From The Tribune staff reports
LEEDS — A community event at The Outlet Shops of Grand River will allow families to come together and will help spread awareness of several issues.
The Boy Scouts’ Three Rivers District and the Autism Society of Alabama have partnered with The Outlet Shops of Grand River for the event, which will be held on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021.
John Bryant, with Three Rivers District, said the event will focus on the safety of children, giving children the opportunity a chance to learn about first responders and other heroes in the community, and spread awareness about autism. He said the outdoor event will be a safer option for those concerned about pandemic safety.
“This being an outdoor event is really a great way to transition to things opening back up,” said Bryant.
Local firefighters, police departments, emergency response teams, utility companies, hospitals, merchants and special interest groups will be in attendance for the double-feature event.
One part of the event will be the Touch-a-Truck opportunity where kids can come see, touch and ask questions about first responder, military, utility and construction vehicles.
There will also be a Bike Rodeo promoting bicycling safety. Participants will learn about bicycle maintenance, helmet fit, proper lane changing and braking, obstacle avoidance and safe maneuvering through a course. The Bike Rodeo course is for children ages six to 13 but is available for anyone interested in learning more about bicycling safety.
Participants are asked to bring a bike and a helmet, although Children’s Hospital has donated around 50 helmets for those who do not have one or do not have one that fits properly.
Bryant said it’s important for the participation of the Autism Society of Alabama because it is important to raise awareness of how productive people with autism are in our society.
“Autism has several different spectrums and this will let people be aware that they’re just part of our society,” Bryant said.
Bryant said one scout with autism recently became an Eagle Scout.
The community event is free and open to the public.