 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Please note inflatables will not be in operation on Thursday, July 12
5:30 PM – W.W. Skiles Field
Kiddie King and Queen Crowning
At Conclusion of Crowning
Kids’ MiniSpokes Activity Zone
Kids’ Safety Spot
7:00 PM – Black Fork Commons Pavilion
Downtown History Walk
FRIDAY: July 13, 2018
MTD Midway Open Noon to 11:00 PM
Mechanics Bank Inflatable Zone Open 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Noon
Rotary Community Lunch
6:00 PM
Spokes4Kids Community Challenge
9:00 PM
Bike-in Movie Theatre
SATURDAY: July 14, 2018
MTD Midway Open Noon to 11:00 PM
Mechanics Bank Inflatable Zone Open Noon to 11:00 PM
8:30 AM
Lindy Flyer Community Bike Tour
9:00 AM
Downtown Farmer’s Market
11:00 to Noon – Seltzer Park Tennis Courts
Kids’ Bike Clinic – Tune Up, Helmets & Skills Course
Noon – Grand Boulevard
Bike Decorating Contest
2:00 PM
Shelby Bicycle Days’ Parade
Following Parade
Shelby Help-Line Ministries Pie Auction
Historical Shelby Cycle Display
7:30 to 9:30 PM
Donley Ford Pre-Fireworks Show featuring Three Ton Toad
9:30 PM
Fireworks Display
