Football Family Fest celebrates the community

Football season is here, and to celebrate the kick-off, Philadelphia families can head to the Deptford Mall for their annual Football Family Fest—but the day of fun features a lot more than just activations surrounding the game. 

The festivities will take place on Saturday, Sept. 2, in the mall parking lot along Almonesson Road.

“We are thrilled to host our annual Family Football Fest, bringing the community together for a day of fun, football, and giving back,” says Lori Belsito, Senior Marketing Manager at Deptford Mall in a statement. “This event embodies the spirit of unity and showcases the positive impact we can achieve when we join forces to support our local initiatives.”

This year’s event is sponsored by Nemours Children’s Health and Xfinity, and will also help benefit the Deptford Township L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) Program— which is described as a crucial initiative in fostering a safer and healthier community. To donate, visitors can contribute $5 or more at Football Fest and receive a chance to win different prizes including Eagles game tickets and gear. 

Ultimately, the annual Family Football Fest aims to unite families, sports enthusiasts, and the community at large in a day of excitement, camaraderie, and support for this important cause, a release states.

But what will the day entail? Some Philadelphia Eagles will be on-site for one, from 2 to 4 p.m. Fans will be able to meet Brandon Graham and rising star Reed Blankenship for both autograph and photo opportunities (to reserve your spot visit overtimepromotions.com/shop.) Graham has made a name for himself through his time with the Birds, while Blakenship is known as an emerging force on the gridiron, and fans will get to see them in person.  

The day will also feature live entertainment, a Bonesaw Brewery beer garden, food and local vendors, corn hole tournaments, fitness demonstrations, plus many free activities for the kids including a live petting zoo, face painting, balloon sculpting, strolling magicians, bounce houses, character appearances, a photo booth, games, prizes, and plenty of other giveaway opportunities.

As a release states, as a gesture of community involvement, guests can also join the initiative to “Stuff the Truck with Books”. Partnering with Booksmiles, this Back-to-School season, the Deptford Mall is inviting event-goers to contribute new or gently used books, fostering “literacy and the joy of reading.” Those who are interested in participating can visit the Booksmiles Station to donate books and receive an exclusive Philadelphia Eagles 2023 Magnet Football Schedule as a token of appreciation for participating as well.

On top of the annual Football Family Day, Deptford Mall will also be hosting a Sports Card & Collectible Show, presented by Overtime Promotions indoors. These particular festivities will be taking place from Friday, Sept. 1, to Sunday, Sept. 3, in the Center Court during mall hours. 

Over the course of the three-day event, visitors will be able to check out an array of sports memorabilia, collectibles, sports cards, apparel, and more from diverse vendors on hand. 

To learn more about everything the Deptford Mall has going on, visit 1750 Deptford Center Road, Deptford, New Jersey deptfordmall.com