Big Wheels keep on turning: Race is McHenry Fiesta Days tradition

Fifty children ages 3 through 5 raced on Sunday for the annual McHenry Big Wheel race, with one winner racing on the same one her dad used 30 years ago.

The first Big Wheels were produced in 1969, and at some point after that, McHenry children were invited to race them each summer. No one at Sunday’s Big Wheel Race during McHenry’s Fiesta Days knew how long it’s been a part of the city’s summer festival. But those who raced back in the day remember some of it.

Bob Schultz said he raced in 1994, 1995 and 1996, and won riding the Radio Flyer tricycle that was handed down to him by his older sisters. On Sunday, his 5-year-old daughter, Berlin Schultz, took first place in her age heat – on the same tricycle on which her Dad won. “It is probably 35 years old,” Bob Schultz said.

While it is still in pretty good shape “there is a little duct tape and a towel on the seat.” Cindy Witt has been coordinating the race for 28 years for the McHenry Parks and Recreation Department. Not all of the tricycles are the Big Wheel brand.

The rule is they must have three wheels and be made of plastic. Many of the families bring their own for the race, and the city has a few they bring out every year that have either been donated or bought for the race. Some of the older trikes are harder to get going.

Carol Chrisman said they usually put grip tape on the center wheel to make sure it won’t just spin on the blacktop. Her daughter, Halie Nicolay, is 34 but and raced 30 years ago. “I think we did it when we were 3, 4,” Nicolay said.

“It was me, my sister, my two cousins. I think I got second one time.” McHenry’s Fiesta Days wrapped up its first weekend Sunday night with Fireworks at Petersen Park.

The festival starts again Thursday night with music at Veteran’s Memorial Park on Pearl Street. Saturday features Arts and Crafts in the Park at Veteran’s Memorial and Miller Point parks. The Fiesta Day parade is set for 1:30 p.m. July 19.