Stevenson Plans to Break World Record at Spirit Fest

Human robots are expected to invade Stevenson High School's stadium on Sunday, when hundreds of students and community members will gather on the field in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest robot dance.

The activity is part of Stevenson's Spirit Fest, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 19. While the event will also include the school's annual 5K walk, a new Battle of the Bands contest featuring six student bands, food, a silent auction and activities for all ages, it's the robot dance "that seems to be the buzz," said Brett Erdmann, the school's Community Service Coordinator and sponsor of National Honor Society, which runs Spirit Fest.

The idea to set a world record came from students, who were brainstorming ways to generate attendance at the event. While the goal is simply to break the current record of 429 simultaneous robotic dancers, "if we get everybody there, we can probably smash the record," said Erdmann, who hopes the event will attract 1,000 guests.

The dance will be performed to a music mix, which will include Styx's "Mr. Roboto." The event will be deejayed by Boom Entertainment.

Participation in the dance is free to those who pay the Spirit Fest registration fee. Money raised through donations and fundraisers at the event will benefit Deefield-based Saving Tiny Hearts Society, which funds research on congenital heart defects. Stevenson aims to raise $25,000 for the cause.

"The kids are very focused. They want to meet that goal," Erdmann said. "We really hope to get a full stadium."

Admission is $10 for individuals, $20 for a family of three, $25 for a family of four, and $30 for a family of five or more. The price, which is considered a minimum donation, includes access to all entertainment and activities at the event. Food, beverages, T-shirts, and autographs or pictures of the event's "mystery sports celebrity" will be offered at an additional charge. Click here for a complete schedule of events.

Spirit Fest is Stevenson's kick-off to Homecoming week, which concludes Sept. 24 with the sophomore and varsity football games against Lake Forest and the school's dance on Sept. 25.

Registration is required for all Spirit Fest attendees, and can be done online or on the day of the event.