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The Twin Cities have many wonderful parks, one of which is Como Park in St. Paul. From its original 300 acres it has developed over the years to include a zoo, conservatory (both recently remodeled), a Japanese Garden, kiddie rides, picnic grounds, and swimming pool. In 1997 it observed its 100th birthday. (http://www.comozooconservatory.org/zoo/history.html) Sparky the Seal depicted in the above painting, which is on display at the zoo, has been a mainstay and big draw at outdoor performances for fifty years; actually several seals have played the role (Ssh, don't tell the children that there's been more than one). Since the performance began there have been six different seals, playing the role of Sparky. An addendum: Today (Thursday, August 17th) the morning newspapers were full of stories about the Zoo and the 6 Sparky Seals because of the 50 year anniversary. Great coincidence with my post---now if only Sparky could read!
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Sparky
The Twin Cities have many wonderful parks, one of which is Como Park in St. Paul. From its original 300 acres it has developed over the years to include a zoo, conservatory (both recently remodeled), a Japanese Garden, kiddie rides, picnic grounds, and swimming pool. In 1997 it observed its 100th birthday. (http://www.comozooconservatory.org/zoo/history.html) Sparky the Seal depicted in the above painting, which is on display at the zoo, has been a mainstay and big draw at outdoor performances for fifty years; actually several seals have played the role (Ssh, don't tell the children that there's been more than one). Since the performance began there have been six different seals, playing the role of Sparky. An addendum: Today (Thursday, August 17th) the morning newspapers were full of stories about the Zoo and the 6 Sparky Seals because of the 50 year anniversary. Great coincidence with my post---now if only Sparky could read!
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Cute theme. Makes me think of an episode of I Love Lucy.
ReplyDeleteAh, just like Shamu at Sea World! There have been a few actors playing that part. We used to have a Sea World in Ohio, and I loved to visit there, but unfortunately it's gone now. :(
ReplyDeleteAwwwwwwww, more than one Sparky? I hate when childhood dreams are broken! ;-) Well, at least they keep the dream alive...nice photo...thanks for bringing a "sparkl" to my day! :-)
ReplyDeleteThe Como Park sounds like a great place to take kids. And Sparky would be icing on the cake.
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