A new playground is installed at Lincoln Elementary but that doesn’t stop the wheels from turning as the school holds its annual Bike-a-Thon event this Friday.

This longtime event has been organized by the Lincoln Parent Teacher Group for students to collect monetary donations for school needs with prizes awarded for collected amounts from $10 to $200, two top prizes for the most dollars collected, and an after-school party later this fall for those who reached at least $200. PTG President Jodi Williams says proceeds will go toward remaining expenses for the playground for which they’ve given funds previously. Williams shares some other functions the dollars go to, “Just our normal things that we do out through the year are providing meals during conferences for our teachers and staff. We also provide students snacks during the Iowa assessment testing. We purchase classroom items and supplies for our teachers. We also sponsor class field trips and assemblies.”

The fundraiser culminates in a bike ride around Lincoln Elementary on South 4th Avenue, East Monroe Street, South 6th Avenue, and East Van Buren Street from 1-2:45 p.m. this Friday. Whether they’re pedaling or walking, Williams says this is a great way for students and staff to kick off the school year. The backup rain date is scheduled for September 24th.