Pop-Tarts are the Toast of the College Bowl Mascot Town
A Giant Pop-Tart Mascot Made Its Debut at the Pop-Tarts Bowl
Mary Hickey, the founder and owner of Chicago Mascot Company, was thrilled to see her company’s creation, a gigantic Pop-Tart mascot, make its debut at the Pop-Tarts Bowl. The mascot was designed to be a bit like a soft-sided sandwich board, with openings at the side and bottom for arms and legs. It’s all kept in place with zippers and magnets.
A Big Moment for Mary Hickey
It was a big moment for Mary Hickey, who founded the company in 1976. She was proud to see her creation come to life and was thrilled that everything went according to plan.
The Company Makes About 100 Mascots Each Year
The Chicago Mascot Company makes about 100 mascots each year, each one taking about six months to develop and two weeks to assemble. They aren’t cheap, with prices ranging from $11,000 to $20,000 per mascot.
Mascots Are a Big Part of a Team’s Brand
“It definitely is an investment, but if you’re a Major League team, this is a big part of your brand,” Mary Hickey said. “People pay money for Benny the Bull to show up at their wedding or their bar mitzvah or the company party.”
A Stitcher’s Work is Never Done
Stitchers like Blair Goldman and Grace Gilbreath work tirelessly to create these intricate costumes. They use a variety of materials, including foam, glue, and fabric, to bring the mascots to life.
The Pop-Tarts Mascot: A Pod with a Purpose
The Pop-Tarts mascot is a bit like a soft-sided sandwich board, with openings at the side and bottom for arms and legs. It’s all kept in place with zippers and magnets. The cartoon eyes and grin are in the middle of the body, while the perforated screen for the human eyes is cleverly hidden higher up.
A Stitcher’s Work is Never Done
Stitchers like Blair Goldman and Grace Gilbreath work tirelessly to create these intricate costumes. They use a variety of materials, including foam, glue, and fabric, to bring the mascots to life.
From Vomit to Victory
Mary Hickey’s company was hired to clean out the Tony the Tiger mascot costume, which had been contaminated with vomit. The job was unpleasant, but it led to a deal to make six Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts mascots.
Mascots Can Be Made from Anything
Mary Hickey and her kids say there’s almost nothing that can’t be made into a mascot. “Do it. Stump us. I don’t think you can,” Gilley said. How about an invisible man? Courtland Hickey has an idea for that too, involving slender, almost transparent wires.
Conclusion
The Chicago Mascot Company has been making mascots for over 40 years, and their attention to detail and commitment to quality have earned them a reputation as one of the best in the business. Whether it’s a giant Pop-Tart mascot or a slimmed-down red pig, the company’s creations are sure to make a lasting impression.
FAQs
Q: How many mascots does the Chicago Mascot Company make each year?
A: The company makes about 100 mascots each year.
Q: How long does it take to make a mascot?
A: It takes about six months to develop and two weeks to assemble each mascot.
Q: How much does a mascot cost?
A: Prices range from $11,000 to $20,000 per mascot.
Q: Can anything be made into a mascot?
A: According to Mary Hickey and her kids, almost anything can be made into a mascot. “Do it. Stump us. I don’t think you can,” Gilley said.
