Free SmashZone tennis for the 10-and-under set
June 17, 2011
O’Fallon, MO
Tennis, anyone? How about for the kids? New this year at O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest, the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) is sponsoring SmashZone tennis for kids age 10 and under, free. The portable, kid-sized tennis courts with inflatable sides and a hard court will be set up on the festival grounds at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, which is located at 900 T.R. Hughes Boulevard , O’Fallon, Missouri 63366. The USTA SmashZone will be open from noon – 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 3, and Monday, July 4, at no charge.
SmashZone helps to attract parents and younger kids to the game by making it fun to play from the start. Kids are provided with scaled-down equipment, including a lighter, smaller racquet and a ball with a little less bounce.
“O’Fallon is a very family sports-oriented community, so we are extremely pleased that the USTA is making a two-day stop to encourage younger kids to play tennis,” said Marsha Seymour, O’Fallon’s Manager of Tourism and Festivals. “The kids really enjoy volleying the ball, which is a little slower than a regular tennis ball, so it’s easier for younger kids to hit. Parents will be able to purchase the equipment and kids can play at home in their driveway or a similar area – there’s no need to stand in line at tennis courts.”
O’Fallon’s 31st Annual Heritage & Freedom Fest opens on Saturday, July 2, with Special Family Night from 5 – 10 p.m. for carnival rides, a midway, and vendors, only. A parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. from Main and Third streets on Monday, July 4. And festival grounds will open at noon each day on Sunday and Monday, July 3 and 4, with a full range of traditional festivities.
Highlights include free concerts by nationally-recognized musicians (Josh Gracin and Phil Vassar on Sunday, and Tonic and OK GO on Monday), spectacular fireworks July 3 and 4, entertaining side shows (and the Smash Zone), free kids’ activities, carnival and pony rides, a midway, crafters, and festival food and beverages. Festival admission is free, and free parking and shuttle service will be provided on Sunday and Monday. www.heritageandfreedomfest.com
From the City of O''Fallon, MO
Copyright 2011 Neighbors About Town
