Legacy of Big Joe Mufferaw lives on with Redblacks mascot
March 28, 2014 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Ottawa RedBlacks News Release
OTTAWA - He's Big Joe Mufferaw.
Following an overwhelming response by fans of the Ottawa REDBLACKS to an appeal for a mascot name, the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group has partnered with the family of the late Ottawa Valley storyteller Bernie Bedore to name the team's new mascot after Bedore's character "Big Joe Mufferaw."
The partnership also pays tribute to Joseph Montferrand, a legendary French-Canadian logger throughout the Ottawa Valley and the Outaouais in the 1800s upon whom Bedore's Big Joe character is based. The partnership also includes a new series of Big Joe Mufferaw children's books that will be provided to young fans who join a REDBLACKS youth fan club.
"Our fans spoke and we listened," said Jeff Hunt, OSEG President of Sports. "We heard that fans loved the look of our mascot and hundreds said he had to be Big Joe Mufferaw. We like that name too because it reminds us of our city's past and fits so well into the branding of our football team."
Hunt connected with the family of Bernie Bedore about using the name. Mr. Bedore wrote several books aimed at youngsters that illustrated the tall-tale exploits of Big Joe Mufferaw during boot-stomping, lumberjacking days.
"We're delighted to continue dad's legacy through a new series of books for kids," said Judy Bedore, Bernie's daughter. "This initiative will bring Big Joe Mufferaw and the history of the lumber industry in our region into the hearts and minds of a new generation of young people for years to come."
A new series of Big Joe Mufferaw books based on the Bernie Bedore stories will be produced by Great River Media, under the direction of owner Mark Sutcliffe.
Details of the new series of books and the REDBLACKS youth fan club will be announced later.
Canadian Football League Stories from March 28, 2014
- Ben Archibald Announces Retirement; McKenzie Released - B.C. Lions
- Blue Bombers Add Four to Roster - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Legacy of Big Joe Mufferaw lives on with Redblacks mascot - Ottawa RedBlacks
- Tiger-Cats Sign Three - Hamilton Tiger-Cats
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