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.
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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.
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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.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2020/Jan/13/images/ads/current/rohlfs_lda_072017.png)
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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] |