CHICAGO – Nothing says summer fun like a great family event, and the Northern Illinois Hobby Retailers are ready to deliver one at its 7th annual mini-golf outing on June 24.
Kids, parents, sports card collectors and anyone else are invited to join the festivities at Novelty Golf in Lincolnwood beginning at 10 a.m.
The event, first started by John and Debby Arcand, also shows appreciation to patrons of NIHR’s 11 shops across the Chicagoland area by offering fun on the courses, in the batting cages and by doling out a wide variety of prizes. Chicago White Sox mascot Southpaw returns this year to join golfers on the courses.
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“This is our biggest customer celebration of the year. We can never thank our supporters enough,” “Big John” Arcand said, adding that the festivities will take place rain or shine. “It’s also a great way to introduce ourselves to new collectors and introduce the hobby to folks who either haven’t collected before or are looking to start up again.”
Things get underway with participants teeing off on one of two legendary Novelty Golf courses. While trying to post a score to beat local hobby shop owners, golfers can also win prizes in miniature versions of classic “closest to the pin” and “longest drive” competitions.
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After swinging the clubs, golfers can take their hacks inside Novelty Golf’s batting cages. Then, sports card collectors can grab a spot in the “pack wars” competition for a chance at even more prizes.
Oh yeah, the prizes. Lucky winners could take home autographed sports memorabilia, sports cards and much more.
In recent years, some prize winners took home a 2008 NBA Draft Rookie Autographed basketball featuring Derrick Rose, NFL Draft Rookie autographed footballs, tons of great sports cards, video games and other sports memorabilia.
“Big John” says card manufacturers such as Panini, Topps and Upper Deck, professional sports leagues and NIHR shops always come through with great stuff. In addition, the Kane County Cougars have offered free tickets to one lucky prize winner at this year’s outing.
Want to see what prizes are up for grabs this year? NIHR is currently announcing top prizes on Facebook.com/NIHobbyretailers and at twitter.com/_nihr_.
Also, our friends with Cards 2 Kids will be on hand to collect cards for use in their charitable efforts. Learn more on their website www.cards2kids.org.
Admission to the 7th Annual NIHR mini-golf outing is only $7 per person to golf. There is a $20 entry fee to participate in “Pack Wars.”
Novelty Golf is located at 3650 W. Devon Ave., Lincolnwood. Find them online at noveltygolf.com.
