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We are a Chicago sports family. Despite the fact that my wife was born in Michigan, she has joined the “good guys…for the most part.
When the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup, she asked me “ are you going to take the kids to the parade?”
My initial response was “heck yes! We are going to paint our faces, dress the baby up like the Stanley Cup and party our butts off!”
Then I thought back to 2010 and the millions of screaming fans, jammed together jockeying for their moment to see the cup, the players and share their enthusiasm for the team.
“No.” I sighed. “I am not sure this is the best place to take the kids.”
As much fun as the parade can be and as much as we want to show our support of the team, dragging my kids down to the heart of the city with millions of other people to yell and scream, may not be the best thing for them.
That being said, if you have a “spot” or building where you can watch the parade, it should be a great time, without all the pushing and shoving.
If you are heading down, plan ahead:
Bring snacks for the kids.
Bring water and make sure they hydrate.
Make sure they are wearing sun screen.
It sounds paranoid, but with the younger kids, write their name, address and your phone number, put it in their pockets. If they get lost, they have that.
Older kids should have a cell phone and a meeting place of you get separated.
As eager as everyone is to see the cup and the players, it will make the rounds, the Blackhawks host a 5K every September in conjunction with the start of training camp.
The 5K Mad Dash to Madison, is a family friendly event, where kids get to get up close to the players, the cup in a safe less crowded environment. It’s held as part of the team’s annual Training Camp Festival, a day-long event filled with activities both outside and inside the United Center
In addition to the morning’s run/walk and skate, there’s also Blackhawks Live Practice and Scrimmages open to fans, a “3 on 3” street hockey tournament, live music and much more.
The Mad Dash to Madison hasn’t opened for registration, yet.
Click here for more information and keep checking back for the date.
I plan on turning on the surround sound, dressing the baby up like the Stanley Cup and going bonkers in our house with black and red cupcakes and Kool Ade.
Whatever you do, do it safe, have fun and Go Hawks!!!!
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