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New bike fest coming to Wheaton

A new bicycle festival is coming this summer to downtown Wheaton.

The Downtown Wheaton Association and the city's bicycle advisory committee are hosting the first Bike Wheaton Festival from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8.

"One of our board members said we really need to do a family-friendly bike event in downtown Wheaton," said Paula Barrington, executive director of the Downtown Wheaton Association. "We didn't necessarily want to do a bike race, but something that was more family friendly."

Barrington said the event makes sense considering the number of kids who are seen riding their bikes around the downtown area in the summer. It also complements other efforts to make the city more accessible by bike, such as a bike valet at Taste of Wheaton and newly installed bike racks in downtown.

"In many ways you're seeing a biking lifestyle being encouraged and supported by the community, so this is just our part in that," she said.

The day will begin with a family bike parade. Participants will gather at the corner of Front and West streets at 10 a.m. Families, and especially kids, are encouraged to decorate their bikes for the occasion.

The parade will head east on Front Street, north on Hale Street and conclude in Memorial Park.

In the park, attendees can browse several booths to get more information about biking, safety and fitness. There also will be family-friendly activities, bike-related art from The DuPage Art League and demonstrations by Strand Fitness and Next Yoga on "stretching and getting into shape so bicycle experiences are more positive," Barrington said.

Details are still being finalized, but Barrington said several downtown area restaurants are planning to offer a "bike and brunch" special the day of the festival, too.

For information and updates, visit downtownwheaton.com.

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