Gable to be honored at 2011 FRY Fest

Have you ever imagine the numerous possibilities for a "This Is Your Life" segment with legendary University of Iowa Coach Dan Gable. Imagine the former Iowa high school greats who could be on hand. What about all of those Iowa State teammates who took the mat along side Gable? How about the countless number of Hawkeye greats who have achieved unparalleled heights at the college and international level while Gable was leading the Hawkeyes? Oh to be a fly on the wall just to hear the family-friendly stories from the past.

The good thing for Hawkeye, and wrestling fans, is that will be a reality for the 2011 FRY Fest in Iowa City. The Eastern Iowa Airport will be the presenting sponsor for the event scheduled for Friday, Sept. 2, which will include a live "This Is Your Life" tribute to Gable, a Waterloo native and former Waterloo West three-time state champion.

Below is the press release from the Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau:

Fryday, September 2, 2011

Coralville, IA - The Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), the University of Iowa Athletics Department, and the City of Coralville are pleased to announce the guests of honor, programming plans, and presenting sponsor for this years FRY Fest celebration. Held annually each Fryday before the first home football weekend, FRY Fest is the ultimate “Celebration of all that is Hawkeye”.

The Eastern Iowa Airport has stepped in to be the Presenting Sponsor for FRY Fest. The Eastern Iowa Airport will provide the resources to take FRY Fest to the next level.

FRY Fest will honor legendary gold metal winner Coach Dan Gable, the 75th Anniversary of the Scottish Highlanders, the 25th Anniversary of the UI Women's Field Hockey National Champions, and more.

Dan Gable grew up during the 1950's & 60's during one of the most popular television shows in that era called This is Your Life. It was partly a documentary and partly what we'd now call a reality show. Each week, host Ralph Edwards would bring a notable guest to the stage in front of a live audience, shouting, “This is Your Life.” He'd then outline the guest's life, bringing on old friends, teachers, and colleagues to surprise and chat with the honoree and to reminisce unrehearsed about the times past.

On FRY Fest Friday, we'll honor legendary wrestler and coach Dan Gable with our own live version of this show. The fully-staged event will provide a great opportunity to learn more about the life of the inspirational sportsman. Dan knows he'll be honored – but FRY Fest is planning a few celebrity surprises, too.

FRY Fest will once again hold the World's Largest Hawkeye Tradeshow & Tailgate Party where fans can interact with hundreds of Hawkeye retailers, licensees, and other related groups. This event provides a venue by which fans can meet & greet many former and current student athletes, coaches, and media personalities.

FRY Fest will conclude this year with another major outdoor concert. The band announcement will be May 13th. Sticking with the sounds that Hayden Fry and Dan Gable both enjoy, FRY Fest will once again showcase a country style band.

For more information visit www.FRYFest.com!