LIU Brooklyn Blackbird Escapes from Ft. Greene Perch; Sighted in Park Slope

Last Saturday in front of Park Slope’s famed Old Stone House, a figure familiar to Fort Greene sports fans strutted among the crowds attending the Fifth Avenue Family Festival. The Blackbird, beloved mascot of LIU Brooklyn’s athletic programs, flew in from the Wellness Recreation and Athletic Center—newly renamed the Steinberg Wellness Center in honor of outgoing LIU president David Steinberg—to entertain families attending Puppetry Art’s annual fundraiser for programs in puppet theater and youth empowerment.

The Blackbird had more than enough energy to entertain scores of delighted children who were sampling the Festival’s games, arts and crafts, free soda, and rock-climbing. Trailed by eager fans, the Blackbird demonstrated that he truly is a bird of rare distinction. Shooting baskets, scaling the portable Brooklyn Boulders' climbing wall, high-fiving kids or posing with fans of all ages, the Blackbird brought his particular variety of enthusiasm to Park Slope.

One awkward moment occurred when Darth Vader intruded upon the Blackbird’s turf, causing Brooklyn’s favorite bird to threaten the Sith Lord with LIU’s antidote to the dark side of the Force. Luckily, Puppetry Arts founder Tim Young stepped in between the two unlikeliest of adversaries to restore peace.

In addition to Darth Vader and his Star War brethren—including Storm Troopers and Clones—another of Brooklyn’s famous mascots made an appearance on a balmy Saturday afternoon. Sandy the Seagull, the Brooklyn Cyclones mascot, was in attendance along with the Holy Cow, mascot of the Staten Island Yankees.

When pressed for comment, the Blackbird declined to speak, but offered a high five, a hug and then flew off to his next appearance.