Who:  Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in conjunction with Bike Miami Days

What/when:   Celebrates Earth Month and the birthday of Queen Beatrix with:

1. The illumination of the Bank of America Building in orange, from April 24th through April 30th, 2009.

2. an Orange Bike Parade Sunday April 26th, 2009 – Orange Parade at 10:30 am at Peacock Park, featuring all things Dutch and free orange giveaways

3. The official reception of the Queen’s Birthday on April 30th

Contact: Julieta Reyes – Assistant. of the Consul General, Mrs. Lucita Moenir Alam mia-rsvp@minbuza.nl or (786) 866 0482

April is Earth Month but also time to celebrate the Dutch Queen’s Birthday on April 30th. On Sunday April 26th, the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Dutch community will join Bike Miami Days, the monthly green activity organized by the City of Miami.

As a show of support for Mayor Manny Diaz’ initiative, the Dutch will participate in this event by organizing an Orange Bike Parade. The ride will take place in the designated bike-route in the Coconut Grove area.

In honor of Queen Beatrix, the Netherlands Consulate General will also illuminate the iconic Bank of America Building in orange from April 24th through April 30th. Since the Netherlands have been ruled by the ‘House of Orange-Nassau’ since 1815, this color has been adopted as a ‘national color’.

For over a century the Dutch have used the bike as a mode of daily transportation. Today the Dutch are leading experts in bike design, infrastructure and safety awareness. The Dutch government promotes and stimulates riding a bike over a car not just because it is good for the environment but also because it is healthy.

Visit the Dutch stand during the Bike Miami Days on Sunday, April 26th, from 10:00 AM till 2:00 PM.

Spend the day with us, this event is fit for the entire family. There will be activities for young and old in the cozy streets of Coconut Grove. Bikes will be available during the event, free of charge, given on first come first serve basis by several bike rental companies.

All orange dressed participants will receive a ticket for a bicycle raffle sponsored by the prestigious Dutch bicycle manufacturer Gazelle. There will also be a prize for the best creative decorated bike, of course in orange!

Join us and make a difference in our community and environment during Earth Month.

Go Green, Go Dutch, Go Bike!

Event:  Orange Bike Parade
Date:  Sunday April 26th
Orange T-shirt pick up at  10:00 am
Parade start time  at 10:30 am
Place:  Coconut Grove at Peacock Park (look for the Dutch flag)

RSVP at mia-rsvp@minbuza.nl to reserve your orange T-shirt. For further information email us at mia-rsvp@minbuza.nl

Raffle is at 12:30pm at the Dutch pavilion.