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Medieval knights to help school reach goals at weekend fair

The Knights will meet the knights during a community event known as the St. Hubert Catholic School Track-a-thon when two knights from Medieval Times race in for "show time."

The school's sport teams and cheerleaders, who are called the St. Hubert Knights, and students, alumni, parents, teachers and anyone who just likes to compete will welcome the medieval style knights at the 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. fundraiser Saturday, Sept. 13, at the school, Grand Canyon Street and Flagstaff Lane.

It is unknown whether the valiant knights will ride in on their horses but they will perform in a 9 a.m. show.

Bea Candre, president of the school advisory board, one which sponsors the event alongside members of the newly founded Development Core Team, hopes the Black Knight and his counterpart the Gold Knight will appear to celebrate the school's black and gold colors.

"Nearby Chino Park will be turned into a family fair with attractions and refreshment stands," Candre said."

Some attractions are a bungee run, a rock climbing slide, a seven-part obstacle course and a Moon Jump. There will be favorite fair fare such as hot dogs, cotton candy and snow cones.

With a theme of "Follow in His Footsteps," one that parallels both the school and the archdiocesan theme, the event seeks funds from donations, pledges for each lap a child, parent or alumnus walks and sponsorships.

One of those alums, Joe Tatara, son of Alan and Stephanie Tatara of Hoffman Estates, recalls his track-a-thon days. Now a junior at Hoffman Estates High School with an aim to major in forensic science when he heads to college, Joe says he accumulated nine themed T-shirts from years of participation. He accepted pledges from his aunts and uncles, something today's students are in the midst of accomplishing, too.

Principal Vito DeFrisco and Vice Principal Alison O'Connor will open the event when they step-off at 8 a.m. in time to a deejay's lively music. DeFrisco said it is a 31-year-old tradition for the principal to walk the first lap, usually in a costume complementing the theme but considering the theme, he thinks not.

"This is a great opportunity to raise awareness of St. Hubert School, generate an income source and gather all to celebrate our school," DeFrisco said. "Our school's positive push is 'fostering faith, imparting knowledge, developing community,' so track-a-thon will advance our school mission and strengthen our community."

Candre, who will oversee the day's progress, will spend time at the information table where volunteers answer questions or pass out band-aids. One of the Candre children, Frankie, named after his dad, Frank, is an alumnus, a freshman at Conant High School and will participate. Dad Frank coached boys' basketball and now coaches his daughter Laura's seventh-grade basketball team. Laura and third-grader Matthew will follow in their older sibling's footsteps by doing laps.

"While this event raises funds, it also instills school and community spirit and healthy competition to vie for prizes and trophies," Candre said.

There is no preregistration or fee for alumni, public school children or adults from the community. Show up and run.

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