Kidsfest-Chicago Comes to the DuPage Expo in St. Charles, IL Oct. 14-15

Fun Family Extravaganza Promotes Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Kids

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. October 14, 2008

Parents and kids can look forward to a spectacular, activity-filled celebration as KIDSFEST-CHICAGO comes to the DuPage Expo, located at 4050 East Main St. in St. Charles, Illinois on Friday, October 14, 2005 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday, October 15, 2005 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is free.

KIDSFEST-CHICAGO is designed to give kids positive messages about being healthy and educate parents how best to prevent the number one health problem of today's children - being overweight. This event will help raise awareness of this important children's health issue and the importance of establishing healthy habits at a young age. One of the key goals is to provide kids - and their parents - with the skills and encouragement they need to make smart food choices and adopt healthy, active lifestyles.

This hands-on event, now in its second year, offers children aged kindergarten through eighth grade a wide range of stimulating, interactive activities to illustrate that being healthy is also about having fun. More than 5,000 children, family members and school staff are expected to participate in this two-day non-stop exhibition while learning about healthy choices for living.

On two main stages there will be entertaining, participatory events. Throughout the Expo, there will be several interactive exhibits and programming, including a rock climbing wall sponsored by the California Raisin Marketing Board, Dance Dance Revolution sponsored by Hyperfit, martial arts, cooking demonstrations that promote proper nutritional awareness and the Junior Chef Challenge sponsored by the ACF Windy City Professional Culinarians. Each is designed to actively engage children and their parents in learning about healthy food and fitness choices. Radio Disney will join in the fun again, as well with their Party Patrol on Saturday.

KIDSFEST-CHICAGO is produced by the Illinois Nutrition Education and Training (NET) Program, a non-profit organization that supports children's achievement by promoting healthy choices. Research shows that healthy children are more likely to reach their academic potential. Illinois NET provides free training and resources to child care and school staff in the support of health education for children.

Major sponsorship support for KIDSFEST-CHICAGO is provided by Sodexho, the Daily Herald and Radio Disney. Additional sponsors include the California Raisin Marketing Board, the Illinois Soybean Association, Garden Fresh Restaurants, Clif Bar, Ian's Natural Foods, Hinckley Springs, Hyperfit and the Illinois State Treasurer's Office.

For more information about KIDSFEST-CHICAGO, including sponsorship and participation opportunities, please call Illinois NET at (815)-895-9227 or visit our website at www.kidseatwell.org.

"FIT & FUN STAGE"

Activity Stage Schedule

Sponsored by Radio Disney

Friday, October 14

10:30 am McNulty School of Irish Dance

11:30 am Women's Sports Foundation - Olympic Judo Athlete

12:30 pm Neuqua Valley High School Dance Team (Naperville, IL)

1:30 pm Slim Goodbody (sponsored by the Illinois Soybean Assoc)

2:30 pm Bally's Total Fitness - interactive martial arts demo

3:30 pm Chicago Rush Cheerleaders

4:30 pm Bally's Total Fitness - interactive fitness demo

Saturday, October 15

10:30 am Women's Sports Foundation - Olympic Judo Athlete

11:30 am McNulty School of Irish Dancers

12:30 pm Slim Goodbody (sponsored by the Illinois Soybean Assoc)

1:30 pm Midwest Academy of Gymnastics

2:30 pm Radio Disney

4:00 pm Bally's Total Fitness

"MAKE IT, TASTE IT, PLAY IT" CENTER

(Interactive Area) Schedule

Sponsored by the Daily Herald

Friday, October 14

10:30 am Health World Children's Museum (My 3-D Pyramid)

11:30 am Flavors of North America

12:30 pm Obesity Initiative

1:30 pm Noah's Ark Workshop Fitness/Activity Dolls

2:30 pm Health World Children's Museum (My 3-D Pyramid)

3:30 pm Flavors of North America

4:30 pm Noah's Ark Workshop Fitness/Activity Dolls

Saturday, October 15

10:30 am Obesity Initiative

11:30 am Health World Children's Museum (My 3-D Pyramid)

12:30 pm Noah's Ark Workshop Fitness/Activity Dolls

1:30 pm Flavors of North America

2:30 pm Health World Children's Museum (My 3-D Pyramid)

3:30 pm Flavors of North America

4:30 pm Noah's Ark Workshop Fitness/Activity Dolls

FEATURE ATTRACTION:

IRON CHEF-STYLE JUNIOR CHEF CHALLENGE

This culinary contest is open to Illinois sixth through ninth grade students, who compete in teams consisting of 2-3 students, a nutrition advisor and a culinary advisor. Teams prepare original recipes for a snack or mini-meal. Recipes must meet USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005. Competing teams will present their recipes on-stage in an "Iron Chef"-style competition, on Saturday, October 15, 2005.

There is still time to enter. Entries must be sent via fax by September 23, 2005 or postmarked by September 23, 2005 if sending via postal mail. Contact the Illinois Nutrition Education and Training Program at (800) 466-7998 or www.kidseatwell.org for more information.

FEATURE ATTRACTION: SLIM GOODBODY

Fun and Fit Stage - Friday, October 14 at 1:30 p.m.; Saturday, October 15 at 12:30 p.m.

John Burstein, better known as Slim Goodbody, has entertained children with his unique, exciting shows for thirty years. Currently his programs air on more than 120 public television stations nationwide and he has authored more than a dozen children's books. Donning his signature outfit, he educates children by combining humor, music and incredible visuals into an inspiring performance.

FEATURE ATTRACTION: LEARN IRISH DANCING WITH THE McNULTY SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE

Fit and Fun Stage - Friday, October 14 at 10:30 a.m.; Saturday, October 15 at 11:30 a.m.

From humble beginnings in Naperville Illinois, the McNulty School of Irish Dance has grown into one of the largest, most active dance schools in the Midwest. The school offers Irish dance lessons throughout the Chicago suburban area, in Bloomington, Champaign, and Rockford Illinois, and in Dubuque Iowa.

The McNulty School's program is designed to challenge each dancer to achieve his or her personal best - both on and off the dance floor. Students develop concentration skills, coordination, and self-confidence that serve them well in all facets of life. Irish dance offers tremendous opportunities to all students, regardless of cultural or ethnic background.

FEATURE ATTRACTION:

DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION SPONSORED BY HYPERFIT

DDR- Dance Dance Revolution - an interactive video game for PC, Playstation and Xbox, was first created by Konami of Japan about 6 years ago. It has become one of the most popular video games.

Hyperfit, (www.hyperfit.com) fitness experts, have developed several scaled-up versions of this game that allow several children or adults to play simultaneously, perfect for a group setting. Hyperfit views DDR as an evolutionary shift away from skill-based physical education programs to fitness/wellness focused curriculums. As consultants, they have become leaders in educational project planning and facilitation, worked closely with district administrators and teachers.

FEATURE ATTRACTION:

CHICAGO ADRENALINE RUSH DANCERS

Fit and Fun Stage - Friday, October 14 at 3:30 p.m.

The Adrenaline Rush dancers are the popular (and hot) dance squad for the Chicago Rush arena football team, known for their dancing ability, appearance and personality. Members of the team will perform and lead an interactive dance program for Kidsfest attendees.

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Media Contact: Kurman Communications, Inc.

Lee Barrie, [email protected]

Cindy Kurman, [email protected]

312-651-9000