In the days following Ron Kittle’s visit, we hosted our Inaugural Induction Weekend. We hosted 12 of the original 17 Hall of Fame mascots throughout the weekend to celebrate the official induction of our four newest Hall of Famers – Tommy Hawk (Chicago Blackhawks), The Nittany Lion (Penn State University), Sluggerrr (Kansas City Royals), and Benny the Bull (Chicago Bulls).
We welcomed visitors from across the country to Whiting for this special weekend filled with professional and collegiate mascot ridiculousness. On hand that weekend were Hall of Fame mascots Slider (Cleveland Indians), Jazz Bear (Utah Jazz), ‘Lil Red (University of Nebraska), Coyote (San Antonio Spurs), Phillie Phanatic (Philadelphia Phillies), Brutus Buckeye (Ohio State University), YoUDee (University of Delaware), Aubie (Auburn University), KC Wolf (Kansas City Chiefs), The Gorilla (Phoenix Suns), Bucky The Badger (University of Wisconsin), Big Red (Western Kentucky University), and special guests Clark the Cub (Chicago Cubs) and South Paw (Chicago White Sox).
In July we welcomed the 25th Annual Pierogi Festival in downtown Whiting. The MHOF hosted Reggy’s very own Just Fur Kids Stage with shows all weekend long, including the introduction of Calumet College of St. Joseph’s first ever mascot – Crimson Joe!
In August we welcomed the annual Mascot U Convention with tons of mascot students being taught by the best in the business. During their visit they helped us honor a Hall of Famer who couldn’t attend June’s Induction Weekend – Supermascot Rocky from the Denver Nuggets. To help Rocky celebrate receiving his official HOF Ring were Toby the Tiger (Stage Right Theater Company Homeschool Drama Group), Echo the Emergency Communications Officer (Calgary 9-1-1), Blue (Charlotte Hounds), Peep (Sioux Falls Canaries), Ozzie T Cougar (Kane County Cougars), The Fighting Hawk (University of North Dakota), TC & TK Panthers(University of Northern Iowa), Shasta (The University of Houston), Newton “America’s Smartest Dragon” (independent), and our friend Freddy the Falcon (Atlanta Falcons).
August also brought the National Hockey League’s mascot convention to Whiting. We welcomed most of the NHL’s mascots for a group appearance and some mascot craziness. Visiting from the NHL included Stormy (Carolina Hurricanes), Nordy (Minnesota Wild), Gnash (Nashville Predators), NJ Devil (New Jersey Devils), Sparky (New York Islanders), Louie (St. Louis Blues), Slapshot (Washington Capitals), Wild Wing (Anaheim Ducks), Howler (Arizona Coyotes), Sabre Tooth (Buffalo Sabres), Stinger (Columbus Blue Jackets), Bailey (Los Angeles Kings), Gritty (Philadelphia Flyers), Thunderbug (Tampa Bay Lightning), Ringo (Texas Stars / AHL), and of course our good friend, and Hall of Famer, Tommy Hawk (Chicago Blackhawks).
It’s after Labor Day, and you may be asking yourself, “What’s next”? Glad you asked. Buckle-up!
September marks the introduction of a variety of new and enhanced programs at the MHOF, including: Grandparent’s Day Celebration (Sept 8th), Tiny Mascot Story Time (Sept 12th & 26th), Family Zumba Night (Sept 19th), a Marionette show (Sept 26th), a revised Make It & Take It Craft (Sept 28th), and Half-Off Fridays (Sept 27th, Oct 25th, Nov 29th, and Dec 27th). Whew! What a jam-packed month!
Finally, stay tuned for information on THE VOTE, the annual MHOF member & public voting process to elect the 2020 Hall of Fame inductees. THE VOTE will be conducted over a two-week period in October with the Initial Ballot vote taking place October 6th – 12th, and the Final Ballot vote taking place October 20th – 26th. The Initial Ballot will be set by the MHOF’s Executive Committee, comprised of sports industry executives and current / former career mascot performers. The mascot(s) who are elected to the Hall of Fame as 2020 inductees will be announced, and introduced, for the 1st time at the MHOF’s annual Fur Tie Annual Fundraiser set for Wednesday, December 11, 2019. Stay tuned for information on our Fur Tie Annual Fundraiser because you’re not going to want to miss it!
That’s all for now. Until next time…See you at the Mascot Hall!
ORESTES HERNANDEZ
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
WHO WILL BE THE NEXT HALL OF FAMER?
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