City of Peterborough Declares "Kevin the Water Bacon" First-Ever Official Town Mascot
/UPDATE: APRIL FOOLS!!!
The City of Peterborough is riding the waves of their logo as they declared “Kevin the Water Bacon” the first-ever official town mascot announced on Friday.
“Water bacon” is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the City’s logo of blue and white horizontal wavy stripes that launched in the spring of 2018. The logo was commissioned by naturalist Dylan Radcliffe who created Water Bacon keychains and bookmarks in the same year.
“I’m totally overwhelmed. I don’t even think it’s sunk in but wow, so excited,” exclaimed Kevin. “When they changed the logo with ‘The Water Bacon,’ I thought, ‘Huh, you know? We need a character!’ so here I am.”
Kevin is an advocate for supporting Peterborough businesses and has posted his appearances on his social media. Places include Emily Mae's Cookies & Sweets, Souvlaki Pit (Ace Submarine) and East City Coffee Shop.
The Water Bacon says he will continue to make appearances and promote local businesses. The visits promote local tourism and town spirit as pandemic restrictions have been loosened as part of his mandate.
The decision came after a behind-closed-doors council meeting Monday night at City Hall. Councillors unanimously voted for Kevin as the new mascot but did not disclose other potential candidates.
Mayor Diane Therrien endorsed the logo’s nickname during her mayoral campaign in 2018. She was adamant about continuing the inside joke that began trending on Twitter with the hashtag #waterbacon.
“Making light of ‘water bacon’ is a fun and whimsical way of promoting and representing the City’s brand and community,” she said. “With Kevin being our new mascot, it reflects on how positive and joyful Peterborough really is.”
Mayor Diane Therrien adopted the tongue-in-cheek name of “Water Bacon” during her mayoral campaign since the City of Peterborough branded the logo in the spring of 2018. She wears the Water Bacon earrings made by Dylan Radcliffe via a 3D printer. Photo courtesy of Julie Morris.
