The Crunch Fitness Gymnasium had some Philly special guests this past weekend.

The Crunch Fitness Gymnasium held a family football festival in their gym parking lot on Saturday, Sept. 4. The festival had appearances from former Philadelphia Eagles running back and linebacker, Brian Westbrook and Jeremiah Trotter, and current Eagles defense, Brandon Graham and Tarron Jackson. 

Starting at 1:00 p.m., football fans and their families enjoyed live music and entertainment, food and local vendors, and entered to win free prizes and giveaways. Some of the giveaway prizes included a lifetime membership to Crunch Fitness, an Eagles Tailgate pack, and various gift cards. 

Attendees donated $5 per entry and they could enter to win one of the many prizes available. 

Donations to the giveaway benefitted the Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence organization, which focuses on peer mentoring in southern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.

Vendors that came to the event included Crunch Fitness, Republic Bank, Inspira Health, and the water-ice station, Kona Ice.

There were festivities for all ages, including families with children. Kids could have their face painted, grab a free balloon from a balloon sculptor, take part in arts and crafts, or enjoy the inflatable football games and bounce houses. 

In the early afternoon of the event, attendees could purchase tickets for a photo-op or to meet the players and have them sign memorabilia, such as jerseys and helmets. Fans lined the parking lot in hopes of meeting their favorite Philadelphia Eagles players. Tickets started at $29 and proceeds also benefited the Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence organization. Q

“Those of you who don’t know what Big Brothers Big Sisters is, we’ve been around for 115 years. Our goal is to put a caring, compassionate adult in the life of every child who needs a mentor,” CEO Marcus Allen said. “Today is also an opportunity to make an impact in your community.”

Though the players were on a tight schedule to make sure they could get through everyone who wanted to meet them, The Whit reporter, Jennifer McGraw, did have enough time to ask one question to current Philadelphia Eagles starting end, Brandon Graham. Graham is also a proud volunteer of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence organization.

If Graham could use one word to describe his feelings about this upcoming season, what would it be?

Without missing a beat, Graham said, “Optimistic.”

Just like Graham, the attendees at Saturday’s Football Fest are super excited for the start of the regular football season. The Philadelphia Eagles take on the Atlanta Falcons this weekend, Sunday, Sept. 12.

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