Northwest Indiana kids who will soon be going back to school got one cool treat on a hot summer’s day, as mascots from all over America converged at Whiting’s Lakefront Park for the Back to School Mascot Extravaganza.
Local favorite Oilman Stan joined neighboring mascots Benny the Bull, Clark the Cub, and Tommy the Hawk, as well as some out of town favorites coming from as far as Utah and Houston.
Click here to see all the photos from the Back to School Extravaganza!
The event was coined as a celebration and affirmation of Whiting becoming the new home of the National Mascot Hall of Fame, an institution run by the original Philly Phanatic, David Raymond.
“It was a beautiful day for people to come out and enjoy Lakefront Park,” Whiting’s Director of Events, Mark Harbin told IIMM. “It is great to see all these NBA mascots come out and support the National Mascot Hall of Fame.”
But as much as the Extravaganza was a party for the National Mascot Hall of Fame, it was really a celebration for the greats kids and families of Northwest Indiana.
And Harbin’s son, Beau agreed.
“The coolest part was getting to meet all the mascots today,” the younger Harbin exclaimed. “My mom told me to come out today and it was a lot of fun!”
But there was more than just mascots at the Extravaganza today, joining them was a DJ, Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO activities, and the exciting Acrodunks team who entertained attendees with high-flying stunts and dunks.
Everything a kid needed to have a great time on a great day in a great city.