SOAR unveils mascot

Say hello to Dino SOAR. Photo by Jim Cornelius

A tall, colorful dinosaur loomed over the Sisters Rodeo Parade on Saturday, June 14.

It was the first public appearance of the new SOAR mascot named, inevitably, Dino SOAR.

Sisters puppeteer Shirley McBride crafted the giant orange and green creature, which will be used by the Sisters Organization for Activities and Recreation to promote safety and education for younger SOAR participants.

Renee and Craig May donated the use of their truck and drove the SOAR float through the parade to introduce the new fellow both to the kids and to the community at large.

"The kids loved it, I think," said SOAR president Maureen Bidasolo.

According to Bidasolo, McBride approached SOAR with the idea for a mascot.

The organization bought materials and McBride donated her time and talents to the creation.

The result looks something like a Tyrannosaurus Rex, but it is way too friendly looking to live up to his name.

That name could change, Bidasolo noted. SOAR is informally taking suggestions from children for new aliases.

And a smaller sidekick may also be in the future.