Weekend Sports Fun Slated for Saturday, July 11, at the Orange County Great Park

Join Anaheim Ducks, LA Galaxy, Futboleros for Interactive Sports Activities

July 8, 2009 – IRVINE, California – The Anaheim Ducks, LA Galaxy and Futboleros Street Teams are calling all kids to join them for a fun day of interactive sports activities at the Orange County Great Park 4th Anniversary Celebration - “Growing the Park.” This day-long family fun festival combines the fun of honing your hockey skills, being taught amazing soccer tricks plus meeting Wild Wing, the popular Anaheim Ducks mascot. “Growing the Park” will take place Saturday, July 11th from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

“Growing the Park” also marks a special look at the past, present and future of the Great Park at three themed areas: the Back Forty, the Runway and Sky’s the Limit. The day may include a special “fly-in” by two rare and historically significant aircraft that will become part of the proposed Aviation and Heritage Museum. Wing walkers will perform daring acrobatic feats. Modern military equipment and vintage artifacts will be on display. The Discovery Science Center will feature hands-on children’s science activities and challenges. All visitors will receive a free Great Park Conservancy tote bag per family, while supplies last. Families will enjoy a petting zoo, music, kite flying and balloon rides.

The Back Forty will feature the Anaheim Ducks Street Team, a Farm and Food Lab, food booths and petting zoo. The Runway will showcase the wing walker show, the vintage aircraft and fire truck displays, and radio-controlled airplane demonstrations. Sky’s the Limit will present the LA Galaxy Street Team, kite flying and kite-making demonstrations.

At a display sponsored by the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee, Marines will simulate loading and firing a “155″ cannon and display artillery and military vehicles. Children can try on Marine Corps gear and get the feel of being a Marine.

“We are excited about our 4th anniversary celebration,” said Larry Agran, Chair, Orange County Great Park Corporation Board. “Every year the event grows larger along with the Great Park. We anticipate that thousands of visitors from throughout Orange County will enjoy the many activities being featured.”

“The Great Park is truly a park for everyone,” said Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang. “The City of Irvine is proud to be home of the Orange County Great Park and invites everyone to join us for our celebration.”

“Later this summer, the Great Park will begin the next phase of park development,” said Mike Ellzey, Chief Executive Officer, Orange County Great Park. “In September, our board and staff will be considering a 500-acre development plan, which includes soccer fields in the sports park, the completion of the 27.5-acre Preview Park surrounding the Great Park Balloon, and a 125-acre agricultural area. The plan includes event lawns, picnic meadows, a cultural terrace site, a performance bowl, a 20-acre lake and 7.3 miles of walking and bicycle paths.”

A video news release has been prepared for your use to pre-promote the event. Please find links below for your free use.

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Press Contact:
Craig Reem
Director of Communications & Public Affairs
City of Irvine
(949) 724-6077