If fun is part of the mix, then Children’s Dentistry of Forest Park can’t be far away—so it’s only natural that the practice is the title sponsor of the 2nd Annual Forest Park Flapper Ghost Casket Race on Saturday, Oct. 26th.
The event, which puts a lighthearted, festive spin on a traditionally downer of a topic—nothing short of death—was a big success last year in its inaugural campaign. The Forest Park Chamber of Commerce & Development is organizing the event, which plays on the community’s reputation as the Village of Cemeteries.
The inspiration for the event flows from this statistical peculiarity: an estimated 30 times more people have been interred in Forest Park’s cemeteries than currently reside in the town.
“What a great way to ‘raise’ awareness, celebrate community ‘spirit’ while connecting to Forest Park’s history,” said Laurie Kokenes, executive director of the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce & Development.
With Dr. Jerry Udelson leading the charge, last year’s Children’s Dentistry crew, adorned in tooth fairy outfits, finished second in its race and received rave reviews for its showing. The practice, known for its “Little Teeth Big Smiles” slogan, will be competing again this year.
“We invite the community to cheer us on,” said Udelson. “We will do our best to bury the competition and take home the 1st place tombstone trophy.”
The time for teams to check in is 9 a.m. and the races begin at 10 a.m., at Beloit Avenue and Madison Street in downtown Forest Park. Teams representing a variety of businesses, organizations and groups of friends will vie to advance through a series of heats.
Each race is 195 yards long, or nearly the length of two football fields, as a team of four people push one individual inside the “casket” that they have prepared. Caskets can range in size from 2 feet wide by 5 feet long to 3 feet 10 inches wide by 8 feet long.
In addition to trophies for the top three finishers, trophies will be awarded for the creepiest and the funniest ‘casket car’ designs. US99 radio reporter Bonnie Greene will serve as one of the judges.
For more information, visit http://www.exploreforestpark.com/index.php/events/chamber_events or call the Chamber office at 708-366-2543. For a look at some of last year’s event, see: http://youtu.be/W1nVpz3j0yU.
Children’s Dentistry of Forest Park is at 1125 S. Harlem Ave., just north of Roosevelt Road, and online at www.kidsdentistforestpark.com.
