Community spirit gets pumped up a notch every June at the annual Ste. Agathe Service Barbecue and Bike Repair Day. For the fifth year running, Ste. Agathe Service’s Alain Robert has been instrumental in making this event a success.
Approximately 150 people attended this year’s event on June 4, which has grown to include a teddy bear hospital, sponsored by the Centre for Small Children and the local health centre. The RM of Ritchot’s fire department was also on hand to demonstrate their equipment for the kids, and the local school staff participated with special family activities. Other sponsors contributed to inflatable bounce houses and a variety of giveaways.
“It’s a small event that’s big in the eyes of the children,” says Robert. “They get to bring their bicycles into the shop, speak with the technicians, and have their bicycles repaired. The whole community benefits from these activities… everyone gets to mingle with their neighbours, have lunch, and we get to interact with people. Since we began the bike repair day, it’s a common occurrence to see children drive by, wave, and say hello to our employees by name.”
There is no cost to attend. Main Street is blocked off in front of Ste. Agathe Service to keep the entire event in one location.
Robert says that it’s become a regular occurrence for parents and children to drop by his shop to have their tires inflated and minor repairs done. So he and staff saw the need and turned it into a family-friendly street party.
On top of hosting a free barbecue, Robert’s business donates bicycle bells, reflectors, decorations, water bottles, helmets, and flashing pedal lights to the children who attend. Kids also look forward to the many free draws, including baskets filled with zoo, Children’s Museum, and Manitoba Museum passes, as well as stuffed toys and trinkets.
“We always get very positive responses and lots of thanks from everyone that attends,” says Robert. “People from the community always mention how they look forward to this day.”
