March 19, 2003

The 19th of March was a fantastic day in the Blazers’ world. Blaze, our first official mascot, turned the ripe old age of one. The celebration was enormous, the people came from cities near and far and it happened to have taken place while the Blazers hosted the Houston Rockets for a regular season game in the Rose Garden.

Blaze invited guests from all over the nation including friends from the NBA; Clutch, Jazz Bear and Squatch; local mascots representing Hagen foods and Papa John’s Pizza, as well as the notorious civil war duo; the Duck and the Beaver.

The night contained a plethora of activities to commemorate the Trail Cat. The mascots entertained in the first half with a game of musical chairs that ended with Clutch streaking the crowd in his underwear.

Half time contained an ever so interesting display of mascot basketball. The game was a battle between the local and NBA mascots, where a basket was few and far between. Balls were flying everywhere, and not one play was executed without some distraction being caused by the other team members.

The festivities drew to a close after an awe-inspiring demonstration of mascot ability. Birthday guests flaunted their talent while taking flight off the trampoline and stuffing it home with their own individual style. The crowd witnessed an amazing site as Blaze finished off the time-out by soaring over each mascot into a one-handed, fur flying slam-dunk.

All in all, the Birthday party was a success. Fans and mascots couldn’t help but go home happy wondering what next year’s celebration could possibly have in store.


Check out all the birthday fun with this awesome PHOTO GALLERY!