The annual Flyers Charities Carnival took place Sunday February 23rd and as they say, a good time was had by all. The Flyers Carnival has become a time honored tradition spanning five decades. The first event was held on February 1st 1977. Originally the proceeds went to help Flyer Barry Ashbee who was battling leukemia at the time. Sadly, Ashbee passed later that same year but the Carnival lived on in his honor.
The proceeds raised by the event go towards aiding local families affected by cancer throughout the Philadelphia region. A percentage of the funds also goes towards reviving play spaces in the area to grow the game of hockey.
So it’s a good time for great cause. Here is a quick look inside this year’s event.
I had a chance to talk to some Flyers fans who were out enjoying the event. It was a nice crowd, everyone in a good mood. And why not? If you’re a Flyers Fan this was the place to be.
The carnival is one of the many traditions that surround the sports community in this area. Everyone pulling together to help each other out. It’s part of what makes our city a special place. I think people like to talk us down because they are just jealous of all the brotherly love that goes on around here.
They should see how we treat each other with the front door at WaWa. The most polite place on the planet. (the parking lot is an entirely different story for some reason).
These nice people struck up a conversation with me while we were waiting to see someone hit the target and put Haley Taylor Simon into the dunk tank. Alvin told me what he loves most about the Philadelphia sports community, “We’re always go getters, we’re die-hard players, we’re die-hard fans”. And yes Haley did go into the tank, several times. She’s a good sport.
I spoke with this little guy’s family and they said that Christian is also a hockey player. He plays at Rizzo Rink in South Philly. Rizzo is a great neighborhood rink with a fantastic kids hockey program. Perhaps he’ll be signing jerseys at the Flyers Charities Carnival someday.
Next Up: The Flyers play host to the Pittsburgh Penguins Tuesday night at 7:00 PM
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