Austin Emery of JoJoFun blends art, empathy and adaptability to bring his party persona to life
It’s three minutes until party time, and Austin Emery has one last instruction for his handler.
This is the world of professional mascotting – a world that revolves, in Toronto at least, around the Emery family. Jolène Emery, Mr. Emery’s wife, founded JoJoFun in 2005, building it into one of the city’s biggest children’s party companies. Their daughter Lily works as a mascot at JoJoFun too. “It’s about bringing the character to life,” he says. As he makes his way around the event that afternoon – a summer festival that pops up in North Toronto every year – his mouse doesn’t just walk, he swaggers. He doesn’t just step up at the curb, he bounces.
It was, in short, a disaster. It took a lot of coaxing from Mrs. Emery before he put on another costume. And then there’s the abuse. One kid jumps up and down, smacking him. Another girl tries to trip him as he passes. Several older kids distract him as they try to knock his head off. But there are moments of genuine delight, too. Dozens of people approach for hugs. One woman hands him – a total stranger – her 10-month-old infant. A little girl runs up shouting, “I LOVE YOU!”
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Inside the GOAT mentality: Why Christine Sinclair has unfinished business at her sixth World CupThe last World Cup was supposed to have been Sinclair’s last. But at the age of 40 she’ll carry the hopes of Canada again. How does she do it?
Read more »
Inside Tupac Shakur’s 1996 Murder Investigation: Police Serve Search Warrant For Las Vegas HomeThe investigation into rapper Tupac Shakur's 1996 murder continues as police continue to search for answers nearly 30 years later. The Las Vegas Metro Police confirmed to ET that a search warrant was served at a home in Henderson, Nevada Monday as part of the ongoing investigation into Shakur's death. The LVMPD declined to comment further.…
Read more »
Immersive after-dark installations, pyrotechnics and performances: Inside Beakerhead 2023Organizers have unveiled plans for Beakerhead 2023, which marks its 10th anniversary this year. MeliGilligan
Read more »
Inside Victoria's escalating hospital staffing crisisSummer is a characteristically difficult time to properly staff hospitals. But chronic staff shortages on Vancouver Island had persisted for years before the 2023 summer holiday season began. The ongoing crisis caused nurses to rally outside Victoria General Hospital earlier this month after Island Health recently announced overnight closures at nearby Saanich Peninsula Hospital that […]
Read more »
Inside The Kardashians’ Incredible HomesGet ready for golden bathtubs, massive closets and an over-the-top kids' playhouse, as the Kardashian-Jenner family show fans inside their opulent homes.
Read more »
How to shoot a film inside Thorncliffe Park, Toronto’s ‘arrival city’Despite challenging conditions, the Thorncliffe neighbourhood is vibrant and welcoming, with lively people from all over the world working hard to make their place in this country
Read more »