Henry Isola won first place in the decorating contest for Kids on Bikes, sponsored by the Yogurt Shoppe. (Photo: Shelby Pascoe)
The challenge for kids is on in 2021.
Last year’s top three places in the Fourth of July bike decorating contest went to Henry Isola, Chloe Lee and Arthur and Rosie Angola (tied). For those looking to claim a prize this year, be alerted that this wasn’t Isola’s “first rodeo.”
In 2019, when Isola was 7, he also captured first with his decorated bike (and a trailer that he pulled behind the bike), wowing not only the judges, but parade spectators lining the route.
Will the 2020 winners once again try to claim the top prizes, or will it go to creative efforts by other youth?
All kids are invited to decorate their bikes/scooters and come to the corner of Bowdoin Street and Via de la Paz at 1:15 p.m. on July 4 (by Palisades Elementary). Waivers will need to be signed. Bikes will be judged before entering the parade. The top three winners will receive $50 gift certificates to The Yogurt Shoppe on Swarthmore.
After the judging, the kids will be among the first on the parade route.
For nine years, Yogurt Shoppe owners Kevin and Jennifer Sabin sponsored the Kids on Bikes contest. Last year and in 2021, the store’s new owners, Christine and Adam Wolfson, sponsored the event.
When given the opportunity to carry on the tradition, the Wolfsons, who have three kids and are transplants from New York, didn’t waiver.
“Being a part of the community is one of our most important values,” Adam told Circling the News. “Given all this community has been through, it’s important to carry on this long tradition.”
Christine added, “We’d like to thank our amazing community for continuing to come out and support us.”
The Yogurt Shoppe, like most businesses in town, struggled during the Covid-19 shutdown.
“We were lucky to have a dedicated staff and a supportive community,” Christine said. “Without which, we would have had to close down.”
Now that summer is underway, this is a good time to stop by The Yogurt Shoppe on Swarthmore and try their regular flavors: chocolate with activated charcoal, Jennifer’s vegan peanut butter (both are dairy free), fudge brownie, original tart, honey Greek, salted caramel and vanilla.
Weekly, the store also offers one new flavor, a sorbet and a Carb D’ Lite of the week (sugar free).
The toppings range from fruit and nuts to cookies and candy—and all look yummy.
For those planning Fourth of July barbecues, picking up a few pints of yogurt are an easy go-to dessert—and frozen yogurt is actually California’s state dessert, according to “The Most Iconic Dessert from Every State Gallery.”
The store will also cater events and gatherings. For information email info@theyogurtshoppe.com.
Summer store hours are Sunday through Thursday from noon to 10 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The store is located across from Sav-On. Call (310) 459-0088 or visit: theyogurtshoppe.com.