Beanie Fact Sheet

  • Beanie was designed by City of Lima Neighborhood Specialist, Christine Rodabaugh, in 1994.
  • The mascot costume made by Olympus Flag Banner in Wisconsin, the same makers of the McDonald restaurant characters, in 1995.
  • Beanie was donated by Jerry Lewis of McDonalds Restaurants of Allen County, at a cost of $2,500.
  • The costume: weighs 9 lbs. 7 oz.; has an ice pack filled vest and headband and a small fan for hot day wear the costume is made mostly of formed foam rubber, but also includes tights, leotard, and gloves.
  • Even though Beanie is 7'1" tall, he has no plans of playing for the NBA.
  • Beanine does not talk, so he must be accompanied by a Beanie Buddy who is fluent in BEANIE mime, and translates all of the important things Beanie has to say.
  • All volunteers must undergo training to be BEANIE or a b Beanie Buddy.
  • Volunteers can be teens, adults, grandparents, or even an entire family.
  • Beanie's identity is always kept a secret.
  • Beanie is a registered trademark of the City of Lima, but exclusive rights have been given to LACNIP.

Beanie bonding with children of Freedom
Elementary during "Walk your child to school day".


Big people like Beanie too!



Would you like to be a Lima Beanie or a Beanie Buddy?   Now accepting applications for volunteers to attend "Beanie Boot Camp."  If interested, check out the "Getting Involved" page.

If you are interested in purchasing a BEANIE Ware item, use the buttons below to purchase through paypal, or click here to download a form to order through the mail.