On the Town:

Throughout the last week of March, 4-year-old Wyatt Anderson Wyatt Anderson was busy preparing for the Egg-Cellent Magnolia Bicycle Tour and Treasure Hunt that was held Saturday in Magnolia Park. While event planners, headed up by Burbank Business District Manager Gail Stewart, were deep in the final logistical preparations for the treasure hunt tour, Wyatt was equally engaged.

“He practiced riding all week to make sure he would be able to take the training wheels off his bike for the first time today,” said his father, Jim Anderson.

Also joined by his older brother, Hunter, and mother, Claudia Anderson, Wyatt lived the dream by going sans side wheels as he joined hundreds of Burbank residents in following a treasure map that led to tempting treats being offered by various merchants in Magnolia Park.

After registering on the Chandler Bikeway, participants enjoyed a helmet-decorating contest, a free bicycle tune-up courtesy of Kreigh Hampel from the Burbank Recycle Center, and various arts and crafts activities.

Then it was off for a self-guided treasure hunt in search of 10 stamps from the 25 participating merchants that would give them the opportunity to win prizes donated by the shops and businesses.

“This event offers a rare chance for kids and families to combine outdoor fun with exercise and explore an attractive neighborhood packed with exceptional boutiques and eateries,” said Robin Faulk who handled the event’s marketing.

Among those who toured for treasure on bikes decorated in Easter and spring-themes were Todd Savar and his 8-year-old daughter, Jordan, who followed the map via their custom-made tandem bike, Richard Ruth and his sons, Zachery and Bryce, and Ryan and Kathryn Hansen.

Along with accumulating their coveted stamps, riders were also treated to small tokens of appreciation for stopping by and visiting with merchants. At Mindfulnest, a shop that offers unique handmade crafts, folks enjoyed treats and some inexpensive refreshment as Jennifer Hardaway and Jessica Wilder offered a cup of freshly squeezed lemonade for a quarter. Over at the Enchanted Florist, owner Kimberly Williams and her staff members, Stephanie Smirch and Susan Courtney made sure cyclists left looking a bit more stylish by providing custom bike decorations.

Others who enjoyed the day included Linda Griffen and her daughters, Nuala and Orla, Adam, Griffin, Doreen and Hudson Dooley, Chellise Morey, Brad and Ashlyn Sokol, and Scarlett, Steve, Larry and Analisa McQuaide.

The Egg-Cellent Magnolia Bicycle Tour was staged by the Magnolia Park Partnership, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the Magnolia Park Business District.