By Chris Bernardo

On Saturday, June 15 the River Road Improvement Corporation hosted its second special event of the Spring season. The event served in part as a celebration of Amber Cycle’s 42nd Anniversary on River Road. Irv Kleinberg, owner of Amber Cycle said, " This was a great way to celebrate the store’s anniversary. I met a local resident today who said she purchased her first bicycle at my shop nearly thirty years ago."

In April the district was visited by "Gizmo" the clown who toured the district, visiting business owners and greeting visitors to the district. With all of the positive feedback received from April’s event the RRIC invited "Gizmo" and friend "Chooch" the clown to help Amber Cycle celebrate its Anniversary and to meet and greet the many shoppers and visitors who frequent the district on Saturday afternoons. Both clowns visited local stores and businesses, including Dance Designs at 12-38 River Road, where Amber Cycle set up an outdoor tent sale featuring great prices on bicycles and bike riding accessories. A few blocks away, Amber Cycle (11-02 River Road) featured an outdoor sale with more great prices on bicycles and bike riding accessories.

Steven Singh, a local resident and avid bike rider said, "This is pretty cool" as he watched "Chooch" the clown make a balloon sculpture of the Pink Panther to place on one of the several bicycles on display in Amber Cycle’s parking lot.

As part of the event Amber Cycle held a giveaway drawing which received nearly 200 entries. Winners of the drawing were announced at 4:00 PM at Amber Cycle. Prizes included 2 Schwinn Stingray scooters, as well as bicycle accessories including a riding helmet, bicycle computer, bicycle lock and bicycle pump.

"Chooch" the Clown meets Forrest School students at the Amber Cycle tent sale in front of Dance Designs (12-38 River Road). From left to right: Allison Sudol, Ashley Sudol, "Chooch," and Mitchell Tarashansky

Irv Kleinberg owner of Amber Cycle, 11-02 River Road meets with two excited customers. From left to right: Eden Hirsch, Irv Kleinberg and Lainey Hirsch. "Chooch" the clown (pictured far right) is busy preparing another balloon sculpture for Eden.

"Gizmo" the clown visits Friendly’s (12-06 River Road) and discusses the art of balloon sculpting with some curious spectators.