By Aaron Karlsruher
Bike and Walk Morristown will host an evening picnic on the lawn at the Vail Mansion on July 27 following the end-of-the-month cross-town bike ride.
The free event will offer friends and families a chance to hang out, listen to live music, view original bike-themed art and enjoy some good eats. Vintage and custom bikes will be on display, while artists Ashley Cook, Ryan Taylor, Mike Felber and others will exhibit bicycle-themed art for picnickers to feast their eyes upon. The exhibit will include pieces made by Glassworks on South Street.
For any kids in the crowd, Hula Hoop instructor Ter’i Clegg will be on the scene to help perfect that Hula Hoop technique as well as sell hoops to support the cause.
Proceeds from the event, including the sale of picnic meals ordered before July 24 from the Artist Baker, will help Bike and Walk Morristown to fund more family bike-themed events, offer bike safety classes and install bike racks throughout town. (Those who missed the ordering deadline are welcome to bring a picnic supper to munch while listening to the sounds of the Musictown Trio.)
Bike and Walk Morristown is focused on “bringing cycling awareness up to speed,” explains Marty Epstein, owner and founder of Marty’s Reliable Cycle. “There needs to be mutual respect on the roads.”
Marty’s Reliable Cycle and Sustainable Morristown are co-sponsors of the picnic with the Artist Baker and Bike and Walk Morristown.
The event helps “connect the dots with the sustainable economy” by promoting community-minded local businesses like the Artist Baker, said Paul Miller of Sustainable Morristown and the town Office of Sustainability.
Miller said the gathering also will remind people that the beautiful lawn of the Vail Mansion is a public space. “It’s an underutilized town asset,” he said.
The picnic takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. at 110 South Street in Morristown. The ride beforehand begins at 6:15 p.m. behind town hall. The 3.5-mile ride occurs on the last Friday of every month and is open to riders of any age and riding ability.
