DOWNTOWN — You've probably played with one of Radio Flyer's red wagons before — but not one that's 27 feet long and weighs 15,000 pounds.
Radio Flyer, a Chicago-based company, brought an enormous version of its iconic red wagon to Pioneer Court on Thursday as part of its 100th anniversary celebration. The company handed out free bubbles and snacks, offered face-painting and let kids test drive Radio Flyer scooters and tricycles during the event.
"When people hear the words 'Radio Flyer,' the first thing they do is smile and the second thing they do is tell a story," said CEO Robert Pasin. "They're always these wonderful, heartwarming stories about childhood, about the best parts of childhood ... .
"That's why our mission is to bring smiles and create warm memories that last a lifetime."
The 27-foot-long wagon is nine times the size of the original red wagon, according to Radio Flyer's website, and it's made with 6 tons of steel. Its wheels are 8 feet in diameter and each weighs 1,000 pounds.
The red wagon company was started by Antonio Pasin — the grandfather of Robert Pasin — after he immigrated to the United States.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, speaking beside the giant red wagon during the celebrations, said Chicago was fortunate it could be a city where immigrants like Antonio Pasin pursue their dreams.
"It's a story of this great city as a place where an immigrant can see a better tomorrow, have a better dream of tomorrow and make something that lasts for generations upon generations, that have touched thousands upon thousands of families and children," Emanuel said.
More photos from the event:
A girl rides a tricycle at an anniversary celebration for Radio Flyer. [DNAinfo/Kelly Bauer]
A boy rides a scooter at an anniversary celebration for Radio Flyer. [DNAinfo/Kelly Bauer]
A boy has his arm painted at an anniversary celebration for Radio Flyer. [DNAinfo/Kelly Bauer]
Mayor Rahm Emanuel (left) helps Radio Flyer CEO Robert Pasin (right) blow out candles on a cake for the red wagon company's 100th anniversary. [DNAinfo/Kelly Bauer]
Radio Flyer celebrated its 100th anniversary with a massive wagon in Pioneer Court. [DNAinfo/Kelly Bauer]
A boy rides a tricycle at the anniversary celebration for Radio Flyer. [DNAinfo/Kelly Bauer]
Radio Flyer makes iconic red wagons. [DNAinfo/Kelly Bauer]
A woman paints a child's arm at an anniversary celebration for Radio Flyer. [DNAinfo/Kelly Bauer]
Mayor Rahm Emanuel holds a toddler's banana while the child tries out a Radio Flyer scooter. [DNAinfo/Kelly Bauer]
A Radio Flyer employee gives a boy a red balloon at the anniversary celebration for the iconic red wagon company. [DNAinfo/Kelly Bauer]
