Ravinia Business District Is On Cutting Edge With Bags League As Espn Declares The Game Of Cornhole (Bags) A Professional Sport
HIGHLAND PARK, IL (AUGUST 2019) - Session one of Bags League at Food Truck Thursdays in the Ravinia District of Highland Park was a smashing success. We are pleased to congratulate the team "Holey Toledo" (Bobby Huntington and Mackenzie Clement), winners of session one! With session two kicking off August 1-29, the Ravinia Business District is proud to be on the cutting edge as a recent news story by Forbes announced that the game of cornhole (or Bags) is a professional sport that will be airing on ESPN.
"Yes, cornhole, the popular tailgating and backyard game, is now a professional sport with a league (American Cornhole League), TV contract (ESPN), prize money (up to $1 million this season) and comprehensive rankings of players," says Forbes Magazine author Kurt Badenhausen.
ESPN is turning the game of Bags from a game of friendly competition to a true competitive sport. Whether playing Bags as a favorite tailgate activity, a way to engage with the community, or a competitive sport, The Ravinia Business District is glad to be a part of this up and coming cutting edge sport.
"I knew once Ravinia Business District introduced the Bags League at Food Truck Thursdays that it would be a major trend and on that leading edge," says Katie Wiswald, Chair of the Ravinia Business District Association and Vice President at Highland Park Bank & Trust. "It's a great way to interact with the neighbors, meet new friends and bring a lot of excitement to the community."
Session two of Bags League at Food Truck Thursdays will run August 1-29, from 6-8PM, in Jens Jensen Park between Roger Williams Avenue, Dean Avenue and St. Johns Avenue, across from the Ravinia Metra Station. The winner of each session will compete in a finale on September 5. The winning team will receive a cash prize that will be determined by the number of registrations, as well as two $500 Razny Jewelers' gift cards. The season will culminate with a celebration at Ravinia Brewing Co.
Food Truck Thursdays will continue until September 12th from 4:30 PM to Dusk. Alfresco diners are invited to come and enjoy a variety of food and drinks from a rotating series of more than a dozen food trucks every week, along with adult beverages from local restaurants including Abigail's American Bistro and Ravinia Brewing Company. While dining with family and friends, attendees can enjoy a wide range of music, as well as the Bags League (corn hole), and family-friendly crafts and activities. Food Truck Thursdays takes place on Dean Avenue between Roger Williams and St. Johns Avenues, and in Jens Jensen Park, across from the Ravinia Metra Station.
The public is encouraged to walk, or bike along the enhanced Green Bay Trail - Robert McLory Bike Trail that leads into the charming Ravinia District, ride the Metra north or south to Ravinia Station at Roger Williams in the Ravinia Business District, or take a Pace Bus. If traveling by car, Highland Park is easily accessible via north Lake Shore Drive to Sheridan Road, US 41 and 294. Exit Clavey Road east to Green Bay Road and east on Roger Williams Avenue. Free parking is available.
For sneak peaks of Bags League updates, weekly food trucks, music and event updates, be sure to like and follow RaviniaDistrict.HighlandPark on Facebook, or visit cityhpil.com/thingstodo.
Food Truck Thursdays and the Bags League is sponsored by the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners. Music in the Park is sponsored by the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners and the Highland Park Community Foundation. Bags League at Food Truck Thursday is also sponsored by Highland Park Bank & Trust, Razny Jewelers, Beanstalk Toyland & Bookstore, Baird & Warner Highland Park, Equinox Highland Park, Gilbert Orthodontics, Hub & Spoke Provisions, Ravinia Brewing Co. and Waterloo Sparkling Beverage.
Food Truck Thursdays is managed by Bensidoun USA. Music in the Park is managed by Life Rhythms. Bags League is managed by Ripple Public Relations. For information about participating in the Bags League contact Ripple Public Relations at (847) 432-6000, or info@ripplepublicrelations.com.
ABOUT THE RAVINIA DISTRICT OF HIGHLAND PARK
The Ravinia District is an eclectic mix of small-scale businesses, great restaurants and food specialty shops, and personal and professional services. All located within a few walkable blocks, this creative, quaint, friendly and historic neighborhood offers nearly anything a person might be looking for. A lovely location to dine before or after visiting the Ravinia Festival or the Chicago Botanic Garden, Ravinia District is just east of Green Bay Road in Highland Park on Roger Williams Avenue and hosts the Ravinia stop on the Metra train service.