Ward and Smith Sponsors the 2026 Tour de Sunflower Memorial Bike Ride and Walk

On April 18, 2026, cyclists and walkers will gather at Midway Middle School for the Tour de Sunflower, a memorial bike ride and walk honoring Jackson Barefoot, a young musician who lost his life in a biking accident in the summer of 2018.

Jackson loved three things: playing the piano, playing the saxophone, and biking. On the day of his accident, he and a friend stopped to rest at a sunflower field, a moment that became so meaningful to his family and friends that the sunflower now serves as his symbol. Soft-spoken and encouraging by nature, Jackson used his musical talents to find his voice and uplift those around him.

In his memory, a group of family, friends, and community members formed “For the Love of Music” and established a scholarship fund for Midway High School graduates. Since 2019, $14,000 has been awarded to senior band students to help carry Jackson’s love of music forward.

Ward and Smith is a sponsor of this year’s event. More information about the event can be found here.