Oswego Resident Takes to Lawn to Paint 2 Cubs Logos

OSWEGO, IL — Years ago when the Cubs were in the playoffs, Oswego resident Mark Runyon created a Cubs logo on his lawn. Well, they didn’t win and Runyon thought he might have jinxed them and decided not to do it again. But with the Cubs in the World Series, he just couldn’t help himself.

This past week, Runyon and his wife Linda took to their lawn to create not just one, but two designs that look professionally done. Perhaps that’s because they began with graph paper and then measured it out on their lawn with string.

Between the planning and painting, the Runyons spent around 20 hours creating their designs, and they're spectacular.

“Yeah, I’m crazy,” Mark Runyon said with a laugh. “I was born blue and I’m gonna die blue.”

Runyon also has a Cubs-themed mailbox, which was a gift from his wife for his birthday. And to put the finishing touch on it, Runyon painted the post to match the mailbox. He also put lights in the window and has been flying the “W” flag since they entered the playoffs.

The designs are 25 feet in diameter and neighbors haven’t been able to get enough of them, Runyon said. Several people have come by to snap photos or take selfies with them.

“I had an 85-year-old lady stop by and we chatted for about half an hour,” Runyon said. “It’s been pretty cool.”

And if it starts to rain, Runyon has a tarp to cover it up, which he did the other night while the paint was still drying. But he’s not too worried about it since he used latex paint. If it happens to rain, the colors will just fade a bit and then he’ll go back out and touch it up.

“At least get them through the World Series,” Runyon said.

While he doesn’t have any big plans for his lawn if the Cubs win, he does have something else in mind.

“I might get a tattoo.”

Runyon’s designs can be found in the 100 block of Chesterfield Drive in Oswego. And while you're in the area, check out this giant "W" also painted on a lawn.

Photos courtesy of Mark Runyon