Cristina Burwell, director of the Munroe Center for the Arts, bikes to work almost every day and recognizes its various emotional and physical benefits. Seeing her neighbors en route reminds her of the joys of biking. Jim Cadenhead, owner of Battle Road Bikes in Lexington, grew to appreciate the way biking could bring a community together while running his own bike shop in California. 

This weekend, Burwell and Cadenhead hope to share their love for biking and the arts with Lexington and surrounding towns. On Sunday, Sept. 15 from 11am-4pm, the Munroe Center for the Arts and the Friends of Lexington Bikeways will be hosting the first ever Bikeway Block Party.

“This is a natural marriage that brings the arts and wellness together in a way that is accessible to all,” Burwell said.

The event will span four parks (Bow Street, Tower Park, Emery Park, and the Visitors’ Center) and Revolution Hall in Lexington, as well as spots in Arlington and Bedford. If taking the bike path doesn’t suit your fancy, there are various parking options by the parks involved in the event. (Click here for a map).

The afternoon will feature various performances, local artists, and wellness activities. 

“We were aiming for a culturally rich experience, and we were lucky to get a lot of positive responses. Altogether, we have over 40 different artists and activity options for people all along the Minuteman Bikeway,” Cadenhead said.

“Lots of performers, balloon animals, puppet shows, bluegrass performers, hip hop, magicians, storytelling, yoga, dances, and a food truck at Tower Park,” Burwell added.

The event is free and run by volunteers. Various local organizations will be dotted along the bike path. Tour de Cure, Lexington Lyceum, LexRide, Charles River Wheelers, and the New England Cyclists Coalition for Diversity (NECCD) have made significant contributions. 

People of all ages are welcome to attend. In fact, the event encourages family participation.

“We have a focus on family. Each park has arts and crafts for the kids to do. Emery Park is having a puppet show and workshop to make puppets,” Burwell said. “It’s set up for everybody — that’s the great thing. It’s very intergenerational.”.

Especially after the pandemic, organizers hope this event will help foster a greater sense of community in the area.

“The pandemic took away a lot of social opportunities. It took away a lot of fun. I have seen a hunger for both of these things in the after-times, and the activities that populate this event provide great possibilities to have fun and be social,” Burwell said.

“We are mired in division, yet we all have the same fundamental desires and needs,” Cadenhead said. “Let’s celebrate as often as possible and with the whole community. We’re way healthier interacting with others — and who doesn’t love free parties?”

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