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Mascot Hall of Fame Ground Breaks in Whiting Friday

10/21/2016 12:16 PM -

WHITING, Ind. – The City of Whiting had their groundbreaking ceremony for the Mascot Hall of Fame that is set to open February 2018 at the end of 119 Street.   

With mascots such as Philly Phanatic from the Philadelphia Phillies, Tommy Hawk from the Chicago Blackhawks, Southpaw from the Chicago White Sox, Clark the Cub from the Chicago Cubs, Oilman Stan from the Northwest Indiana Oilmen, Slugger from the Kansas City Royals, Mr. Met from the New York Mets and Reggy representing the Mascot Hall of Fame all came out for the ceremony.   

There was children from Nathan Hale Elementary School, the Whiting High School Marching Band and citizens of Whiting all in attendance at Oil City Stadium  

Joe Stahura, Mayor of Whiting, said this is going to be a great attraction for entertaining kids and it is a signature project for the city of Whiting.  

“We want kids to come out, be entertained and have fun,” Stahura said. “We will make it an interactive experience.”  

Spero Batistatos, CEO of South Shore CVA, said the museum brings a lot of opportunity to the region.   “This attraction will bring out everyone in and out of the region,” Batistatos said. 

Dave Raymond, said this is all about having fun and using the power of fun.

"All we hear is that Whiting is the Little and Wacky Town that Could and they know the importance," Raymond said.

Fans are encouraged to go on www.mascothalloffame.com to receive updates on the Mascot Hall of Fame and to vote for the first inductee in the 2017 Mascot Hall of Fame.

There are six nominees on the ballot, two from the college level and four from pro teams. The College Mascots are the Nittany Lion from Penn State University and Hairy Dawg from the University of Georgia. The four pro team mascots are Tommy Hawk from the Chicago Blackhawks, Benny the Bull from the Chicago Bulls, Sluggerrr from the Kansas City Royals and Stuff from the Orlando Magic.