The annual Butler Bicycle Safety Rodeo will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 23 at the Island Playground in Butler.

The rodeo is an opportunity for at-risk children and their families to participate in a day of fun in a safe, structured environment.

The free event is open to city residents ages 5 to 15, and will feature games, food, bicycles and entertainment.

Registration for the bike giveaway will start at 9 a.m., and each child that registers will receive a gift.

Among the gifts are hula hoops, jump ropes, bubbles and balls and bats. The giveaway will be at 2 p.m.

Also included in the day are karaoke at 10 a.m., a ceremony at noon, a gun salute from a VFW honor guard, police cars and fire trucks, an emergency medical helicopter, county commissioner Jim Kennedy's farm animals and Scoop, the Butler Eagle mascot.

Informational workshops will be at the rodeo, educating children on topics like bicycle safety, fire prevention and recycling.

Free hot dogs, soft drinks and watermelon will be available as well.

Many area health and service agencies will participate in the event, including the Butler County Family YMCA, American Red Cross, the United Way of Butler County, the Butler County Drug and Alcohol office, local police and fire departments and churches involved with Camp Creation.

Volunteers and donations are needed for the event.

While cash is not accepted, donations of footballs, basketballs, bicycles, helmets, T-shirts and other items the children may enjoy are welcome.

Donations of food, like pop, hot dogs, chips and snacks, are also needed.

Children are encouraged to bring their bicycles to the event.

For information call Denny Offstein at 724-287-7771.