10 Years of Izzy
July 15, 1996, marked the beginning of Izzy’s reign here in Atlanta. It really changed how the city (downtown, midtown, former Techwood mainly) looked and Atlanta’s image in the world. Ever since we’ve been associated with the monstrosity that is Izzy.
July 15, 2006, marks the 10th anniversary and several places (spurred by Billy Payne) are having celebrations to commemorate the impact that Izzy had on the city. Centennial Park is having a party July 15 from 7-10 pm (pdf announcement here). Here ‘s a quote from Billy Payne:
“I am proud to be a part of the 10th Anniversary Celebration of [Izzy],” says Billy Payne, former President and CEO of the Atlanta Committee for the [Promotion of Izzy], “This is the perfect occasion to share the [Izzy] legacy and celebrate the spirit of volunteerism experienced ten years ago.”
(Thanks Karsh!)
I’ve *never* seen that before. Wow.
While I waxed nostalgic on Atlanta in my most recent post, I might need to write one up on the things I don’t like about Atlanta. Izzy is definitely in my top ten – and the dumbest mascot ever. A propos, though, since it mirrors Atlanta’s struggle to find its own identity.
I think we should give Izzy a suitable beatdown for a 10-year Anniversary.
I would gladly give money to knock the crap (slime?) out of that thing.
Am I senile, or did that thing used to be called “Whatizzit?” because it could morph into different sports type things? (Tries to shake off 10 years of binge-drinking induced cobwebs) Most considered it a branding debacle if I remember correctly, along with Juan Antonio Samarich(???) who jilted us by not saying it was the “most exceptional games ever” as he had at all previous Olympics he presided over. That said, the Olympics was a great time in my life, and I saw some amazing things while working for ACOG that summer.
I’m with Paddy. Let’s rumble.
FYI Daniel: I ran across this entry again on another blog, comments and all.
http://atlantanewsblog.com/?p=160
Awesome, another syndication bandit.