NEW FESTIVAL MASCOT INTRODUCED AT THUNDER
2005-04-18T21:53:26
New Mascot created for 50th Derby Festival
Peggy Pegasus makes her debut this weekend at Thunder
A new costumed character has been created for the Festival's 50th Celebration. "Peggy Pegasus" will meet and greet Thunder fans at the Chow Wagon from 3 - 4 pm this Saturday for the Festival's Opening Ceremonies: Thunder Over Louisville. She will join six-year old Gus the Pegasus as they pose for pictures and autographs. They also will roam the Waterfront Park area from 4 - 7 pm.
Created in 1996 as an advertising icon for the former "KyDzFest" event, "Gus the Pegasus" was born as an official costumed mascot in 2000. Gus spends much of the year in hibernation, emerging each spring from a heavy slumber to entertain Derby Festival patrons with his playful antics and contagious enthusiasm.
Gus is beloved by kids of all ages and has become quite the local celebrity. He's been spotted riding a float in the Pegasus Parade and mingling with adoring fans at numerous Derby Festival events. He is an avid collector of Pegasus Pins and with his great friend, Buddy the Bat, looks forward to welcome Peggy Pegasus to his circle of mascot pals.
Peggy Pegasus is being introduced to the public for the Festival's 50th Celebration. Her purple costume was designed to mirror a line of stuffed toys that look just like her. She will be on tour with Gus at several events, including kid-favorite parade and balloon events.
Gus and Peggy can also be seen online in special coloring pages in the Kids area of the Festival website and they have a sticker series in the Thunder Funder Kids Pack - Official Thunder Power Squad. Kids attending the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade at KICC on Tuesday, May 3rd will have an opportunity to receive the first-ever Mascot Pin. The first 2000 kids that collect all the stamps in Gus & Peggy's FunPass Program will get a free metal pin with Gus & Peggy's images (also available for $6 online). Details in the program at the event. The soft plush "beanie" style Gus & Peggy retail for $12.
The mascot program is being coordinated this year by volunteers from the Youth Performing Arts School. Two seniors will be wearing the costumes at all Derby Festival events. Peggy was built by local costume designers Donna Bailey and Phyllis Vaught.
Click here for Gus & Peggy's Schedule Tour.
