I have always loved mascots. It doesn’t matter the size, shape, or form; just looking at one brings me joy. So when the opportunity came for me to be one, I jumped at the chance. Little did I know that this would be my first and last time. Admittedly the experience is taxing and time consuming. This was an overall eye-opening experience to say the least.
I originally agreed to a one hour shift of work, thinking it would be all fun and games. The reality is this was a four hour stint and my body couldn’t handle it.
Thankfully there is a law that says you can’t legally be in the outfit for more than 30 minutes at a time. And looking back at it now, I can see why. It takes a toll on your body, between having to lift your legs higher to walk and carrying 80% of the costume’s weight on your shoulders. The latter of which was what did me in.
I was too short for it. My chin lined up with its neck, so this meant I had to wear the head with my head tilted backwards, in a position I would have to keep for a 30 minute long set; although this did include the time it takes to walk into position.
The end result was sore shoulders, a fatigued back, and stiff neck. And had I known those were the possible symptoms, I probably would not have agreed to the work. Thankfully, I did negotiate a larger sum of payment, but in retrospect, it is still not worth the four hours of pain and the repercussions the day after. At least I got the experience and have a new found appreciation for those who can dawn the suit.
As expected, the mascot costume is also very hot inside. Between no airflow and its fur lining, I was sweating bullets. Heavy droplets ran down my brow, and I had no way to wipe it. It felt like a person shaped sauna. I don’t know how people in the furries community do this on the daily. There was an electric fan built into the head portion. However, it was not working; so there is no relief with that. And the idle battery pack ended up resting on the back of my head in annoyance, but it was the least of my worries.
I wore ergonomic shoes, planning ahead and thinking I wanted to be comfortable on my feet. However, they did not fit into the mascot’s zip up boots. So I was forced to go barefoot, standing on top of foam, in a shoe, that was five sizes too large. Thankfully I wouldn’t be doing too much walking, but for the distance I did, I caught myself tripping over the tip of the boot. Thankfully, you have handlers helping you, and this is a necessity. They are your eyes and ears, functioning much like guide dogs for the seeing impaired.
Your only sight is through a mesh covering over the mascot’s mouth, so much of your peripheral is blocked. And in my case, because I was too short for the outfit, even more so. I would say vision was at 39% so I relied heavily on my handlers to alert me of little fans on either side, and to those who were trying to get my attention from my blind spots.
Other than the weight of the outfit I enjoyed the work. Being able to interact with people who smile when they see you and wave back is just so heartwarming. We were giving out candy, but some just wanted a photo with me, or at least the mascot version of me. I gave out hugs and high-fives in a four pronged glove that kept sliding off the tip of my fingers. And I found myself welcoming spectators in with hand motions and gestures, because you can’t talk, as to not ruin the illusion.
It was heartwarming to see the timid children come up for a hug, and for kids to look at their parents and ask if they could approach the bear. I felt bad when I made little children
cry and startled adults with sudden movements. Overall this is the best part of the job, and I can see why people continue to do it for this very reason.
I was only heckled a couple of times with young adults smacking me in the back of the head, test punching me on the snout, and kids trying to feel what was underneath the costume with pinches. Thankfully, there is padding to give the mascot its more rotund shape, and it essentially feels like you are wearing hockey goalie pads for protection.
In short, I experienced first hand that it takes a special person to be a mascot. You need good joints, better coordination, and a build that can carry weight on your shoulders. I am leaving this experience with new found appreciation for mascots of all kinds and sorts. And even more respect for those mascots who represent a sports team. The ones who jump on trampolines, run up stadium stairs, attempt cartwheels, and can do slam dunks from halfway down the court. And I may get a change to experience that first hand.
I did say above that after this episode, I would not dawn another costume again, as to protect my neck and back. But now I might get to dress up as sushi at a sporting match and cannot give that up.
This is Maggi signing out as my first and maybe last attempt at being a mascot, and the closest I am going to get to being a furry.
