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Radio Flyer Celebrates 100 Years of Making People Smile
Iconic Brand Says Thank You to Fans Through Video, Nationwide Wagon Donations and Special Event
CHICAGO. July 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Radio Flyer was founded 100 years ago with one guiding principle, to bring joy to every boy and every girl. During the last century, millions of children have played for countless hours with Radio Flyer products, cementing the brand's iconic status. To celebrate 100 years of outdoor play and adventures, Radio Flyer is giving back to its fans to say thank you.
Radio Flyer CWO Robert Pasin and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel celebrate Radio Flyer's 100th anniversary in Chicago on July 13, 2017. (Peter Wynn Thompson/AP Images for Radio Flyer)
"My grandfather would be so proud of what his dream has become, I never take for granted the nostalgia and feelings people have for the Radio Flyer brand," said Robert Pasin. Chief Wagon Officer of Radio Flyer and grandson of Radio Flyer founder Antonio Pasin. "I want to say thank you to everyone who has found joy with our products, we cherish our role in American childhood."
To pay homage to the millions of families who have enjoyed Radio Flyer products, the brand created a video that brings to life the 100 th year theme of Time Flies, Enjoy the Ride. The heartwarming video is a snapshot of everyday childhood moments during the past 100 years, and highlights the sense of imagination and adventure, joy of outdoor play and nostalgia that are central to Radio Flyer.
Today, Radio Flyer also looks to bring more joy and warm memories to those most in need by donating wagons to Starlight Children's Foundation partner hospitals across the country. Radio Flyer is donating 2,000 wagons to hospitals nationwide to help transport children to and from tests and surgery. Radio Flyer has a long-standing relationship with Starlight, in addition to the Arbor Foundation and KaBOOM!.
To celebrate this milestone in its hometown of Chicago. Radio Flyer rolled out the World's Largest Wagon on Michigan Avenue to pay special tribute to its history and host a day of smile-worthy celebrations. The wagon, which holds the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS â„¢ title for the largest toy wagon, is nine times the size of the classic red wagon, weighs 15,000 pounds and is 27 feet long. It was inspired by the Coaster Boy exhibit at the 1933 World's Fair where Radio Flyer founder Antonio Pasin took a great risk to create the exhibit which included a large wagon with a boy riding on it. From that point forward, Radio Flyer became a household name and a staple of American childhood.
The Mayor of Chicago. Rahm Emanuel. praised Radio Flyer for its commitment to the Chicago business community and driving innovation, during the press event today.
"100 years ago, Radio Flyer was created by an Italian immigrant on Chicago's west side and has now grown into a global icon," Mayor Emanuel said. "I want to congratulate Radio Flyer on this milestone and thank them for a century of commitment to bringing jobs to Chicago and joy to families throughout the world."
For more information about Radio Flyer's 100-year history, visit www.radioflyer.com/celebration. To stay in touch for more updates on 100 th anniversary celebrations, follow @RadioFlyerInc or www.facebook.com/RadioFlyer .
About Radio Flyer
Radio Flyer, Inc. maker of the famous and beloved Little Red Wagon â„¢ is the world's leading producer of wagons, tricycles, pre-school scooters and other ride-ons. Radio Flyer has more than 100 award-winning products available in 25 countries. Since 1917, the family-owned company has created icons of childhood, building a legacy of high quality, timeless and innovative toys that spark the imagination and inspire outdoor, active play. Radio Flyer wheels have carried, hauled and fueled more kids' play and adventures than any other ride-on toy. Radio Flyer has received numerous awards, including "Best Places to Work" by Fortune. "Top Small Workplaces," by The Wall Street Journal and "5000 Fastest Growing Companies in America," by Inc. For more information visit www.radioflyer.com .