Museum formally welcomes Jasper as its official mascot
 

Jasper, the iconic ant that has run around Ontario for 67

years, has finally gotten some formal recognition. 

The personable insect was adopted as the mascot for

the Ontario Museum of History & Art.  At a Museum

Trustees meeting on Sept. 26, Jasper was formally

welcomed as the

museum’s symbol. 

He’s no newcomer,

having been created as

the official emblem

for the All-States

Picnic in Ontario in

1956.   He originally

appeared as “Mr. Ant”

at the annual picnic,

having been designed by Tom Hicks, Chaffey High grad

and Chaffey College art student. 

The name Jasper was created by Mrs. John O. Hill, who submitted it and was named winner in a naming contest that drew 350 entrants.  “Jasper” is from J-July 4th, A-All,

S-States, P-Picnic, E-Euclid Avenue, R-Regular event. 

Through the years, as attendance at the picnic declined,

Jasper’s role also declined.  

But he returned in 2016 when local artist (and Museum

trustee) Chris Kueng created a more whimsical look for

Jasper.  He has since been a regular in city events in a new mascot costume that debuted for the 2018 July 4th parade.

The original Jasper drawing is on display in the Gem of

the Foothills exhibit at the Museum. 

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