Last call for Bucky on Parade

Get your Bucky on Parade selfies before it’s too late: Most of the 85 statues will be removed from their summer display sites on Thursday, Sept. 13.

The Bucky on Parade public art project officially runs from May 7 to Sept. 12, with the distinctively decorated statues of the iconic mascot displayed throughout Dane County. Sixty-four different artists designed them.

The statues will be taken to Madison College and repaired as needed. Fifty-five have already been purchased by their sponsors, who will pick them up and display as they choose.

Another 30 will be auctioned off — 20 at the Sept. 29 Finale Party live auction, and 10 in an online auction that also includes other items. The benefits go to basketball coach Greg Gard’s charity, Garding Against Cancer, to fund cancer treatment and awareness, along with the Madison Area Sports Commission and other community charities.

Fifteen of the Bucky on Parade statues are on campus, from Bascom Hill to Picnic Point, sporting names like “Blooming Bucky,” “Bucky Alvarez,” and “Leckrone’s Stop at the Top.”

Two campus Buckys will remain for a time. “Graduation Bucky” on Bascom Hill will stay up until Homecoming on Oct. 20, and the “Crazylegs Bucky” at the UW Police Department will be displayed at 1611 Monroe St. for one additional week.

The Madison Area Sports Commission was the producer of the event.

It was a popular pastime this summer to visit the Buckys and take selfies with them. Those who visited all 85 can enter a drawing to win prizes at the Greater Madison Convention & Visitor Bureau. They can also pick up a “I found them all” button when they enter the drawing. Entries will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept 14. The grand prize drawings will take place on Monday, Sept 17.