FRY Fest: Difference between revisions
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FRY fest was created in 2009 as a collaborative effort between the Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, City of Coralville, and University of Iowa Athletics, to bring a “Celebration of all that is Hawkeye” to the State of Iowa and fans nationwide. The event is named after one of the greatest Hawkeyes of all-time and the man who is responsible for bringing the TigerHawk to the University of Iowa…Hayden Fry. |
FRY fest was created in 2009 as a collaborative effort between the Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, City of Coralville, and University of Iowa Athletics, to bring a “Celebration of all that is Hawkeye” to the State of Iowa and fans nationwide. The event is named after one of the greatest Hawkeyes of all-time and the man who is responsible for bringing the TigerHawk to the University of Iowa…Hayden Fry. |
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The first three years |
The first three years have honored football coaches Hayden Fry and Forest Evashevski, and wrestling coach and Olympic Gold Medalist, Dan Gable. Other activities include The World’s Largest Hawkeye Tradeshow, a show and shine car show, autograph sessions with coaches and former athletes, a Hawkeye pep rally, outdoor concerts, and the festival’s most popular accomplishment, breaking the Guinness World Record for the Largest Hokey Pokey Dance with 7,384 participants! |
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The |
The forth annual event will take place on FRYday, September 7, 2012 and will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the University of Iowa vs Iowa State University rivalry. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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Revision as of 20:42, 23 December 2011
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| FRY fest | |
|---|---|
| Dates | Friday prior to Iowa Hawkeye Football Season |
| Location(s) | Iowa River Landing, Coralville, Iowa |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Website | http://www.fryfest.com |
FRY fest, “a Celebration of all that is Hawkeye,” is held annually in the Iowa City and Coralville area the Friday prior to the Iowa Hawkeye Football season.
FRY fest was created in 2009 as a collaborative effort between the Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, City of Coralville, and University of Iowa Athletics, to bring a “Celebration of all that is Hawkeye” to the State of Iowa and fans nationwide. The event is named after one of the greatest Hawkeyes of all-time and the man who is responsible for bringing the TigerHawk to the University of Iowa…Hayden Fry.
The first three years have honored football coaches Hayden Fry and Forest Evashevski, and wrestling coach and Olympic Gold Medalist, Dan Gable. Other activities include The World’s Largest Hawkeye Tradeshow, a show and shine car show, autograph sessions with coaches and former athletes, a Hawkeye pep rally, outdoor concerts, and the festival’s most popular accomplishment, breaking the Guinness World Record for the Largest Hokey Pokey Dance with 7,384 participants!
The forth annual event will take place on FRYday, September 7, 2012 and will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the University of Iowa vs Iowa State University rivalry.
History
The event is named after Hayden Fry, the man who is responsible for bringing the Tigerhawk to the University of Iowa and who many claim is the greatest Hawkeye of all-time.[1] The inaugural year, 2009, brought in over 20,000 attendees[2] and included events such as: The World’s Largest Hawkeye Tradeshow, a car show, autograph sessions with coaches and athletes, a pep rally, and an outdoor concert featuring The Charlie Daniels Band.
Special Events
Forest Evashevski Drive
FRY Fest 2010 kicked off at historic Kinnick Stadium with a commemorative street re-naming ceremony honoring Forest “Evy” Evashevski. Evy served as the Hawkeye’s head coach from 1952 to 1960, turning the failing football program around by capturing Big 10 championships in 1956, 1958, and 1960, and leading the Hawkeye’s to two Rose Bowl championship titles in 1956 and 1958. Following his success as head coach, Evy acted as Iowa’s Athletic Director from 1960 until 1970.
Hayden Fry Way
During the inaugural FRY Fest celebration, First Avenue (between I-80 and Hwy 6) in Coralville, IA was co-named and publicly unveiled as Hayden Fry Way.[3] This honor was bestowed to University of Iowa’s winningest football coach, Hayden Fry, on the most traveled road in Johnson County and the gateway for Kinnick bound Iowa fans.
Hokey Pokey
In it's second year, FRY fest broke the Guinness World Record for the the Largest Hokey Pokey Dance with 7,384 participants on September 3, 2010. Event organizers had asked Hawkeye Nation to “shake it all about” to beat the then existing record of 4,431 in Toronto, Canada. The connection to the Hawkeyes stemmed from the Hayden Fry era when the coach and his teams performed the Hokey Pokey many times during the 1980s and 1990s in the locker room after a big victory.
This is Your Life Dan Gable
In it's third year, FRY fest honored legendary wrestler and coach Dan Gable with the festival's own live version of the popular 1950s television program This is Your Life. The fully-staged production provided a great opportunity to learn more about the life of this inspirational sportsman. Plus, it provided a wonderful chance to thank Dan for all that he has accomplished – so far. There was big screen documentary video and lots of guests on hand to help Dan remember his collegiate career and two NCAA championships, his Olympic Gold Medal, and his unprecedented coaching success at Iowa.
Some of the surprise guests included Tom and Terry Brands, Jim Leach, Bump Elliott, and Hayden Fry along with video messages from Frank Gifford and Lute Olson, among others.
Attractions and Entertainment
World’s Largest Licensed Hawkeye Tradeshow and Tailgate Party
A sea of black and gold can be found in what is the World’s Largest Hawkeye Tradeshow and Tailgate Party. On hand for Hawkeye enthusiast are hundreds of Hawkeye retailers, current University of Iowa student athletes, coaches and media personalities, and the Hall of Fame Class.
Car Show
Car enthusiasts of all types are encouraged to flaunt their ride at the FRY fest Show & Shine. Car entries are free and include the chance of taking home one of many awards including, but limited to: Hayden Fry's Choice, Mayor's Choice, and Herky's Choice. There is also a tailgate car category.
Autograph Sessions
Throughout the day of the event, scheduled autograph sessions include current University of Iowa athletic teams, and the Hall of Fame Class and reunions particular to that year.
Concerts
FRY fest concludes at the Iowa River Landing with an outdoor concert. Past artists have included Jake Owen, The Outlaws, The Charlie Daniels Band, the Nadas, Three Dog Night, 8 Seconds, and Josh Turner.