By Janey Gengel,
Midtown Greenway Coalition intern
A free, family-friendly event that carries with it costumes, local food, eccentric entertainment, a parade, unusual bike contests and the joy of cycling begins
10 a.m. July 27th when Belgium Brewing reveals a “ballyhoo of bikes and beer” at Loring Park.
Beginning with a massive all-skills-level bicycle parade that bobs and weaves through city streets in which all are welcome and imaginative costumes are encouraged.
For the remainder of the afternoon, the stages light up with wild and exciting acts.
“The pinnacle of Tour de Fat is the ceremonious car-for-bike swap at each of the 15 Tour de Fat stops. One person will become the center of the show as he or she gets up on stage, hands over their car keys and pledges to live one year car-free. Each car-for-bike swapper will choose a local bike shop to help turn a $2,250 budget into an ultimate car-replacement commuter bike. Vehicles for Charity will auction the cars.
Other tents and attractions include the crowd-pleasing Lips of Faith Tent, the Le Tigre Tent, Port-a-oke, Bike Pit, and Slow Ride.
The festival proceeds from vehicles, beer and merchandise benefit the nonprofits: Midtown Greenway Coalition, Bicycling Alliance of Minnesota, Minnesota Off Road Cyclists, and Minneapolis Off-Road Cycling Advocates.
Tour de Fat 2012 drew 3,000 people, with 800 cyclists in the costumed parade, all to raise $19,000 to benefit the city”'s cycling community.
Info: http://www.newbelgium.com/events/tour-de-fat.aspx.
