EDIE ZUVANICH Special to the Press
HUTTO – Toddlers, great-grandparents and everyone in-between came to enjoy a bit of hippo mania during World Hippo Day, Feb. 15.
City Hall’s lobby transformed into a hippo haven with costumed mascots, hippo tattoos, booths, activities and merchandise.
But maybe more importantly, it was an opportunity for residents of Hutto to see community leaders and organizations working together to support the culture of the city.
“World Hippo Day is every year on Feb. 15 and this year we had several hippo-themed activities and games, our library participated, our parks department was here, our victim services department was here,” said Kristi Barnes, community outreach and programs manager. “We also had local businesses setting up and (Hutto Independent School District) participation. It’s just really a great way to show the collaboration across the community using the hippo as a symbol.”
Regardless of the deeper meaning, most attendees said they just enjoyed seeing so many people and kids out having fun. The sounds of adults chatting and children squealing and laughing echoed off the walls in a chaotic soundscape of good cheer that could be felt throughout the event.
The intensity surprised Amanda Lombard, who was experiencing her first World Hippo Day. “I didn’t know what to expect but it’s super fun,” she said. “There’s a lot of different booths here and I’m shopping and just walking around and having a lot of fun.”
That three-letter word seemed to be a consensus among the crowd. Jeffrey Thompson and his children attended last year’s World Hippo Day event and made a point to come back because “it’s just a fun event.” The active family participates in the Hutto Youth Football League and are proud of their mascot.
They especially enjoyed watching one of the screenings of the city’s documentary video “Hippo Loose in Hutto: The Legend of Hutto Texas” which details how the hippo came to represent Hutto. The film was introduced by the city last year and was featured in this event as well.
“We live in Hutto and we’re all about the hippos,” Thompson said. “It’s always fun to come watch the hippo movie.”
