Photo by: Kate Austin Photography
Written by: Jess Pendergrass, Bentonville Public Library
The Walmart OZ Kids™ Fat Tire Criterium and Fall Fest will take over Bentonville Public Library’s (BPL) backyard on October 22 from 2-6 p.m. Ozark Outdoor Foundation in partnership with BPL and the Bentonville Library Foundation are pleased to bring the championship race of the Walmart OZ Kids™ Fat Tire Crit series to Bentonville. The event will include kids bike races for ages two to eleven as well as a family-friendly fall fest. Advanced registration is required to enter the races or to attend the festival.
The criterium will run from 3-5:45 p.m. on October 22. A criterium is a bike race in which the riders follow laps on a closed course. The number of laps will be determined by the age of the riders. Riders on both balance and pedal bikes are welcome to register.
Bike rules for safety included mandatory helmets and bar end plugs. All riders must ride bikes with flat handlebars. Points are awarded based on place and awards will be given out during the event. Riders in all categories are eligible for awards.
Registration for each race is $20 and includes admission in the race, race plate and finisher medal. Once registered, race packets can be picked up at BPL on October 20 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., October 21 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. or October 22 from 9-11 a.m. The fall festival does not cost to attend but does require registration.
Prior to the races, on October 20 at 5 p.m., Bike School Bentonville will host a race practice clinic at the Library to familiarize kids of all ages with the process of a criterium. During the clinic, riders will become familiar with the start, finish, course and staging processes. Registration is not required.
Alongside races throughout the event, families and community members can enjoy a fall festival with food and fun. The Library will host activities like family Princess Storytime, a book giveaway sponsored by KPMG and crafts for all ages. OZF will host movement activities like a bike skills course, safety checks and 40-foot obstacle course. Pedal It Forward’s 30 bikes for giveaway have been claimed by registrants. Light food and drinks will be provided, sponsored by Arvest. For more information, visit https://bikeschoolbentonville.com/kids-crit/.
