Lewis County Fire District 1 volunteers give away free helmets to Onalaska area youths

Though the weather didn't play along, despite days of perfect bicycle riding conditions leading up to the event, volunteers from Lewis County Fire District 1 and the Onalaska Volunteer Firefighters Association (OVFA) still hosted their community helmet giveaway and bike rodeo event at the Onalaska fire department on Saturday, April 11.

Along with getting free helmets, children who braved the overcast conditions also got a helmet safety demonstration and a class on hand signals to use while riding on the rural roads in their communities.

Then, it was onto the bike rodeo cone course set up outside the fire department to practice their hand signals and riding skills before taking a short ride around Onalaska and returning for pizza and refreshments.

There were 70 helmets available for local youths, according to Lewis County Fire District 1 Chief Brad Flexhaug, who announced the event at the Lewis County Fire District 1 Board of Commissioners meeting on Thursday, March 19.

Helmets remaining from the event may be given away at future community events either hosted by, or involving, Lewis County Fire District 1 and the OVFA.

For more information, visit Lewis County Fire District 1's website at https://www.onalaskafire.org/, or follow the OVFA on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OVFALC.

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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 11:25 AM.