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!

What a crazy year it's been so far!

Wow, can it get much busier? I don't know.

Last year we brought on four new people to help us build costumes, design characters, and wear mascots for local teams.

This summer we trained nearly 50 people in the fine art of mascotdom.

Recycled costumes are becoming more popular.

Tomorrow I'm bringing Casey Bear to my son's Pre-K class, it's "B" week!

Oh, and if you haven't seen them yet, here are some video highlights from our 2010 mascot camps!

Yes, they DID silly string Sergeant Slaughter!

Yes, they DID Twist with the Phillie Phanatic!

Yes, they DID dance to Japanese Hip Hop at San Jose Giants' Japanese Heritage Day!

Yes, they DID take down York's mascot in a tug-of-war!

Yes, he DID hold his own with the Phillie Phanatic in a dance contest!



Seeing the work that the campers and trainers put into the time we spent really makes me feel proud that I'm at a point in my life where I can enjoy what I do, enjoy my family, and look to more days on the bench cheering these mascots on, and less in suit. But not totally out of suit!

Keystone Mascot Camp 2009 Video Highlights!

What a great summer for mascot camps. Fifteen mascots romped, danced and pumped up the crowds in Hershey, Reading and Lancaster, Pa. Thanks to all our mascot performers who made this season special!