Joy, Sunshine, and Another Lucky Bicycle Winner
Families gathered once again at Howarth Park for Child in the Wild, the annual community celebration of the Southeast Greenway hosted by Sonoma Land Trust. The May 31st event brought music, dance, and cultural performances to a sunny afternoon at the lower lawn, with returning favorites like the Sonoma County Pomo Dancers, Grupo Folklórico Quetzalén, and Danza Xantotl, alongside bounce houses, face painting, and nature activities for kids of all ages.
Volunteers at the Southeast Greenway booth connected with dozens of families throughout the day, sharing updates on the Greenway’s progress and pointing out neighborhoods near the park property on the community map. One first-time volunteer described the afternoon as a true celebration of everything wonderful about Sonoma County’s parks and the Greenway project, especially watching kids picture themselves winning a new bike.
That bike, generously donated again this year by Trek Bikes of Santa Rosa, went home with five-year-old Evie, who had just graduated from training wheels days before. Trek store manager Matthew helped her pick out the perfect ride—fitting timing, since the giveaway landed on her last day of school. Evie’s excitement was a reminder of why this giveaway has become such a beloved part of the day; past winners have kept right on riding, often years later.
We’re grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate the Greenway, and to our partners and volunteers who help make Child in the Wild possible every year. Special thanks to the donors and sponsors behind this event: Maxwell Hanrahan Foundation, Bancroft Foundation, Maria Cardamone and Paul Matthews, Saba Foundation, Sonoma County Ag + Open Space, the City of Santa Rosa, and Recology.
