SUNAPEE — The town kicked off the Fourth of July weekend Friday with its 4th annual Don't Tell the Kids I Broke the Big Wheel races.

The event drew about 12 contestants and about 100 spectators to Sunapee Harbor at Burkehaven Hill Road.

“It's funny because half an hour ago there was nobody out here,” said Sunapee Recreation Director Scott Blewitt. “They come out of the woodwork. They come off their boats and walk down from their cottages because after four years, people know that it's coming.”

Blewitt encourages racers to come in costume. This year, Santa Claus, Batman, Batwoman and Robin all made appearances.

Racers were divided into several categories including Stock (right out of the box) Division, a Modified Division in which racers can use customized big wheels and the two-person Slalom Relay Race.

“It was awesome. Epic. Wild,” said Jessica Blanchard of Goffstown.

Blanchard, her husband Jon and their 9-month old daughter Lucy, who were in town for the weekend, were spectators.

“Lucy loved it,” she said.

Hurdling down Burkehaven Hill Road towards Sunapee Harbor was officially for those 16 years or older. However, several children got a few rides in shortly after the races and before police reopened the road.

“Who won? Who cares?” Blewitt said.

“We don't keep track,” he said. “It's a fun event and it's a great way to start the holiday weekend.”

The event is based on a large annual event in San Francisco, Blewitt said. “Real simple. Real fun.”

The Independence Day festivities continued Saturday with the annual noontime parade through town and a fireworks show over Sunapee Harbor.

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