For those of you who are perpetually saying “Man, those Onion videos are funny, but they’d be way funnier with me in them, pretending in a very serious way to be part of a historical news event,” this is your chance. The Onion’s video crew will be shooting a piece in Chicago’s Grant Park TODAY, Wednesday, August 15 at 4:30 p.m., and they need your help. They’re creating a satirical news report about a fictional charity walkathon, and they need a crowd of marchers. Want to be a part of fake history? Just show up on time and ready to join the crowd in walking for a cause.
Ideally, participants should dress as they would for a real charity walk: lightweight slacks, jeans, or athletic wear, sneakers or other comfortable walking shoes. White, heather gray, or black T-shirts are preferred. Please do not bring bikes, pets, or bulky bags; small backpacks, purses, fanny packs, or anything else walkathoners might carry are fine. They’re hoping for a diverse crowd, especially in age range, so seniors and people with children or infants are particularly encouraged to come.
Participants should meet at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park at 4:30 p.m. All instruction will be provided onsite. Participants may be required to sign a release. The shoot will likely take one to two hours. The shoot will proceed rain or shine; the weather forecast currently suggests it will be clear, but participants may want to bring umbrellas if it’s raining or looks like rain at the time of the shoot. This post may be updated throughout the day with further information; check back if you have questions that are not strictly philosophical or unanswerable in nature.