Fredbird plays to a large audience at the Sunday American Legion Breakfast

[January 14, 2020]   LINCOLN - The American Legion post 263 in Lincoln is currently hosting monthly breakfasts to benefit the Legion youth baseball program. This past Sunday was the January breakfast and a large crowd turned out to enjoy the great food, plus a special visitor.

The St. Louis Cardinals mascot Fredbird was on hand for more than an hour Sunday morning having fun with guests and posing for pictures.

The original plan was for Fredbird to have a head on meet with Clark the Cub of the Chicago Cubs. However, according to volunteers at the Legion, Clark was forced to stay in hibernation this weekend due to some wicked weather conditions in Chicago. However, Clark has rescheduled and will be at the February breakfast on the 9th. That is expected to also be a large turnout for those there to see Clark, but also because it will be the annual Lincoln Community High School FFA Breakfast. Proceeds from the breakfast will go to the FFA and the youth baseball team. The FFA will also host a silent auction during that day.

This week, however, some where there to see Clark. All enjoyed the time they got to spend with Fredbird.

Fredbird was up to usual tricks, trying to convert Cubbie fans by trying to bribe them with a Cardinals baseball cap, pestering the volunteers who were working in the food service line, flirting with the ladies, and playing with the kids.

Fredbird worked his way around the room and ended up on stage in the banquet hall at the American Legion. Quickly a line formed of folks who were anxious to get a picture with the world famous mascot.

Some of the funniest antics of the mascot occurred when a tiny tot was presented to him. The little guy wasn’t all that impressed. He had his picture taken, then just turned and walked away.

Just a toddler, he bobbled and weaved through the room unaware that he had inherited a redbird shadow. Fredbird followed the little guy around the room, imitating the child’s wobbles and arm and hand waves with the little one unaware. Finally, the child stopped, turned around and gave the bird a look, then went on about his way.

In another instance, someone handed Fredbird a sign that was a message of love for the Cubbies. Fredbird promptly tore the paper sign to shreds, much to the delight of all the Cardinal fans in the room.

And, finally, Fredbird had the opportunity to ham it up in front of a 60-plus year fan of the Cardinals. Also a volunteer at the breakfast, the Cardinal fan came out of the food kitchen/food service area to give the big bird a hug and get a picture taken. She then hurried back to work, helping to make sure that there was plenty of food for everyone.

The breakfast, prepared by the Sons of the American Legion was no disappointment to anyone, as according to the cashiers, more than 300 people came in to enjoy the buffet style line filled with eggs, bacon, fried potatoes, biscuits, gravy, fresh fruit, donuts and French toast sticks.

The weather on Sunday was less than perfect. While we did not get the rain and snow that was originally depicted, what did come into the Lincoln area left a thick coating of ice after the overnight freeze. The primary roads were clear, but secondary roads and parking lots were slippery at best. Even so, the Legion enjoyed a nice turnout and are hopeful that we will see weather good enough next month for Clark to follow up on his promise to be at the February breakfast.

The February breakfast will partner the LCHS FFA and the Legion Baseball program. Serving will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude at 11 a.m. It is not yet known what time Clark will be at the legion. LDN will provide that information as soon as it is made available.

[Nila Smith]