BIKE RODEO INFO IN ATTACHMENT AT BOTTOM OF STORY

Celebrates spring with its 42nd annual downtown arts and crafts show on Saturday, May 12. The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce event features over 70 vendors all on Main Street. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no admission charge.

According to Fred Steiner, chamber CEO, this is the largest show in several years. It should attract several hundred persons. “The show is designed as a family event. It’s free and offers activities for all age groups,” he said.

Arts and crafts vendor exhibits will line Main Street from the Bluffton town hall to the Bluffton post office. In addition, several Bluffton businesses will have booths that display their products and services. Many Main Street businesses will offer sidewalk sales.

Performing musical groups include:
• 10 a.m.  Bluffton High School jazz band 
• 10:30 a.m. Bluffton High School show choir
• 11 a.m. One in a Number women’s chorus
The three above groups will perform at the corner of Cherry and Main
• 8:30 a.m. to noon – musical entertainment at the farmers’ market

Several other events are part of the show:
• Llama exhibit from hard Rock Llama Farm, rural Bluffton - this year on Vine Street
• Pumpkin Vine kiddie railroad - On East Elm between Groves and the town hall
• Pony rides - near Franklin Street
• Several local organizations with food booths

Special events from 9 a.m. to noon:
• A health fair with over 12 health care providers (9 a.m. to noon)
• Bluffton Farmers’ Market – over 20 vendors (8:30 a.m. to noon)
• Bike rodeo for youth (Church Street from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
• Three bikes will be given away at Bluffton Hospiltal booth at the town hall 11:30 a.m.
• Bluffton EMS, police, and fire equipment on exhibit

Health Fair new event!
Thanks to efforts of Bill Watkins of Bluffton Hospital, this year’s show will have a health fair element, which is new. As of Monday 12 health-care booths will be located on Cherry Street. The health fair will be similiar to fairs at previous fall festivals held at BFR. The health fair booths will be open from 9 a.m. to noon.

Participants include:
• BVHS Emergency Department      
• Celebration of Health Assocaition   
• Family Eye Care Clinic of Bluffton   
• Northwest OB/GYN                         
• Dr. Darrell Groman                           
• AmeriCare                                 
• Bluffton Lions Club
• BVHS Med Surg and ER
• BVHS Lab
• Partnership for Violence Free Families
• Simpson Chiropractic
• Ruth Everett - licensed massage therapist

Bike rodeo also new!
A free bike rodeo for area youngsters will take place from 9 to 11 a.m., according to Rick Skillier, Bluffton police chief.

The rodeo will take place on Church Street between Main and the alley behind Citizens National Bank. The rodeo is free and open to all youth. Hope Hannah, Bluffton police officer, will be at the rodeo, assisting youth.

Young bikers will perform the following tasks at the rodeo:
• Circling riding
• Maneuvering
• Steering
• Turns and signals
• Balancing at slow speed
• Brakes

Also on Church Street during the rodeo will be an EMS ambulance, police cruiser and fire truck for youth to explore.

Youth who participate in the rodeo will receive a certificate stating they participated.

Separate from the bike rodeo, Bluffton Hospital will be giving away three bikes in a raffle at 11:30 a.m.

The raffle is part of the health fair on Cherry Street. Given away are one 12-inch, one 16-inch and one 20-inch bike. The bikes are purchased from CG Pro Bikes, Columbus Grove.

Adults are required to sign up for their children. Entries are limited to one per household. Signups take place at the Bluffton Hospital booth in front of the Bluffton town hall.