HIGH SCHOOL Dragon Day: back for more family fun

The cheerleaders and marching band will help introduce the football team.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- Fans of the Niles Red Dragons can get a sneak peek at the high school football team this weekend.
Dragon Day returns for the second year, beginning with a Fun Run at 9 a.m. Sunday at Bo Rein Stadium behind Niles McKinley High School.
Kelly Pallante, vice president of the Niles Football Moms, which coordinates the annual event, said Dragon Day is filled with activities for the entire family, and it also gives football fans a chance to gear up for the new season.
Activities
The day kicks off with the Fun Run, for which runners can register that morning for $10. The entry fee also guarantees participants a T-shirt. The run starts at the stadium.
Also on tap for Dragon Day is a punt, pass and kick clinic beginning at 2 p.m. The clinic is open to children ages 7-14 and costs $10.
"The winners in each age group will get a chance to stand on the sidelines down on the field during a home football game," Pallante said.
For those who want to learn the best way to root for the home team, the Niles high school cheerleaders will sponsor a cheer clinic, also beginning at 2 p.m. The registration fee is $5.
Food and fun
In between the clinics and the introduction of the football team, Pallante said, there will be games, food and even horse rides.
"It's a day where the family can come out and enjoy things," she said. "We want to get everyone together and get them excited about football and the new school year."
Pallante noted that booster clubs for all fall sports will be at the stadium, each providing a different food booth. A giant, inflatable jumping pen and slide will be on the grounds, and there also will be a dunking booth.
There will be a small fee for each activity and for the food, Pallante said.
The Niles McKinley Red Dragons football team will be formally introduced at 5:30 p.m., with the cheerleaders and marching band cheering them on, Pallante said.
The evening will close out with a Battle of the Bands, which will feature at least four high-school based rock bands, she said.
"That was a big hit last year, so we decided to bring it back," she said.
Bands can register for the competition for $25, and audience members will judge the winner, who will receive $100.
For more information on Dragon Day, contact Pallante at (330) 652-0098, or Joy Sears, Niles Football Moms president, at (330) 652-0083.
slshaulis@vindy.com