By Molly Cerreta Smith
One of the coolest things about the “Sheaborhood” is its growing community efforts that are focused on fun! With neighborhood-centric events like the North 32nd Costume Party which just celebrated its fifth anniversary this past year and the upcoming Sheaborhood Festival of Lights, which is hosting its fourth annual event this December 13.
Developed by local Realtor Allison Barnett, who also created the North 32nd Costume Party community event, the Annual Sheaborhood Festival of Lights is a neighborhood night bike ride holiday light tour that celebrates the lights of the holiday season that are showcased throughout the Sheaborhood.
This year’s event begins at 32 Shea, one of the Sheaborhood’s beloved locally owned restaurants located on the corner of 32nd Street and Shea at 10626 N. 32nd Street. The night will be kicked off with happy hour and free hot chocolate for the kids, being offered from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Starting at 6:00 p.m., cyclists start lining up in the drive-through of the restaurant to hit the streets as a group, accompanied by a police escort for safety. Participants are encouraged to follow bike safety (especially since the event takes place after dark) including wearing a helmet – and they are also invited to deck out their bikes with festive lights!
Throughout the hour-long ride, participants will bike through the Sheaborhood to enjoy the amazing holiday lights and get into the holiday spirit! At 7:30 p.m., participants will return to 32 Shea for extended happy hour and more free hot cocoa for the kids (because who can get enough hot cocoa this time of year!?) At 8:00 p.m., Lovecraft Ale House, Bottle Shop and Smoke Kitchen, located at 3128 East Cactus Road, hosts an after-party to keep the festivities going all night long.
Neighbors that reside in the area are invited to do their part to spread holiday cheer by sitting out to watch the riders go by, cheer them on or even offer them cider, cocoa, cookies or other goodies as they ride by. More details and the complete bike route is available on the “Events” section of North 32nd’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/north32nd
