Gotta Go Orlando
- Sep 21, 2023

ICON Park to host Free Community Day Celebration with 35+ local organizations

Updated: Sep 24, 2023

ICON Park and I-Drive District to host Central Florida's largest event for community service, showcasing 35+ local non-profit organizations.

ICON Park to host Community Day Celebration with 35+ local organizations

In support of Central Florida residents and communities, ICON Park and the I-Drive District are planning the area’s largest event dedicated solely to inspiring community service and volunteerism.

The “Community Day Celebration” will feature educational booths and activities from 35+ Central Florida non-profit organizations, and take place September 30 from noon to 6 pm.

Charity booths, activities and photo opportunities will be set up throughout the 20-acre ICON Park beneath the iconic 400-ft. Wheel for guests of all ages to learn the missions of each organization and how to get involved. Guests can also relax on The Lawn and enjoy live entertainment on the main stage.

There is no admission charge to visit ICON Park, and ample free parking in in its seven-story garage.

Guests will receive a free map of all organizations to be stamped at each booth they explore.

As a special incentive, anyone who visits 10 booths will be able to experience a 400-ft. view of their hometown aboard The Wheel, for just $10 (typically $29.99).

“This event celebrates our hometown Orlando community and the spirit of our residents,”said ICON Park President and CEO Chris Jaskiewicz. “Because we live and work in the nation’s top travel destination, we’re able to share unique resources to help others and shine a bright spotlight on their missions. Our hope is that guests come out to enjoy an afternoon of fun, learn something new, get a hometown view from sky-high — and perhaps even be inspired to volunteer this upcoming holiday season.”

This year, the company donated a quarter of a million dollars to organizations that help residents, through its in-kind resources and unique events such as:

Lighting The Wheel in custom colors to raise awareness for special causes;
Fire rescue teams regularly use The Wheel for their safety training exercises;
Conservation groups use The Wheel’s 400-ft. views to observe critical waterways;
A new foodie event series that benefits a charity partner each quarter;
Hosting local charities events and fundraisers for free, or discounted cost; and
Creating military enlistment ceremonies on-site so new Army recruits could enlist with family present

This broad-scale and creative level of commitment resulted in the Salvation Army naming ICON Park as their “2023 Corporate Partner of the Year”.

“International Drive specializes in dynamic experiences for both visitors and locals,” said Norah White, Director of Sales & Marketing for the I-Drive District. “The I-Drive District’s partnership with ICON Park on this remarkable Community Celebration fuses two of my favorite things: community and fun! It’s fulfilling being involved with this special day to embody the needs of our area, yet learn how we can be part of the solution. I anticipate seeing many smiles and hearing some fantastic local musicians on the 30th.”

More than 35 organizations will be on-site, including charities that provide food, shelter, medical care and resources to children, families and adults in need; fire and public safety groups; and sports, diversity and arts organizations. Guests and event participants are encouraged to share news and photos of the day on social media with the hashtag #OrlandoCommunityDay.

Free activities include:

Live entertainment on the outdoor Lawn’s center stage
Photo ops with Orange County Fire Rescue’s fire trucks and rescue vehicles
The United States Army’s video game truck
Putt-putt game and hole-in-one challenge from First Tee, which teaches golfing and life skills to kids
Performances from The Capoeira Brazilian Pelourinho (CBP) Martial Arts Academy Orlando, which is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines dance, music and acrobatics