Wonders of nature

[MissKiki]

I guess Winterlude sort of qualifies as a theme park. The Ciy of Ottawa is one huge tourist trap, where tourism is about # 3 or 4 on the list of employers, when it comes to providing jobs.

Anyways, Winterlude like any good theme park, has it's own set of mascot characters, called the Ice Hogs. A quartet of furry critters who come south to vacation in Ottawa at this time of year. Momma, Poppa, and the two kids. They are a cuddly bunch. They perform in the stage shows, as well as frolic around the several sites Winterlude uses in the city.

The Ice Hogs are all volunteers. There's at least two, if not three, separate packs of them. I managed to catch up with the troupe at the Kids Snow park yesterday, on what may have been one of the first walkabouts ( yes, that's what they call the roving performances ) of the season.

Momma


The two Kids Nouma the girl in orange, Noumi the boy in blue


Nouma huggies


Poppa was up on stage at the time, not actually out with the family.


This is actually one of the best uses of a fursuit I can think of. You actually get to stay warm, without overheating.

There's also supposed to be another furry running around. The Canadian Forces Polar Bear mascot, Juno. However, he wasn't about while I was there yesterday.

Kiki

[Rabbit in the Moon]

Cute critters.   I'd be interested to visit a snow-covered themepark, seeing how all the standard ones shut completely down in inclimate weather.

[MissKiki]

Cute critters.   I'd be interested to visit a snow-covered themepark, seeing how all the standard ones shut completely down in inclimate weather.

It seems kind of obvious to me, that when you have a public outdoor winter event, like Carnival in Montreal, or Winterlude in Ottawa, they are a perfect opportunity to get out and play. The local Fursuiters are missing a great opportunity if they don't get out and mingle with the crowd. It's free, there's a built in audience, the weather will prevent you from overheating, you get a chance to frolic with the official event mascots.

In the case of Winterlude, there's an embarrassment of riches, in the photo ops. Many many displays outdoors to visit. Lots of events to participate in. And a great chance for Bridgette to wear a cute snow outfit. In fact, I can just imagine her out on the canal ice skating, and being pushed around in one of the Ice sleighs.

Kiki