As many of you know by now, this season will be Colonel Ohoompapa’s last as the Valleyfair mascot. After 35 years as the owner and face of Valleyfair, Colonel John Philips Ohoompapa has announced his retirement and is saying his “good-byes.”

Several characters and mascots have made their appearance at Valleyfair throughout the years; The Berenstein Bears, Pink Panther, Chocolate Mouse, and even a Mosquito, a Loon and a Pint of Milk have been mascots for Valleyfair (can you really call a Pint of Milk a mascot?). However, none have had the longevity or been more beloved than Colonel Ohoompapa.

In the past 35 years, Colonel Ohoompapa has been Valleyfair’s most constant personality. He’s made appearances throughout the Twin Cities at parades, festivals, ball games and even a race among several of his fellow Twin Cities mascots. It’s no wonder he’s ready for retirement!

So now, with the addition of the Peanuts gang (which, don’t get us wrong, we’re unbelievably excited for) we say good-bye to Valleyfair’s oldest and dearest friend. But before he starts cashing in on 35 years of a Valleyfair 401K, we asked him to share some of his favorite memories from his time at the park.

“Back in the days when Chocolate Mouse was around, we really enjoyed getting up on stage and performing in our very own show, Colonel and Friends.”


Chocolate Mouse and I tearing up on stage

“A few years back I got invited to play in the Mascot Baseball Game at the Metrodome. While my team didn’t win, I did get a base hit and an RBI!”


Waiting in line to bat with my fellow mascot teammates

“The past few years my age has really started to creep up on me. Thankfully, the Benchwarmerz were around to keep me young and dancing on the midways.”


Doing the Soulja Boy with the Benchwarmerz

“Of course, my fondest memories are of meeting all the Valleyfair guests over the years. Nothing will ever compare to greeting guests as they entered the park or getting a big hug from an excited young‘un on the midway. It’s been a great ride and it’s with great pride I pass the torch on to Snoopy and his pals.”


Greeting a young guest back in the ‘70s


High-fiving a young’un during the summer of 2009


From the ValleyGirls, we want to issue a heartfelt “good-bye” to this great Valleyfair legend. You wont soon be forgotten.


ValleyGirls and Colonel Ohoompapa