The Famous Chicken and Black Squirrels

You might be asking yourself what on earth do the Famous Chicken and Black Squirrels have in common? Well back in 2007, LotterySquirrel.com creator Ric Wallace ran the Black Squirrel® Campaign in order to get the city of London Ontario to adopt the Black Squirrel as the city’s official mascot and goodwill ambassador. On March 21, 2007 he presented a report and PowerPoint presentation to the city’s Board of Control. The presentation went great, and when Ric left the council chambers, the media in attendance all followed him creating a vacuum.

Ric got lots of local support, but he also got international supporters on board as well. One of those who supported the cause was the Famous Chicken, also known commonly as the San Diego Chicken. Ted Giannoulas was a former Londoner turned famous mascot, and to show his support for Ric’s campaign, he sent along the following photo and note:

The Famous Chicken, also known commonly as The San Diego Chicken

Hi Ric,

Thanks for your interest. Yes, I’m from London and love Victoria Park. I’ll be happy to help out with a photo for your Adopt the Black Squirrel Campaign…

Best regards,

Ted Giannoulas

www.famouschicken.com

Unfortunately the city of London Ontario was too uptight to get on board with this campaign. The amazing history of the Black Squirrel® in London didn’t sell them on the idea that these furry black creatures could be little money magnets for tourist dollars. You just have to look at what communities like Kent OH are doing to promote their Black Squirrels. London’s city council thinks because Black Squirrels are plentiful here, there’s nothing special about them. But most North Americans — in fact, worldwide as well — have never seen a Black Squirrel!

Just listen to the excitement of this Miami tourist in Toronto:

But as is so often the case, people can’t see what they have, even though it’s right under their noses. London Ontario’s city council hates Black Squirrels and completely rejected the Black Squirrel Campaign. But that’s all right with Ric, because he trademarked the name Black Squirrel® — he likes to joke that now Black Squirrel® is spelled with three “Rs”. Ric is a person with vision, which is more than we can say for those on London’s city council.