Hosted by the Shiawassee Family YMCA in partnership with Owosso Main Street, the Owosso Farmers Market, Baker College, and the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce, Open Streets Owosso encourages families to get outside, move around, and experience downtown in a safe, active, and welcoming way.
The event will take place just North of the Owosso Farmers Market, in front of the old Middle School, and will include free helmet giveaways, bicycle raffles, community resource tables, kids’ games, bike safety activities, and rules-of-the-road lessons.
Families are encouraged to bring their own bikes, scooters, or other kid-friendly wheels. Children do not need to win a bike to participate. Kids can still take part in the bike safety rodeo, learn basic road safety, have helmets checked or fitted, visit community booths, enjoy activities, and be part of the fun.
“Open Streets is one of those events that shows what community partnership is supposed to look like,” said Stephen Schlaack of the Owosso Farmers Market and Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce. “It brings together families, local organizations, downtown partners, and volunteers around something simple and meaningful: helping kids get outside, stay safe, and enjoy their community.”
This year’s event will include a larger bike giveaway than in previous years, with approximately 50 to 55 bicycles expected through Charity Bikes. Children receiving bikes will also go through a bike safety rodeo to help make sure seats, tires, helmets, and basic safety guidance are addressed before they ride.
Community resource partners will also be on site to share information with families, and children will have the opportunity to visit activity stations throughout the event!
Open Streets Owosso is free and open to the public. No purchase is required to attend or participate. Community members are encouraged to stop by the Owosso Farmers Market, enjoy the event, visit downtown businesses, and help celebrate a morning built around health, safety, movement, and community connection.
