Family Page
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2004 Family Event Schedule | Photos | Special Guests at The Park | Info
Family Entertainment for all Ages
Mercer Raceway Park is more than just racing. Entertaining and creating an enjoyable experience for all ages in a family atmosphere is crucial to the success of The Park.
“I saw you were having a big night for kids so I told my kids we would go- they had a blast! You’re really doing a super job there and I look forward to upcoming races. Again thanks for a great evening at the races,” described the Wasko Family.
Mercer Raceway Park’s goal is to create an environment that is conducive to fan-friendly activities. The Park’s unique atmosphere permeates throughout the facility. Special family promotions are the backbone of an exceptional schedule of events, which all centers on the $25 Family Pass and were highlighted by over $15,000 of valuable children’s giveaways.
“We chose the family path from day one,” explained owner Vicki Emig. “Hardcore racing enthusiasts sometimes scoff, but we’ve continued to focus on this direction. It has allowed us to expose the facility to new people, who most likely would have never chosen to spend their discretionary income on just racing alone. It’s been a great tool for building our fan-base.”
Max Weiss Law Firm along with his partners Brautigam and Dawson of Meadville, Pa. appreciates this unique approach to speedway marketing. For the second straight year, they were the presenting sponsor of the nine-event 2003 Special Family Events.
Mercer Raceway Park is the region’s only facility that continuously brings in nationally-loved television characters. “Donnie” & “Eliza” from Nickelodeon’s “Wild Thornberrys” made their first ever visit on May 24. Kids couldn’t wait to see Nickelodeon’s most popular star, “SpongeBob SquarePants,” on July 12 as they flocked in to be part of the “Photo Splash”. Unfortunately rains kept kids from meeting Nickelodeon’s “Hey Arnold!” and “Jimmy Neutron”. These two expect to come back in 2004 for “Meet the Boys”. “SpongeBob SquarePants” will be back again and will bring “Patrick” with him. Other scheduled guests will include Marvel’s “Spider-Man” and Nickelodeon’s “The Fairly OddParents”.
“Families now look forward every year as to what characters will be appearing at The Park,” stated Emig. “Its kind of become our niche in the area to host these nights, but none of it would be possible without Joan Kocan of Armstrong, who helps us secure these characters and nights. We always couple kids’ bike races and driver autographs with the character nights so it’s an all-around kids’ night.”
A new concept was designed in 2003 with “The Great School Escape”. Students from Mercer, Greenville, Wilmington, and Laurel school districts were invited to participate. All elementary students were given free passes to attend and their parents could attend for half-price. Laurel had the highest attendance and received a $500 donation to their library. One lucky student won a computer that was given away. As part of the theme of the night, school bus races were held for the first time ever. Tickets were also given away to Erie SeaWolves baseball, Waldameer Park, and Eracers Go-Kart Park.
For the fourth consecutive year, American Patriot Night admitted over 200 veterans plus scouts in free for a full night of racing and a fireworks display by Zambelli Internationale on June 28. The Zambellis returned on August 23 to present “In Honor of the Red, White, & Blue” - A salute to America. With the war ended, George Zambelli, Sr. wanted to honor the brave men and women, who have defended our great nation- both past and present. Mercer Raceway Park was again chosen to host this amazing show as a Zambelli customer/employee night.
“Thank you for your wonderful show of patriotism,” expressed Bruce and Barb Lallier. “We were fortunate enough to be present at the wonderful show you put on. The fireworks were awesome and the patriotic music made one feel good to be an American and appreciate what a great place we live in. With all we read in the news today about those in our country who are assaulting the values we hold in our hearts, it’s good to be able to attend a place where those values are still treasured. I wish you continued success and look forward to the many fine evenings we will spend at your fine facility.”
The fourth annual Mercer Raceway Park “In the Race with Jesus” Bible School was held at the Park July 7-10 drawing attendees from many different denominations. All children that participated received a free family pass for the races.
Over $5,000 of children’s prizes including bicycles, electronics, toys, and games were given away again on “Kidz Dayz 3” July 26. “It’s great to see the reaction on children’s faces when you hand them a quality toy,” said Emig. “Our strong marketing partner Armstrong again helped make this night possible.”
The third annual EMS Community Sireeeen Rally was again presented by Life Force Ambulance on August 2. Approximately 50 municipal emergency departments were honored. Fans stood and cheered for the fire, police, and rescue vehicles as they paraded around the speedway with their sirens blaring in a spectacle like none other.
Grove City Auto Mall returned as title sponsor of the “Meet Your Heroes” program. Three hundred color autograph cards were given to the children on five nights as they enter the gates to obtain autographs from their racing heroes.
“We’ve focused so much on the families that at the beginning of the season we decided it was time to add a special page on our website devoted to families,” acknowledged Emig. “It has our family schedule, pictures, guests that have appeared in the past, an information section geared to new people that have never attended The Park, and much more.”
As one can see, Mercer Raceway Park continuously strives to achieve a fan-friendly and family-like atmosphere. The 2004 season will be another exciting season from start to finish. The opportunities are endless for your company to join Mercer Raceway Park as we proceed into the future as becoming the region’s finest option for family entertainment.
