DALLAS - Greek fraternities and sororities from colleges and universities throughout the Southwest will “stomp it out” on Saturday, October 5, 2002 at the first ever McDonald’s State Fair Stomp Down step show contest. The Stomp Down event will take place on the Chevy Main Stage at Fair Park from 1-5 p.m.Stepping is a unique dance performance that mixes traditional African cultural dancing with unity chanting and precision movements of a military drill team. Stepping dates back to the 1940s when African-American fraternities placed their pledges on “line” and used stepping as a team building event. Today, stepping has evolved into a celebration of pride and highly competitive sport that Greek and non-Greek members follow.

Fifteen fraternities and Fifteen sororities will be selected to compete in the inaugural event. Event organizers expect to draw entries from colleges in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. A $2,000 first place prize will be awarded to a fraternity and sorority. Greek organizations can find entry information and register for the online at www.mcdonaldsevents.com

“We are extremely excited to host this very unique event and recognize the long tradition of stepping, we anticipate this to be the largest event of its kind in the Southwest,” said Daron Pace, McDonald’s owner-operator. The event will coincide with the Annual State Fair Classic Football game. The Classic draws an average attendance of over 50,000 at the Cotton Bowl to see the Grambling State University Tigers take on the Prairie View University Panthers.
“McDonald’s is glad to take this opportunity to show our appreciation and support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Historically Black Fraternities for their important positions in educating and shaping our future leaders,” said Pace. Dallas comedian Kenn Coxx will host the event. Coxx is nationally known from his appearances on BET’s Comic View and touring with music legends Cameo. In addition to comedy, The Stomp Down will feature special guest music DJ, prize giveaways and McDonald’s Scholarship information. A panel of celebrities, Greek alumni and McDonald’s owner-operators will serve as judges for the event.

“Folks at the McDonald’s State Fair Stomp Down will have to find something to hold on to because Fair Park will be shaking after we get through with it,’ said Coxx. The State Fair of Texas general admission price of $11.00 will allow fairgoers entry into the McDonald’s State Fair Stomp Down. For more information, call 214/252-1745.