Looking awfully spry for 85, Bucky Badger celebrated a milestone birthday in spectacular fashion on Saturday, Sept. 27. Bucky’s Birthday Bash featured a kids’ pep rally at the Overture Center, a walking parade down State Street, and a gathering at the Terrace — complete with a new Babcock Dairy ice cream flavor to mark the occasion. The UW–Madison mascot’s official birthday is Oct. 2, when the Library of Congress registered a copyright of his likeness in 1940, but no one could blame fellow Badgers for wanting to start the party a bit early.
Bucky’s Birthday Bash kicked off with a pep rally at the Overture Center, where the UW–Madison mascot was joined by youngsters, Spirit Squad cheerleaders and the UW Marching Band. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonA mascot of many talents, Bucky Badger used his pom-poms to drum along with the UW Marching Band during its lively performance in the Overture Center’s atrium. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonBucky accepted a giant inflatable birthday cake from some of his biggest fans, who grinned from ear to ear throughout the event. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonReady, set, action: Bucky’s always-playful antics delighted parents and children alike. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonBucky demonstrated all the tricks of his trade, including going down to eye level to interact with young Badgers. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonIn a preview of next week’s Homecoming Parade, the Bucky Wagon led a spirited procession down State Street as the UW Marching Band performed for the public and Bucky waved to his fans. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonWhat’s a parade without some impromptu dancing? Bucky found an eager partner in UW student Olivia Brown. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonBucky fist bumped a young fan as his birthday bash made its way to the Memorial Union. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonThe UW Marching Band and Spirit Squad performed on the Terrace, taking advantage of the beautiful 80-degree day — a gift of nature for Bucky’s birthday. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonFrom left to right: Mary McSherry, Madison Haag and Chapin Haag took a break from their Babcock ice cream — with the special flavor Bucky’s Birthday Brownie Bash — to pose for the camera. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonHundreds of frosted cupcakes — soon to be consumed by the large crowd — formed the face of the Bucky Badger logo. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonParty favors included birthday hats to commemorate Bucky turning 85. Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–MadisonA birthday card left for Bucky included the perfect sentiment: ”Thank you for all the laughs.” Photo: Taylor Wolfram / UW–Madison
