The Living Water Worship Center wants everyone to know that because of COVID squelching last year’s parade, that this year they have a bonanza of bikes and goodies to give away at the Mineral County Fair!

Ten brand new bikes, eight fishing poles, four tents, four skateboards, four sleeping bags, eight scooters, four child-size camp chairs and two wagons are the prizes, so it’s a big variety.

Everyone will get a chance to look at all of these prizes in the parade on their float, titled ‘Saddle Up with Jesus.’

Sue Neal said that this is the fifth year they have done this and a part of their ministry that they relish.

“It’s just such a joy to see how these kids get so excited when they pick a brand-new bike or fishing pole or something they want,” she said. “And our bike selection is from tricycles all the way up to big bikes”

Neal said that this year two of their friends from Monroe, Michigan were on vacation earlier in July and wanted to donate to the cause.

“Claudia and Sherman Elliott are friends of ours and have heard us talk about the fair and parade over the years and wanted to help, which provided some extra prizes.”

Mike Neal said that bicycles have gone up about $100 each since 2019.

“And they are not as easy to find. We’ve been buying them as we can find them and think the kids will get a kick out of the choices they’ll have,” he said.

During Saturday's parade, which starts at 11 a.m., members of the Living Water Worship Center will hand out tickets to the kids along the parade route.

At the fairgrounds, they will hand out tickets again from 2:45-3 p.m. to those who missed the parade. Then at 3 p.m., the drawing will begin from the stage calling out the numbers until every prize has been given away.

What may be different is that the prizes will be in groups (bicycles, tents, etc.) so winners will choose a prize from the group that is announced at each ticket drawing so that all the bicycles will not be claimed in the first few minutes.

One ticket per child ensures a fair drawing and another terrific way to enjoy the Mineral County Fair.