March 1, 2015
Okay, so this date isn't exactly "history," however today's’ event at the Wells Fargo Center will be much more important in history than the Flyers-Rangers game some 15 hours prior.
Today will be the 38th Annual Flyers Wives Carnival with the proceeds benefiting Flyers Charities. This has become one of the most popular and fan interactive events in all of sports, not just Philadelphia sports. It has been a successful model for many other sports teams’ charitable events to emulate over the years and another example of the dedication from the Snider family and Comcast-Spectacor to the Delaware Valley.
The first Flyers carnival event was held on February 1, 1977. Although it was a successful event, its charitable focus changed a few months later. With the death of Flyer defenseman Barry Ashbee from leukemia on May 12, 1977, the carnival and its fundraising purpose became the "Fight for Lives." The carnival and the proceeds were directed toward the research in fighting and defeating leukemia for many years thereafter.
As time has passed and other initiatives were included, Comcast–Spectacor Charities, which includes Flyers Charities along with Global Spectrum Charities, has donated over $25 million to its various charities, including the research against leukemia along with numerous youth and recreational programs throughout the Delaware Valley.
Over the many years, the dedication of the Flyers’ Wives to work voluntarily behind the scenes months in advance in the preparation of this annual event is nothing short of amazing. The players themselves, both the current and Flyers’ Alumni, come to give back to the fans with an autograph, a picture, or a conversation.
Where else can you get a autographed stick signed by Jake Voracek, knock a player into the cold water of a dunk tank or bump into Dave "the Hammer" Schultz along the concourse? If you’re like me, you can even meet Jeremy Roenick and hold his Olympic Silver Medal while getting your picture taken (2002). He was one of my favorite players to meet and that is about as close to an Olympic medal as I will get, but I’ll take it!
It’s a day to celebrate the Flyers and its organization while raising money for some fantastic charities. You can have the opportunity to meet your favorite Flyer from your childhood or take your son or daughter to meet their favorite player on this years’ team. All in all, there’s little doubt that the Wells Fargo Center will be filled with smiles all afternoon.
For more info on the Carnival, you can click here as doors open at 12:30 pm and the event runs this afternoon until 6 pm.
Feel free to leave a comment of your favorite Flyers Carnival moment!
Mike Watson is a contributing writer for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on twitter @Mwats_99.
