Around Town: Parading the Arts

The crowds along Pacific Avenue were full of anticipation for the evening bike races at the first-ever Twilight Criterium, but it was art that stole the show. As part of the event on Friday, June 11, after children and artists alike had decorated downtown streets with chalk art, cyclists of all ages joined in a parade of art-adorned bicycles. Frames ranged from the political and quirky to the beautiful and unique. A perfect fit for Tacoma’s arts scene, the parade showcased a creative spirit that did as much to put the city on the biking world’s radar as the races themselves.

A parade participant rides his “Zeit Bike,” made of seven different bike frames.

Rosemary Ponnekanti joins the parade with her daughter, Bianca Ponnekanti, eight (middle), and friend Audrey Rodney, nine (left). Their “Peace Bikes” were inspired by the work of French artists Christo and Jean-Claude.

Parade participant Nick Nickolas rode a 1939 Colson tandem bike. He is pictured here with his partner, Smiley.

Young participants in the parade line up on Pacific Avenue, waiting for the festivities to begin.