CHICAGO, IL - The Chicago Fire is participating in a series of community events across the Chicagoland area over the next week. Throughout the year, the Chicago Fire participates in hundreds of community events to work with youth, charities and other organizations to promote the game of soccer by advocating wellness, healthy lifestyle choices, physical activities and education.
This week's events range from an appearance by Fire players Andrew Dykstra and Peter Lowry at the Chicago Fire community soccer series at Horner Park on Thursday to an appearance by Sparky and the Fire Express at the WGN Back-to-School Kid's Fair on Friday morning, featuring food, health screenings, and safety tips to get kids ready for the upcoming school year. Fire players Wilman Conde and John Thorrington will be on hand for a Bush's Beans back-to-school drive on Saturday.
Schedule of Community Events
What: Community Soccer Series
When: Thursday, August 6, 2009
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Where: Horner Park
2741 W. Montrose Avenue, Chicago
Who: Sparky and Fire players Peter Lowry and Andrew Dykstra will be at the event, a clinic that features soccer drills, technique instruction, and mini-games for kids, as well as an exclusive Q-and-A and autograph session with the Fire players. The clinic is free, but space is limited to the first 200 registrants. Please call (708) 496-6754 to reserve a spot in advance.
What: WGN 8th Annual Back-to-School Kid's Fair
When: Friday, August 7, 2009
6:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Where: WGN Studio
2501 W. Bradley Place, Chicago
Who: Sparky and the Fire Express will be on-air at the event on Friday morning. The Back-to-School Kid's Fair will feature food, health screenings, safety tips, and entertainment for kids and parents. The Chicago Fire will be at the event with its penalty kick inflatable so kids can take a bounce around during the event.
What: Fire Fridays at Brookfield Zoo
When: Friday, August 7, 2009
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road, Brookfield
Who: Join Sparky for a day of fun, sun, and animals at the Brookfield Zoo this Friday, and take a bounce around in the Chicago Fire inflatable obstacle course.
What: Festival Latino
When: Saturday, August 8, 2009
Noon - 10:30 PM
Where: Lake County Fairground
800 S. Court St.
Crown Point, Indiana
What: Join the Chicago Fire for family fun and entertainment along with Roberto Clemente, Jr, internationally renown band Tierra, and a "Latino Idol" contest at 5:30 PM.
What: Raging Waves Waterpark
When: Saturday, August 8, 2009
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Where: Raging Waves Waterpark
4000 N. Bridge Street, Yorkville
Who: The Australian-themed waterpark has tube slides that are designed for families to ride together, speed slides, a lazy river, the Great Barrier Reef wavepool, and interactive kiddie areas. On select days, kids can play in the Chicago Fire obstacle course inflatable too! Kids Club parents should email sparky@chicago-fire.com to receive a coupon for $3 off entry for up to five people.
What: Back-to-School with Jewel Osco and Bush's Beans
When: Saturday, August 8, 2009
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Where: 3644 S. Archer, Chicago
Who: Fire players Wilman Conde and John Thorrington will be on hand to sign autographs for fans. Fans can donate back to school items for needy kids.
What: Chicago White Sox Mascot Game
When: Sunday, August 9, 2009
11:30 AM (game at 1:05 PM)
Where: U.S. Cellular Field
333 W. 35th Street, Chicago
Who: Sparky, along with other Chicagoland mascots, will be cheering on fellow Chicago team the Chicago White Sox, as they take on the Cleveland Indians this Sunday. Watch the mascots as they participate in various games and contests during the game.
ABOUT CHICAGO FIRE SOCCER
Chicago Fire Soccer was founded on October 8, 1997 as a Major League Soccer expansion team. The Fire won the MLS Cup in its inaugural season in 1998 and was crowned the champion of U.S. Soccer's national tournament, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, in 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2006. In June 2006, the Fire moved into its world-class home of TOYOTA PARK, located in Bridgeview, IL.
ABOUT TOYOTA PARK
Located 15 minutes from downtown Chicago and minutes from Midway airport off of I-55 on Harlem Avenue, TOYOTA PARK is the Midwest's preeminent outdoor live entertainment and sporting facility. Opened in 2006, TOYOTA PARK not only serves as the home of the Chicago Fire, but also hosts a variety of sporting events, special events and concerts by national and international artists. In 2009, artists ranging from Jimmy Buffett to Phish will perform live at TOYOTA PARK.
