Sometimes it's good to get back home. Sorry it's been a few months, but re-introducing Winger was a thrilling moment for me and my family. Winger never saw 18,000 Capitals fans in one place, it was pretty amazing. And Slapshot's gracious gesture to share the spotlight for a game was too precious.

I had a lot of learning to do when I was in my early 20's and the Washington Capitals provided plenty of frustration, but also some golden moments. My sons got to see the "gilded revision" of this in the power and passion the Caps' provide for their red-clad faithful.

Don't burn bridges, mascots. And if you ever get the chance to return home, take it. And be thankful.

Show the love.... bring in the fans!

You know, it's always more fun when the fans get involved. And fans don't necessarily mean "innocent bystander" fan. I love this video because Eddie looks so real, although I'll bet this was a scripted, rehearsed stunt.

Don't be afraid to bring fans into your fun. As a mascot, don't be afraid to be "showed up". BIG kudos to G-Man, who let his superhero powers be overshadowed this night.

Enjoy, and share the excitement!

Happy Blog Year!

Blogging is tough... well, it's tough for a mom with a home business and a lot of crazy distractions, to keep a regular log of cool things and thoughts. That's why it's fun to check out others' blogs and see what they're up to.

If you're a mascot fan take some time and check out the following online journals:

Rob Bowdouin's "The Anonymous Celebrity". One of the most creative and successful performers in any sport, Rob has some great professional advice for those who want to break into the "Bigs": http://theanonymouscelebrity.com/?p=149

If you're a fan of high standards with a sprinkle of sarcasm check out Kelly Frank's submissions to Gameops.com. Kelly is constantly pushing quality performance for the mascot character: http://www.gameops.com/essay-writers/Loathing

John Cudo is a veteran of NBA characters and has built the premium website for game operations information. You can find his regular postings at: http://gameops.com/wp/

Brad Collins made his mark on minor league baseball's mascot world and continues to leave huge pawprints in: http://talkingmascot.blogspot.com/

And although it's not a mascot-specific blog, you can't find a bigger mascot blogging fan. Benjamin Hill gives amazing insight into minor league baseball promotions at: http://bensbiz.mlblogs.com/


"Mascotting" is a performance art form. The more we are able to share experiences the better our art form will get. Let us know how things are going in your neck of the mascot world!

Mascots and the Holidaze

Something always gets me excited when the holidays roll around. Back in 1980 I started on this crazy mascot journey as "Super Smurf" and "Azrael the Cat" from the Smurfs cartoon series for Boscov's Department Store of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. My first job was to play a part in a "Breakfast with Santa" skit, where Gargamel and Azrael stole Santa from the kids' party, but Super Smurf swept in to save the day.

Later each weekend night "Super Smurf" and Santa Claus flew across Main Street to Boscov's front door, chasing away mean ol' Gargamel and Azrael and saving Christmas for the Wilkes-Barre kids. And then after Christmas for a week I got to stroll around the department store, well-wishing the shoppers who were returning gifts, and enjoying my first paying job... as a ten-year-old!

Anyway, maybe that's where all the mascotty-Christmas stuff came about. Even in high school I was sewing up a Santa hat for my Comet mascot costume. I bought a cheap Santa suit in my freshman year at Kutztown and was disappointed with the quality of the trim, so I bought extra fur and re-sewed the white to be fluffy and bright!

Since then I've had the pleasure - and it is a pleasure - of making a number of mascot Santa suits for different characters. Enjoy the pictures, and if you want some prices or advices let me know!

Why I love Big Red...

Big Red's ESPN commercial

Don't forget to vote for Big Red in the Capital One Bowl National Mascot Challenge. Or he'll eat your cat.

It's midnight.... do you know where your Mascot is?

Most likely your mascot is on a social network coming up with some new ideas for skits!

I love checking in with my mascot buddies on Facebook. While mascot.net's Bulletin Board System is sloooooooowing down, Facebook is able to get me back in touch with people from 15-20 years ago who roamed the sidelines with me, and helped create some great myths and legends for our schools.

So if you see me on Facebook, I might be just looking around, with my fingers busily sewing something, or letting one of the kiddos check out a funny video clip. But definitely keep in touch! If you don't we'll send the Titan after you.

Time to crank up Big Red's support!

Erin~

Congratulations~ You have been selected as our Capital One Blogger for WKU - I'm so excited you applied - I am going to be posting about it today on my site.

Would love if you could post about it in the next 24-48 hours....as well as sending out a tweet/FB update.

We want to start sending as many votes as possible to Big Red Fans at www.CapitalOneBowl.com - process is SO easy - I'm sure you know - but each week there is a match up and you want them to BEAT their opponent!



yus. Now it's time to bring Western Kentucky the power of MascotNet and have some fun with this contest! Go Big Red!