Vancouver 2010 Store Opens, Mukmuk MIA
byVancouver’s 2010 Olympics have a couple mascots, three to be precise. They’re all warm, fuzzy little creatures that are starting annoy the heck outta some people already. Since they’re pretty much developed for merchandising and marketing purposes I can see why they did the following:
But here’s what gets me, I’ve become a big MukMuk fan.
So with the launch of the brand spankin’ new Vancouver 2010 store I was thinking maybe I’d look around and see about getting a MukMuk to toss into the prize pack for my contest (that you should really enter). Nope, no MukMuk.
There’s no MukMuk plush, no MukMuk pins and certainly no MukMuk mugs. What gives? I was saying yesterday, to those who actually care about the olympics in this town, that there should be a Facebook group to petition the upgrading of MukMuk to official mascot status. You know, one of those groups you join then forget about, but at the time you think it’s a really good idea.
Vancouver 2010 apparel and mascot loot is now on sale at The Bay – and no, they didn’t pay me to say that, and they should donate a mascot plush for my contest because maybe that might be more incentive to enter the draw. Either to keep the toy, or to throw it on the ice at the Giants game, since that will be encouraged.
Here are some upcoming appearances by the mascots, in case you wanna get the kiddies out to meet them:
December 8 & 9, 2007 @ Hbc downtown, December 14th @ the Whistler Westin, December 15th @ Hbc and Zellers Metrotown, December 16th @ Hbc and Zellers Coquitlam.
Unfortunately all appearances will also be sans Mukmuk.
Update: Mukmuk will now appear in plush form only as he will still be considered a “sidekick” to the others.
14 Comments — Comments Are Closed
My siblings bought the 3 of them. I have to take a picture of “Sue Me” without the hat on!
You’ve got to admit (hate them or love them) that the stuffies are damn cute…obviously reeling in the kids. And I know!!! I asked why Muk Muk wasn’t there too.
MukMuk was launched as a “virtual” mascot right from the beginning and will only exist online.
25 bucks for one of those? eff that!
But then again, i dont back the bid 🙂
I agree with the whole muk muk thing, yes it does have a certain slang meaning which is less than pretty, but hey what is more Canadian than a hairy backed, touque wearing, beer belling toting Marmot. Sure is a hell of alot better than those PokeKitty abominations. Interesting little fact, Quatchi actually means horny, well something like that anyways check this dictionary site out: http://www.definition-of.com/Quatchi
I realize I’m coming late to this discussion, but I’ve also been on the lookout for Mukmuk stuff. But you are right. Mukmuk appears to be relegated purely to a on-line presence – I guess he’s the first e-mascot in Olympic history – but he’s my dark-horse pick for what could be the favored mascot come closing ceremonies.
Mukmuk’s description, from the Vanoc press materials, states that “when he is not hibernating or sunbathing on rocks and logs, Mukmuk enjoys surprising his friends by popping up on occasion to share in the spirit and fun of the Games. Mukmuk’s name comes from the Squamish word for food (‘muckamuck’) because he loves to eat – when he’s not playing with his mascot friends.”
This is why I think Mukmuk could end up being very popular. For one, he actually exists as a species in British Columbia and is not a mythical creature like Miga, who appears to be a cross between a miniature panda bear and Ed Grimley. Secondly, he appears to be mute and, let’s face it, talking animated animals are just plain weird. Lastly, he’s not in your face and only hangs out from time to time when the mood strikes him, usually over social engagements like dining out. In short, he seems to be a bit of a slacker with a huge case of the munchies. Is there anything more quintessentially West Coast than this?
The only thing that I’m not entirely clear on is why Mukmuk has only side-kick status. The other three get all the marketing attention, including pins, plush dolls and t-shirts. This seems a little bit like Chewbacca getting screwed out of the medal at the end of Star Wars.
I was watching the news today and John Furlong was hinting that a Mukmuk plushies might push through. Also they are planning to creat more books with the mascots. Hopefuly it will come true.
I too have become an instant MukMuk fan and not just becuase we share the same attitude about food. I would a permium for MukMuk goodies so come on Vanoc ? MukMuk is the only real BC mascot anyways so divy up the plushies….
Your wishes have been granted …! MukMuk is finally available in merchandise form: t-shirts, plushes, and PINS 😀 They just became available on the 2010 store today:
http://www.vancouver2010.com/store/collectibles/pins/vancouver-2010-mukmuk-pin/prodVAN1366.html
and
http://www.vancouver2010.com/store/collectibles/pins/vancouver-2010-mukmuk-1-pin/prodVAN1367.html
For years there has been a plush Vancouver Island marmot. Now there is a winter version with a Canadian toque and skis.
You should obtain it from the site of the Marmot Recovery Foundation.
This marmot lives only in the high sub-alpine of Vancouver Island and it is one of the most endangered species in the world!
The plight of this animal is a made-in-Canada story… and so is the successful plan for its recovery. The recovery is going well, but there is a long road still ahead, and the Foundation needs all of the public support it can get.
The purchase of the plush marmot toys really helps. (The Foundation was a major project of mine 8 years ago.)
[…] I believe the hockey-playing Quatchi dolls are still flying off shelves at The Bay. However, I was personally disappointed that the Vancouver Island marmot, Muk Muk was only a pseudo mascot until recent […]
There is a Mukmuk plush toy. :O
My fiance and I are expecting our first child right around the time of the olympics, and as such one of the uncles purchased us a mascot toy. It was Mukmuk. I was confused. Mukmuk? I’d seen all the other ones, but had never heard of this mukmuk character. So I googled it, and came upon this site. Mukmuk can be found in Whistler at least! I don’t know if it’s now available in Vancouver area or not, but there is deffinately no “Muk-ing” about out here in Alberta. Too bad. Cute little fella.
[…] Mukmuk does not qualify for this segment as he only exists in miniature plush form, but I present to you “Vancouver […]
YAY! We have Mukmuk plushies, pins and mugs at last in Canada! i’ve got it with me right now in Ontario so now it’s available all over Canada!