Year About Youth

Join the Mayor at Bike Parade on Saturday, June 27! Pre-register online.

Beginning at 10:30 am, there will be free bike decorations for the first 250 youth who pre-register.

All are welcome to participate in the Bike Parade which begins at 11:30 am at the Edison Building Parking Lot (615 7th Street SW). 

Here are just a few ways to get involved in the Year About Youth initiative in 2025 (and beyond):

• Be there for parents. Listen to them, share resources. Refer parents to our strong Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program at Northrop Education Center.
• Consider donating time or money to to one of the many local community organizations that support families.
• Be a good neighbor! Share a meal, offer a ride, pass along hand-me-downs, or look out for kids in your neighborhood.
• At home, simple actions like reading to children daily or setting aside tech-free “family time” can make a big difference. 
• As an organization, you could host a special event for children or youth or highlight the positive qualities and accomplishments of local kids throughout the year.

Play Ball is an initiative by the US Conference of Mayors (USCM) and Major League Baseball (MLB) with the purpose of reaching kids who don't normally play baseball, as well as strengthening the connection with those who are currently involved in the game.

• View the 2026 Play Ball event page.

Mayor Norton will be sponsoring a Youth Summit on Wednesday, September 23 for high school students in Olmsted County. There will be speakers, roundtables, entertainment, and an opportunity to network!

If you are interested in being part of the Summit Planning Team, please email Michon at mrogers@rochestermn.gov. 

Location, time, and registration information is forthcoming!

Sign up here to receive updates as plans develop.