The St. Jude's Children's Hospital-Knights of Columbus Hamlin Beach Bike-A-Thon is Saturday, May 19.

As in the past, Burke's Hardware of Hamlin is donating one men's and women's mountain bike to be awarded to the male and female participants who submit the most pledges on May 19 and collect and turn in those pledges by May 30. Past year's events have raised over $6,000 for St. Jude's Children's Hospital and other related charities. This year, the Hamlin Knights of Columbus Council-St. Elizabeth Ann Seton will be joined by the Hilton Knights of Columbus Council-St. Leo's as co-sponsors.

Participants will have their choice of multiple courses to ride or rollerblade. The event will also feature a "kiddie" course for those younger participants. All events will be staged from Area 3 in Hamlin Beach State Park, and entrance to the park will be free for all participants with a pledge form. The pledge forms are available at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton church in Hamlin and St. Leo's in Hilton as well as LiftBridge Books and LiftBridge Kids, Collector's Choice, Seymour Library, Bicycle Outfitters in Brockport, Krony's, Mark's Pizzas, and Burke's Hardware in Hamlin, and Parma Library and Family Dollar in Hilton as well as local bike outfitters around Monroe County. Call 964-2866 or 392-5780 for pledge forms.

All participants will be eligible for door prizes supplied by local merchants. Food and drinks will be provided to all during the bike-a-thon which runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hots and hamburgs at noon will be available for all participants with no charge for the refreshments.

All participants who turn in pledge money will receive a certificate. Riders who turn in $35 to $74.99 will receive a colorful 2001 Bike-A-Thon tee shirt as well. Riders who return $75 or more may choose from additional prizes.

Safety inspection will be provided at the registration area, and all participants are required to wear appropriate safety gear. Emergency services will be available.