Wild Wingers Kids Club Party Returns to Knott's Berry Farm Stage

For the first time in almost two years, Ducks fans had the opportunity to participate in the annual Wild Wingers Kids Club Party at Knott's Berry Farm - an experience the organization has hosted for more than 10 years. This season's event, held March 12, was the first time since the 2019-20 hockey season that Kids Club members have had the chance to attend, as the previous season's Kids Club party was bypassed as a result of the COVID pandemic.

The Wild Wingers Kids Club serves as a way for young fans to get involved with the Ducks organization and celebrate being a fan of the team. Wild Wingers Kids Club members receive an exclusive Kids Club kit, invitations to Kids Club parties, access to special events and more.
The party typically features a group of Ducks players who participate in a Q&A session onstage, but due to a combination of NHL COVID protocols and scheduling conflicts, Ducks players could not be at this year's event. Attendees were not disappointed, however, as the celebration featured a group of surprise guests with familiar and furry faces. Wild Wing, the Anaheim Ducks mascot, was joined onstage by popular mascots from other Southern California professional sports teams including Gulliver of the San Diego Gulls, Cozmo of the LA Galaxy, and Gnarly of the Orange County Soccer Club.
"It's good to be back," said JoJo Maestrado, the Ducks in-arena DJ and host of this year's event. "Unfortunately, the players can't be here today, but to still be able to do the party with Wild Wing and his friends is a great time."
Some Kids Club members, like Luca Graeff, looked forward to the opportunity to take photos with their favorite characters as a way to document their history as fans.
"I was a Ducks fan for like 10 years," said Graeff. "My dad has had season tickets for awhile and this is the second time I've come here. I'm trying to get another photo with Wild Wing, so I can get a comparison of me from when I was younger. It was really nice to have it back since I haven't been here in a while."
The onstage portion of the event, hosted by Maestrado and fellow DJ Alex Schmitten, took place on the Calico Mine Stage and featured dancing and special giveaways from each of the sports teams. Fans also learned fun facts about each of the mascots, such as their favorite hobbies and their shared love of tacos.
Every Kids Club member had the opportunity to meet each of the four mascots and got to know the character's unique personalities. Fans taking photos with Gnarly learned how to make his signature hang loose hand sign. Gnarly, whose first fan appearance was during Orange County Soccer Club's 2021 playoff run, wears a distinct uniform of board shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. Gulliver, known for his mischievous antics at Gulls games, elicited giggles from youngsters as he pretended to eat their meet-and-greet passes.
"We came so that they could have fun, meet the mascots, have their pictures taken," said Sunny Corona, who brought her daughter to the event. "She's super excited, she's a really big fan, so it's been really cool coming back and being able to do all of this again."
Wild Wing - who's been known to repel from Honda Center's rafters during Ducks games - upheld his reputation as a thrill-seeker by taking a spin on Knott's Berry Farm's infamous Log Ride. Kids Club members and parkgoers alike cheered as he descended the ride's 38-foot drop. The park was packed full of new and returning Kids Club members who have been waiting for the chance to get back to the park. For some fans, the day also served as an opportunity to get further involved with the Ducks organization. Art Serna, a parent of a youth hockey player, expressed excitement at being able to celebrate hockey, both on and off the ice.
"This is my boy, and I've got him playing hockey," said Serna of his son. "He just did the Learn to Skate program with the Anaheim Ducks. Of course, we had to come out and go to the Kids Club party. Just a good time all around."
At the end of the afternoon, as fans exited the park with cameras chock full of new memories, DJ JoJo reflected on the sentiment of the day.
"Just alone, to be here at Knott's Berry Farm - to me, I feel like that's in and of itself enough - but to have this huge party and to just be back?" said Maestrado. "It feels great."