Remembrance

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of representing the Museum at the Tanner Jeans Memorial Bike Rodeo. Held yearly on Snoqualmie Ridge, the rodeo’s main purpose is to educate young children and their parents on bike safety. The event is held in honor and memory of Tanner Jeans, who was killed in a freak bicycle accident when he was 7 years old.

The warm summer air was charged with excitement and happiness. Radio Disney had the kids dancing and singing in the Cascade Elementary parking lot. It felt as though the entire community had turned out to celebrate. Kids with painted faces and new helmets proudly rode their bikes around the parking lot, toting balloons and rubber bracelets. The Snoqualmie Police guided each little bicycler through the safety course they had set up in another section of the parking lot.

What a shining example of community spirit. Together, a caring group of friends and neighbors has begun turning a horrifying accident into a powerful remembrance and a positive force in all our lives.