21 May Third Annual Lynn Duse Memorial Kids’ Bike Fest June 7

The third annual Lynn Duse Memorial Kids’ Bike Fest will take place at the Little Traverse History Museum in Petoskey’s Bayfront Park on Saturday, June 7, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The event is co-sponsored by the Little Traverse Historical Society and Top of Michigan Trails Council.

Registration is 10-11 a.m. The bike parade will be in two segments this year, with kids second grade and younger starting at 11 a.m., and kids third grade and older beginning at 11:30 a.m. The parade takes place on the Little Traverse Wheelway, starting at the museum and heading east toward Lime Kiln Pond. Helmets are required. A fleet of loaner bikes and helmets will be available for kids who are visiting the area, or don’t have their own.

Lynn Duse

As in past years, a variety of booths and activities are planned, including a free bike decorating station courtesy of Crooked Tree Arts Center. Prizes will be awarded for best decorated bikes. Top prize is a new Giant bicycle, donated by Latitude 45 Bicycles and Fitness in Petoskey.

There will also be free bike safety inspections, model trains display, a Little Traverse History Museum scavenger hunt, and more. Free healthy snacks are being provided by Grain Train Natural Foods Co-op.

Spectators are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs for the bike parade. Parade judges, who will dress in period clothing, include Petoskey Mayor John Murphy and others.

The idea for this event was conceived by the late Lynn (McCartney) Duse, a second generation owner and operator of the Circus Shop, a former children’s clothing store on Mitchell Street in downtown Petoskey.

Unfortunately, Duse died in 2023, not long after presenting her kids’ bike parade idea to the historical society, of which she’d been a longtime and active member.

According to her daughter, Marnie, Lynn’s conception of the event is just another of her civic-minded projects designed to showcase the community amid the fun and fanfare of a childrens’ parade of colorfully decorated bicycles.

“She enjoyed welcoming children and their parents in the Circus Shop, and promoting a Kids’ Bike Fest reflects her love of children and their joy. Lynn would be so delighted at how well it’s being organized and the interest of the Top of Michigan Trails Council and the Little Traverse Historical Society and the other community organizations involved. It is truly impressive how well it’s been organized.”