Fun For All at Family Fun Night

Aug. 6 , 2005

By Alissa Wendling
UW-RF Public Affairs

This year's Family Fun Night, sponsored by Coca-Cola Bottling of Red Wing/River Falls, had everything from autographs, pictures, games and face painting, to food and fireworks.

When the gates opened fans had a chance to participate in the Chiefs Experience. An obstacle course and precision course, as well as field goal chip shot and catching stations were part of the fun. Participants received a report card rating their performance.

Four members of the Indianhead Sport Parachute Club glided gracefully to the ground at 6 p.m. A short time later, Chiefs President Carl Peterson, Coach Dick Vermeil and Mary Halada, UW-RF vice chancellor for administration and finance, addressed the crowd. Chuck Brictson was the emcee.

"We are so pleased to have hosted the Kansas City Chiefs for the last 15 years. I would like to thank the Chiefs for being such wonderful guests. The entire organization has been wonderful to work with. We look forward to another 15 years and another successful season," said Halada.

Peterson followed with some kind words about Chiefs fans and River Falls. "It's great to be back in beautiful River Falls. We thank you (fans from Kansas City), and Wisconsin fans as well, for your support. Kansas City, I know that many of you over the last 15 years have made this your summer home also, and have planned your vacations and time to come up and visit the beautiful states of Wisconsin and Minnesota. Every year at the end of training camp you (the University) ask us 'Can we do it better, what do you want done?' and the next year it is better."

Vermeil wrapped things up before the autograph session started. "I'd like to say thank you to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls for doing a fine job of hosting us and doing everything they've done to make the facilities better for us and giving us no excuses for practicing poorly. Everything here is first class and we appreciate it very much. The team you'll watch tonight is a little banged and bruised, a little tired and sore, and not the team you'll see on Sept. 11. But it's the best football team that I've been with since I've been here, and it's going to be a real good football team."

When Vermeil finished, the players and coaches approached the south fence and signed autographs for the next half hour for eager fans, both young and old. The Chiefs then headed to the main field and practiced until about 9 p.m.

Tim Rick, his wife Rebecca and his brother David were the first in line for Family Fun Night. They came from Coon Rapids, Minn., because Rebecca   "has a thing for Dante Hall " and she wanted to get his autograph. This is the second year that Rebecca has come to camp and the 10th year for Rick and David. "It's fun because there are a lot of good kids and it's so family oriented," said Rebecca. "It really gives kids a chance to be a part of something cool."

Todd and Lisa Hammer are attending Summer Training Camp for the second time. Along with them are sons Brady and Ryen. Brady is a Priest Holmes fan and Ryen is a Tony Gonzalez fan. Since the family is from Peoria, Ill., they are also huge Boomer Grigsby fans. They followed the rookie all throughout his collegiate career. The family has been to six Chiefs games in their lifetime and predicts that the team will go 11-5 this season.

The Ramer Field Sports Complex was filled with smells of food. The concession stands were kept busy throughout the evening. Face painting and music were also available for fans to enjoy.

The fans were treated to passing and running drills by the Chiefs during practice. Running back Priest Holmes had a very good practice under the lights. In the first series of 11-on-11's, Holmes took a hand off from quarterback Trent Green and rambled 25-yards to the end zone. In 9-on-9's, Holmes took another hand off from Green to complete an outside run of 35-yards into the end zone. After each play the crowd went wild with excitement.

The Chiefs' revamped defense had another string practice. Vermeil stated that the "defense is trying really hard to get better," and they proved it tonight. The intensity of the defense was sky high, led by rookie Derrick Johnson. Johnson showed his presence on the field by smashing into fullback Tony Richardson during 1-on-1 drills, and the fans cheered enthusiastically.

As the Chiefs exited the field, after practice another group of athletes were entering. The winners of the Punt, Pass & Kick competition patiently waited for their turn to meet Vermeil and have a photograph taken with him. Their names were announced for everyone to hear and they received their trophies as fans cheered them on. Fed Ex Ground and Fed Ex Home Delivery are sponsors of the Punt, Pass & Kick competition. The night was capped off with fireworks display by Rolf Halverson Fireworks.

The night was a success for Chiefs and fans alike. Laughs and cheers could be heard throughout the Ramer Field Sports Complex as about 3,000 fans attended the event. The 3,000 is second best in attendance in the history of Family Fun Night. In 1993 3,361 fans attended when Joe Montana was with the Chiefs. In 2004 1,871 fans attended.

Family Fun Night is a special way for the Kansas City Chiefs to say "thank you" to all of their fans, the community, and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, who help support them while they make their summer three-week home on campus.