As Salem’s Riverfront Carousel celebrates its 25th anniversary, visitors will soon be able to take a magical ride on the back of Willamette University’s mascot. Blitz the Bearcat will join the carousel’s herd as the final addition to its “New Dream” lineup, which will also include figures representing the University of Oregon and Oregon State University.
The project was spearheaded by Corliss Boehne BA’78 and Barb Parker BA’78, who wanted a way to honor their alma mater in the Salem community. After helping to organize their friends in the Class of 1978 to raise funds for the project, they also helped support Willamette’s Annual Fund with a class gift, ensuring their class supports current Willamette students as well as the Salem community.
“We decided to promote our alma mater at the Carousel with the gift of the Bearcat figure, and be a part of the greater Salem community,” Boehne said. “The Carousel is truly a landmark and one of Salem's treasures — a place to gather for all in our community.”
Based on a sketch by artist Donna Miller, the carousel figure will be hand-carved and painted by local volunteer artisans — a process that can take up to two years. Blitz is planned to be unveiled to coincide with the Class of 1978’s 50th reunion celebrations in June of 2029. In addition to appearing as part of the carousel’s rotating stable of figures, Blitz will also be available for display at special Willamette events.
“We're excited for Willamette University's mascot to join our Riverfront Carousel herd,” said Marie Bradford-Blevins, executive director of the carousel. “Like all of our figures, we know Blitz the Bearcat will inspire fun and imagination for generations to come.”
Honoring Willamette’s Salem roots
Boehne and Parker worked with university staff to develop a design that would honor Willamette’s deep roots in the Salem community. Blitz will don a Willamette football jersey with the number 42, an homage to Willamette’s founding year of 1842. Careful observers will also notice a special tribute to Barney Bearcat, Willamette’s previous mascot, in the form of a patch on Blitz's uniform.
For the Willamette community, the figure will represent an enduring addition to a centerpiece of downtown Salem.
“Willamette's story is deeply intertwined with Salem's story. Long before Oregon became a state, this university was helping shape the community that would grow around it. Having Blitz represented on the Riverfront Carousel is a joyful reflection of that enduring partnership and a reminder that Willamette remains an important part of Salem's civic and cultural life,” said Tyler Reich BA’06, Associate Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of University Relations.
While the Salem community will have to wait a couple more years to take a ride on Blitz’s back, Bearcats of all ages will be able to look forward to fun at the carousel long into the future.
“What I love most about this project is that it connects generations. Children who ride Blitz in the years ahead may one day become Bearcats themselves,” Reich said. “The opportunity to introduce young people to the spirit, pride, and sense of community that define Willamette in such a joyful way is truly special.”
