Palisades Fourth of July Kids on Bikes Winners Announced

The Yogurt Shoppe has sponsored Kids on Bikes for the past seven years. On July 3, the afternoon before the parade, kids came to the store on Swarthmore with their decorated bikes. Judges took notes and a photograph of each entry.

After everyone left, judges conferred, taking several hours before the final decision was made.

First place went to Temple Hoerner, 7, a student at Canyon School, who had crafted his bike into an American Eagle, complete with wings and a tail. For his efforts, he received a $75 gift card to the Yogurt Shoppe, located at 873 Swarthmore Ave. and at 11726 Barrington Ct. in Brentwood.

Temple Hoerner took first place with his eagle. Photo: Shelby Pascoe

Second place went to Natalia Fishkin, 11, Seven Arrows, who also took second in 2016, for her decorating efforts. She received a $50 gift card.

There was a tie for third place between Maverick Ross, 8, who attends Waldorf School, and the Fawaz kids: Luca, 9, and seven-year-olds Leighton and London. Third-place winners received a $25 gift card.

Natalia Fishkin took second for the second year in a row. Photo: Shelby Pascoe

Three runners-up who received a $10 gift card were: Anders Baak, 8, from Marquez School, siblings Lorenzo, 8, and Luna Soltani, 7, who attend Kenter Canyon, and Juliet Nesane, 9, Mamonides.

“It wasn’t easy this year,” said owner Kevin Sabin, who explained it was agonizing to make the final decision because all of the youth had spent so much time on decorations and all the bikes looked patriotic and festive.

Third place was a tie between Maverick Ross (left) and Luca, Leighton and London Fawaz.

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In addition to working with the Palisades Americanism Parade Association (PAPA), Sabin said that since the Swarthmore store’s opening in February 2011, they have raised more than $62,000 for local schools, library, teams, charities and organizations, via the shop’s “happy hour” fundraiser. Fifteen percent of sales from 5 to 7 p.m. are given back to select organizations.

In June, the store raised $240 for the Village Green, $327 for the Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness, $230 for Paul Revere Middle School and $209 for Jazz Hands for Autism. This month the store is raising money for PAPA and for Dollies Making a Difference.

“We are always looking for locals that have a charity or cause they hold dear to their heart and need a little help with,” Sabin said. “Just reach out at the Shoppe to get on our calendar.”