One of the Aiken Kiwanis Club's oldest traditions is to be renewed Saturday at Virginia Acres park, with the 44th annual tricycle races set to roll at 11 a.m. Ages 3 to 8 are invited to participate.
This year's event has an unusual twist in that past races have been held on Wednesdays. Hopes are to accommodate more pint-sized pedalers by having this year's festivity on a Saturday, when more people might have free time, according to Kiwanis Club member Jim Farmer.
Participation is free, and tricycles are provided, "so they're all identical," Farmer said. Registration is set for 10 a.m. Racing starts an hour later, on the soccer field, and lunch will be at noon.
This year's attractions also include face-painting, a "space walk" and a cookout, in addition to a fire truck, Humvee and bloodhound (all courtesy of the Aiken Department of Public Safety). The cookout is free to all racers, and $2 for all others, with goodies including a hamburger or hot dog and chips and a drink.
Plans are for the youngest racers to go first, with competitors matched by age. "Everyone will get a ribbon of some kind. Winners of the heats get medals, and the winner in each age group gets a trophy," Farmer said.
Over the years, the races have been held at locations including downtown Aiken and the circle in front of USC Aiken's administration building. The current location is at 1700 Whiskey Road, next to Odell Weeks Activities Center.
The annual fundraiser helps local Kiwanis outreach efforts, including support of the Circle K group at USCA and the Key Clubs at Midland Valley and Silver Bluff high schools. Plans are for a scholarship to be awarded to a club member from each of the high schools.
Major boosters of this year's festivities include Publix, Target, Bridgestone Americas, Security Federal, Burger King and CB&I/AREVA Mox Services.