Donate school supplies for free day at Arlington Park

Arlington Park will be free to all attendees on Sunday, as long as they are willing to give something back to the community.

The Arlington Heights racetrack will host its second "Arli Goes Back to School" event and school supply drive, named for the track's equine mascot.

The park is offering free general admission on Sunday for anyone who brings at least $8 worth of school supplies to be donated to needy children through the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation, said Howard Sudberry, senior director of marketing and communications.

Last year's inaugural event was a big hit.

"It was really successful. It was great to see how much stuff was donated," Sudberry said.

Arli will host a meet-and-greet with fans at 2:30 p.m. in the Junior Jockey Zone before he "heads back to school for the year." The park will also have pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, a bounce house and other entertainment free to all guests, starting at 1 p.m.