The 8th Annual Great Avon Bike Parade

The city of Avon celebrated the 8th annual renewal of the Great Avon Bike Parade under sunny skies the morning of July 4th.

The parade honors our nation’s birthday, and hundreds of kids and families turn out in red, white and blue regalia. It all starts at the Avon Aquatic Center and winds its way across Detroit through Healthway Drive to the Avon University Hospitals complex and back again. Popsicles and pool passes await the finishers as they conclude the cavalcade.

All were welcomed enthusiastically by councilwoman Tammy Holtzmeier, who shared the podium with Pastor Jeffery Phail. Pastor Phail offered the invocation, followed by the National Anthem sung by Avon High’s Aryn Wolf. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Avon High scholars and athletes Alex Downing, Cameron Lam, Justin Schwab, Jay Kneiss and Ishani Kishorepuria. A special presentation by the French Creek Twirlers added to the fun.

Grand marshal this year was 100-year old Robert Fitch, a sixth-generation Avonite. Fitch is well known for his popular Fitch’s Farm Market and farm on Center Road. He graduated from Avon High in 1941 in a class of 23 students. He has 14 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren – some who still work on the farm.