2026 Guest information
LOCATION: First Christian Church - 3601 S. Staley Rd. Champaign
Friday, February 6, 2026
6:00-9:00 pm
8:30 pm Coronation - the crowning of our Kings & Queens
PARKING:
Curtis Rd. parking lot - there will be volunteers there to help with parking locations/getting guests in and out of the building
ENTER:
Through the breezeway doors; they are in the middle of the building between the two larger sections of the church—auditorium and playgound. The sidewalk is a little longer but there's more space inside for warmth while waiting in line. Volunteers will direct you to the correct entrance. We are thrilled to announce that this year's attendance has broken all previous records, resulting in a high number of guests so please be patient as we get your guest through the registration line as quickly as possible. You will be able to wait inside. Registration will begin at 6pm. In attempt to make everything as quick as possible please try to enter the building at these times:
Pre paired guests - 5:45 pm
Non pre paired guests 5:55 pm (Last names A-J); 6:05 pm (Last names J-Z)
GUEST MENU:
Chicken nuggets
Corn
Fruit cup
Chips
Cupcake
If you have specific dietary needs (or allergies) please bring a labeled meal, we are happy to keep it cold/warm it up for you.
Questions? Email Elaine at elaine@fcc-online.org
pre-paired buddy/guest info
CHECK YOUR EMAIL! If you received a pre-paired buddy/guest email - this means you are a pre-paired guest. By receiving that email, you MUST check in/register with your buddy volunteer. DO NOT not get in line to register without your buddy volunteer. Your name tags will all be together at guest registration.
If you cannot arrive together and need to meet at church, you may wait for your buddy inside, please do this in the playground area. Guests check in begins in the breezeway that connects the auditorium and the playground/OASIS venue so it's all very close together. Do not get in line to register unless you are together.
Your buddy volunteer has been made aware of this (hopefully) has been in contact with you.
*If you did not request a specific buddy upon signing up, or the request could not be made, guests will be paired with an amazing buddy volunteer upon check in.
Parents/caretakers:
RESPITE ROOM: Only parents/caretakers who made an RSVP to the Respite Room will be able to stay on site. Take a little breather! Dinner, drinks, and dessert will be provided. Chat with old friends and meet new parents/caretakers while knowing your honored guest is having a blast!
According to the guidelines set by the Tim Tebow Foundation, it is mandatory for host churches to conduct background checks on all volunteers involved in our upcoming event. We are thrilled to announce that this year's attendance has broken all previous records, resulting in a high number of guests. However, due to space limitations, we kindly request that only parents and caretakers who have RSVP'd make use of our respite room, conveniently located on-site. For the safety and security of all attendees, it is imperative that parents and caretakers remain within the respite area at all times, with the exception of the coronation ceremony for our kings and queens scheduled at 7:30. This policy will be strictly enforced this year to ensure the optimal experience for everyone involved. As a further precautionary measure, please be advised that this is a private event, and only registered guests, registered parents/caretakers, as well as volunteers who have undergone proper background checks, will be granted access on Friday evening. Your understanding and cooperation in adhering to these guidelines contribute significantly to creating a secure and enjoyable environment for our valued guests.
2024 coronation update:
With the growing number of guests each year, coronation takes a huge chunk of our guest’s time enjoying all the vening’s activities. We will be doing one big coronation this year instead of individually crowning each king and queen. Parents/caretakers who made an RSVP for the Respite Room will be able to enjoy the crowing as in past years. Just be sure to find your guest in the auditorium instead of waiting for names to be announced! Have those cameras ready!
Notes:
If any of our guests would like to utilize a sign language interpreter please let me know ASAP! We have really great volunteers!
Arrival times have been split this year in an effort to minimize wait times at check in. PLEASE SEE EMAIL FOR YOUR ARRIVAL TIME . We understand this may not be possible for every guest but if you could try your best to come at this time we would appreciate it. Doors will not open until 5:50pm. Registration will not begin until 5:55pm.
If you are pre paired with a buddy volunteer (you should have received an email with specific instructions), please check in with your buddy volunteer. Do NOT get in line to register without your volunteer.
We have been planning and praying over this evening and we are so excited! We cannot wait to dance the night away and celebrate such wonderful individuals.
***To provide the safest atmosphere, this is a private event, therefore only registered guests and registered parents/caretakers; trained and background checked volunteers are able to attend Friday evening.
***Buddy/guest combination changes cannot be made at this time.
First Christian Church
3601 S Staley Rd
Champaign, IL 61822