The first Thursdays in Pella started with the theme Families First on Thursday night in downtown Pella. A bicycle rodeo and a bicycle safety course was a part of the first week’s festivities from 6 to 8 p.m. We talked to some of the kids who had their helmets and bikes checked for safety by local volunteers. The Pella Community Children’s Choir performed at 6:30 p.m. and were immediately followed by this year’s Character Counts winners. The city band’s debut performance of 2014 was at 8 p.m. Next Thursday’s theme is Dutch Dynasty. To register for next week’s contests, contact the Chamber of Commerce.