Celebrating America at the Avon Bike Parade

Participants turned out in the hundreds for the annual City of Avon Independence Day Bike Parade over Fourth of July weekend.

This year’s parade more than made up for the parade missed last summer due to the pandemic. Held on Saturday, July 3 at the Aquatic Center Park, parade peddlers lined up by the hundreds at 10 a.m. for a colorful celebration of patriotic pride. It was the sixth year for the parade, and likely the most-attended. Participants followed a course through the park, across Detroit Road, down Healthway Drive and back again.

The 6th Annual City of Avon Independence Day Bike Parade drew hundreds of parade participants. This year’s parade was possible the largest attended.

It was a perfect summer morning as peddlers were greeted by Mayor Bryan Jensen, Councilperson Tammy Holtzmeier and Craig Witherspoon with complimentary pool passes – perfect for a summer afternoon!

: World War II Veteran Al Grossman, 100, was the Grand Marshall of this year’s parade. He was joined with AHS student Molly Radcliffe, Avon Mayor Bryan Jensen and AHS student Cole Emerine.

: Superheros of all sorts welcomed bicyclists.

The parade honored many traditions. Councilperson Holtzmeier welcomed participants. “You are now Bike Parade alumni,” she said. “You are the reason for this tradition!”

Pastor Jeff Phail of Christian Heritage Church then offered a prayer while Avon High School 2021 alumni Cael Saxton, Izzy LaBianca and Michael Wilson, graduating AHS senior class officers, wore their caps and gowns to lead the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Special acknowledgement went to parade grand marshall Al Grossman, 100, an Avon resident, who is a World War II veteran who served as a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot, logging 62 missions over the European front. He was accompanied by AHS students Cole Emerine, who lodged a perfect ACT score, and Molly Radcliffe, state champion in shot put and discus. Singer Michelle Romary then sang the National Anthem and Avon police and school resource officer David Layne led the parade safely to its conclusion.