Annual Skaters' Picnic set for Sept. 3

Event Hosted by KidsMatter, the Naperville Police Department and the Naperville Park District Police

Skaters of all ages and their families are invited to the 8th annual Skaters' Picnic at the Centennial Beach Skate Park in downtown Naperville on Saturday, September 3, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. during the Jaycee's Last Fling Celebration.

This free event hosted by KidsMatter, the Naperville Police Department, and the Naperville Park District Police will provide skaters with a free lunch, a free raffle ticket for some amazing prizes, and a free t-shirt to the first 100 skaters.

Character Skateboards will bring professional skaters to perform skate demonstrations and a live DJ will be on hand courtesy of Ben Wiersum Sound Technology. Other highlights of the event include a donut eating contest refereed by Mayor Pradel, a pie eating competition and skateboard games!

“The Skaters' Picnic provides our police the opportunity to meet our skating youth on their own turf. KidsMatter's purpose is to create a comfortable venue for interaction between the kids and adults to communicate our appreciation for who they are and what they enjoy doing.” said IdaLynn Wenhold, executive director for KidsMatter. Commander Ken Parcel of the Naperville Police Department added, “This is a great way for us to meet our young people in a non-threatening environment, share in some fun and live up to our departmental mission of “partnership with the community.” We are also fortunate to have a community which supports these types of efforts.”

This event is made possible by our sponsors - Character Skateboards, Ben Wiersum Sound Technology, Belgio's Catering, the Jaycees, KidsMatter Champions who value the skating youth of this community. KidsMatter's mission is to equip youth and families with tools to manage the stress of everyday life through dynamic school and community programs, practical education, resources and youth recognition. We harness the power of partnership with parents, educators and an extensive network of community resources to help kids and families thrive.

For more information about this event, please contact Viveka Ross, KidsMatter Marketing/Event Manager, viveka@kidsmatter2us.org at 630.527.6562 or Commander Ken Parcel at 630-305-5485. Visit KidsMatter's website at www.kidsmatter2us.org.