Harmony Square’s mascot is preparing for his next public appearance on Nov. 30
Contributed Photo/ City of Brantford
Harmony Squirrel dropping the puck at local hockey game.
Doug “The Great” Hunt, a Brantford local and world record holding stilt walker, approached Jennifer Middleton, the special events supervisor for all things Harmony Square, right around the square’s 10th anniversary, June of 2018.
“You need an ambassador for Harmony Square, not just for the anniversary, but for years to come,” said Hunt.
Following this conversation the plans for the Harmony Square mascot were created.
The Harmony Squirrel makes annual appearances at downtown Brantford events like the Santa Claus Parade and anything special going on in Harmony Square.
Harmony Square is a staple for events in the downtown Brantford community. A place like this with consistent events and gatherings of people needed something. A staple aspect like a mascot.
“Harmony Square needs a mascot. That was the end of the conversation. I said OK,” said Middleton.
And the rest is history.
Contributed photo / City of Brantford
Harmony Squirrel celebrating in downtown Brantford.
Harmony Squirrel was created in 2018 to represent the community. The people of Brantford designed him and there were months of preparation so the mascot could be revealed at the anniversary celebration. The city met with community members to decide on the name of the proposed mascot. The community was there every step of the way because Harmony Squirrel is a representation of what the community wanted.
“It was down to three names and the three names were voted on at the event, so the event was a multiple day event. We tallied up the vote right there at the event and then the mascot was revealed, with their [the community’s] new name and it was it was absolutely incredible” said Middleton.
There is almost no event in Harmony Square that the Harmony Squirrel doesn’t attend. Harmony Squirrel is great for photo opportunities with the community and to make events that much more memorable.
The atmosphere changes when the Harmony Squirrel enters the event or is leading the parade. Local children notice and recognize the squirrel and love the chance to take a photo with it.
As the years have gone on, the mascot has not changed in appearance, but the squirrel’s taste in fashion definitely has.
“The most recent reveal that we did was Harmony Squirrel became Elvis during our Elvis in the Square, and I can’t even tell you, this may be the best reveal ever,” said Middleton. “He had the hair of Elvis. He had bellbottoms of Elvis, he had the belt, he had the vest, the microphone, like it was the best reveal ever.”
The Harmony Squirrel has helped so many people make memories in Brantford and will continue to do so in fashionable outfits for years to come. The next time that Brantford will see the Harmony Squirrel is in Santa Claus Parade on Nov. 30.
This article was originally published in print Volume 24, Issue 3 on Thursday, November 7.
