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With more than 150 fans to cheer them on, race drivers—ages 3,5, and 6—donned helmets and numbered pennants as they headed for the park district with their big wheels, two wheels and even training wheels. They were off to participate in the Park Ridge Recreation and Park District's first Mini Indy 500.

Through the eyes of these 22 children on a warm Saturday last fall the parking lot at the Park Ridge Community Center was transformed into the "real thing." Complete with music from the movie Rocky, a chalk drawn raceway, checkered flags and a live announcer with a flair for racetrack jargon, the kids had the chance to spend the day in the shoes of Al Unser, Jr., Michael Andretti or Emmerson Fittipaldi. It was a chance to participate in an activity usually reserved for grown-ups.

For the park district it was a huge public relations success. "Everyone enjoyed it. The kids had fun, the parents loved it and it went over extremely well with the staff," said JoAnn Engel, pre-school/special events supervisor at the Park Ridge Recreation and Park District.

This event was not only well received by the community-at-large but the media liked it too. Both local newspapers covered the event and published photos and stories. A photo of the winner of the five-year-old racing heat appeared on the front cover of the Pioneer Press newspaper. You can't beat that for great public awareness.

The idea for a Mini Indy 500 came about after it was suggested the district plan a new community event. After discussion, the staff agreed that children like to participate in adult activities that are geared towards children, and events that involve children and parents are popular with the residents. Someone had heard about a successful Mini Indy 500 held in another state. The staff decided they wanted to give it a try.

"The event was really easy to run because the enthusiasm was there," said Engel.

The district charged $2 per child as an entrance fee. According to Engel, the first year they just wanted to cover their costs for supplies, which included among other things enough ribbons and certificates for each participant. Every child who participated received a ribbon and a certificate. Those who actually finished the race first were awarded trophies.

"All the children were winners," said Engel. Even one three-year-old boy who decided that using the bike peddles was not his best option. He decided to walk it. But he didn't give up even after the peddlers had long crossed the finish line. With his mom walking by his side, all the kids started to cheer for him. Engel said he seemed perfectly content to come in last. She could tell by the big grin that surfaced on his face as he took the last few tiny steps that put him over the finish line.

It wasn't just the residents who were winners at Park Ridge's first Mini Indy 500. By all accounts, the Park Ridge Recreation and Park District was a winner, too. They hosted an inexpensive, family-centered event that both parents and children enjoyed and they attracted lots of positive media coverage. Give them a first place for a great public awareness program.

If you would like to know more about how you can host and publicize a Mini Indy 500, contact JoAnn Engel at 847/692-5127.

Laura A. Seymour is the public relations director for the Illinois Association of Park Districts. 

50 * Illinois Parks & Recreation * March/April 1996

Illinois Parks & Recreation * March/April 1996 * 51