Important information...print it out...write it down!

My goodness people....2 WEEKS UNTIL THE BEST WEEKEND EVER!

My cell phone is 847-542-5141...write this down and call me if you need anything before, after or during the event.

Here is the schedule with the information for all the events. You will receive one upon check-in at the Essex but if you are not staying there please print this out and read it carefully.

A few extra things:

Please bring all donations for the raffle to the pizza party Friday night.

As far as the pool party Saturday night...if you are not staying at the Essex but still want to come, touch base with me and we will try to sneak people in.

Please remember to bring cash to the luncheon for several reasons:
1. Children 2-6 are $5
2. Raffle tickets will be $10 each (we have some awesome stuff)
3. Cash bar for alcohol (all other drinks are included)

Lastly, I apologize in advance for any minor problems or glitches that may arise. This is the first year of what we hope will be a long standing event and all four of us have poured our souls into making Kazapalooza a huge success. This event means the world to me and I know I can speak for my co-chairs when I say it is very near and dear to our hearts. There will surely be some bumps or small problems but we ask for your patience and understanding of the meaning of this weekend...for all of us to come together and celebrate adoption and our gorgeous children from Kazakhstan.

FRIDAY:
Pizza Party 5:30-8:00pm
Sherwood Conservatory
1312 South Michigan Ave. (this is aprox. 5 blocks from the hotel)
Pizza will be served at 6:30
You can drop in anytime but please note we can't guarantee that pizza will be left at 7:45 :) The children are encouraged to wear their traditional Kazakh outfits if they have them or any fun adoption or Kazakhstan gear to this event! Be sure to bring your cameras! Also please bring your donations for the Saturday raffle to this event and give them to one of us.

SATURDAY:
11:30-1:00luncheon at Grace O'Malley's Irish Pub
1416 South Michigan Ave.
This is our big event. There will be entertainment for the kids. We will have a few small presentations and a raffle to benefit our charity which also will be announced! There will be a buffet. The food will be a salad, burgers, grilled chicken, fish and chips, mac and cheese and brownies. Everyone who attends must have purchased tickets in advance. Everyone is encouraged to wear the Kazapalooza tees to this event. One designated person will attempt to take a group picture and this will be posted online for all of you to copy and/or order.

2:45
Meet in the lobby of the Essex Inn
800 South Michigan Ave.
THERE ARE TWO OPTIONS:
1. A group will be heading off to the Shedd Aqarium. (you may take a cab or walk the 3/4 mile) Tickets will be purchased at the door. We did not get a group rate as the tickets would have to be purchased in advance and many people wanted to see how their kids were doing at that point in the day. :)

2. Another group will be walking over to Millenium Park (aprox 7 block walk)
This park is free and has a really cool interactive water feature for the kids to run through and play in.

We made two separate options so you can choose on that day what is best for your family. Of course there is always the option of going back to your hotel and napping :)

YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN FOR DINNER. FEEL FREE TO BREAK INTO GROUPS AND ENJOY THE CITY! WE WILL BE PROVIDING YOU WITH SOME KID FRIENDLY SUGGESTIONS WHICH ARE IN WALKING DISTANCE TO THE HOTEL.

7:30-POOL PARTY!!!!You must be staying at the Essex Inn to attend as they check room keys. Please note individual flotation devices such as water wings and life jackets are fine. You may not bring large rafts or other large inflatable toys.

SUNDAY:
10:00- head out the front doors of the hotel and walk across the street to the park. If you can stick a ball or frisbee in your suitcase bring it with you. We will have some balls and toys for the kids as well.