Folks have wheely good time at Walk and Roll

PABLO — Not even overcast clouds and scattered drizzles could take the shine out of the fourth annual Walk and Roll event in Pablo on Saturday, April 21.

“The event is to get kids and families together outside and acknowledge the ideas of Earth Day,” Jennifer Rolfsness, Ronan Parks Director, said.

Despite weather conditions, hundreds of community members turned out on foot or two wheels to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise.

“We always have a few hundred,” Rolfsness said. “It’s all different communities.”

From 11 a.m.-2 p.m., people walked or rode along the bicycle/pedestrian path alongside U.S. Highway 93 between Polson and Ronan, collecting passports and different stamps, as well as a variety of prizes at various checkpoints. People also enjoyed a Montana-made lunch, including soup, apples and brownies.

Event organizers had collected numerous bikes, which were redistributed to children.

“That’s a big part of the program,” Rolfsness said.

About 200 helmets were also given away to help promote safety. There was also a training course, run by CSKT health educator Margene Asay, where children could test their “driving” skills while also learning about some of the rules of the road.

“If I can save one kid, I’ve done my job and we’ve all done our jobs today,” Asay said. “It’s a family thing and it’s nice bringing the kids out.”

Volunteers also assisted with the day, including Alan Zubowicz and Alvin Mitchell, who were on hand to fix bicycles that were causing problems for people.

“They’re wonderful,” Rolfsness said.

A number of groups were on hand to help out with the event as well, giving kids reflectors, lanyards and other prizes, providing more incentive to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors.

While the weather failed to cooperate, it didn’t stop families from coming together, being active and walking and rolling around town.