Maywood Park (11/15/12)
Contact: Tom Kelley
(708) 672-1414
TOYS FOR TOTS TO BENEFIT ON WINDY CITY PACE NIGHT
THE MOTORCYCLES ARE ON THE TRACK
A different kind of horsepower will be allowed on the track at Maywood Park
This Friday, November 16, 2012, Maywood Park kicks off their toy drive to help collect toys for the 35th Annual Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade. Bikers are encouraged to ride to the park by 6:00 pm for a first ever chance to ride their motorcycles around the track. Maywood Park has never allowed motorcycles on the track but want to provide a unique experience for those who come out to support Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade. To help with the Toy Drive, Maywood Park will also offer everyone who brings a toy on live racing nights (Thursday and Friday nights) free admission and $5 off the Winners Circle Dining Room Buffet – from November 16 – December 20.
Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade is excited to celebrate its 35th Anniversary with Maywood Park. While many toys are also collected from drop box locations all over the Chicagoland area, the main event is the parade. This year the parade is on December 2; always on the first Sunday of December. Every year, Chicagoland bikers meet at Dan Ryan Woods on a street-legal motorcycle with a toy to donate. There is no additional fee or cost. There is no sign-in or registration.
The parade begins at Dan Ryan Woods (83rd and Western) with bikes lining up at 6:00 am and rolling out at 9:30 am. Since a single group of 20,000 motorcyclists would severely hamper normal traffic, bus routes, and emergency vehicles, the parade is divided into 4 or 5 groups (called Tiers). The parade begins with Tier 1, and then an interval of approximately 15-20 minutes of normal traffic is provided before Tier 2 is released. The parade ends at DeVry University Chicago (Western and Roscoe) with overflow/alternate parking at Lane Tech High School. Remember, the Parade could last up to 5 hours.
The annual parade helps support the United States’ Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program (in their 65th year). Both programs ask that you remember a few things when deciding on a toy to donate: toys are collected for children of all ages and some of these children are ill or are in temporary homes that may not allow stuffed animals. Remember that many teenagers and young adults also need help at Christmastime. And, don't forget the batteries; batteries can be taped securely to the unwrapped toy. Please, no stuffed animals but gifts for teenagers are always welcome.
Leading up to parade day, riders eagerly watch the weather so that they can dress appropriately and prepare their motorcycles too. These bikers don't wait until the night before to discover that their bike needs work. They are resourceful and prepared for anything! And always remember to ride safe!
“It all started on a cold Chicago winter day in December 1978, a group of six friends, led by Vietnam Veteran Ed ‘Aminal’ Wisniewski, jumped on their motorcycles to deliver presents to needy children. Little did they know that the kindness in their hearts would become one of the biggest charitable traditions in Chicago!”
For more information call (773) 866-TOYS or 708-598-4909, email info@chicagolandtft.org or visit www.chicagolandtft.org.
