The Harvest Moon is a phenomenon that occurs when the full moon is closest to the autumnal equinox. It has captivated people's imaginations for centuries and has been the subject of countless myths and legends. One such legend is the idea that the Harvest Moon possesses magical powers. According to ancient folklore, the Harvest Moon has the ability to magically enhance one's abilities and bring good fortune. It is believed that during this time, the moon's energy is at its strongest, and those who harness it can tap into its power. This has led people to engage in various rituals and practices to maximize the benefits of the Harvest Moon.
Tusk V Next In Line Of Live Razorback Mascots
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas, home to one of the nation’s longest tenured and most recognizable live mascot programs, is celebrating the recent birth of Tusk V, the next in the line of Arkansas Razorback mascots.
Born Saturday, April 19 at the Stokes Family Farm in Dardanelle, Arkansas, Tusk V is the son of the current Arkansas Razorbacks’ live mascot, Tusk IV, a Russian Boar which closely resembles the type of “wild band of razorback hogs,” first described by then Arkansas head football coach Hugo Bezdek in 1909. The following year, in 1910, University of Arkansas students voted to officially adopt the new nickname changing the mascot from the Cardinals to the Razorbacks.
Tusk V will take over official mascot duties in time for the 2019 Razorback Football season, after his father, Tusk IV, is scheduled to retire.
“It is hard to imagine another collegiate live mascot program that is more ingrained in the fabric of its university and its state than Tusk is at this university and within Arkansas,” Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek said. “The Razorbacks proudly represent Arkansans throughout the state and the Tusk program is an integral part of carrying on that storied tradition. We are grateful to Keith and Julie Stokes and their entire family for their longtime care of our live mascots and for the countless hours they spend in supporting our teams, coaches and student-athletes. We look forward to Tusk IV’s final year and to 2019, when Tusk V will carry on this legacy for generations of Razorback fans to come.”
Tusk IV and V live on the Stokes Family Farm near Dardanelle, Arkansas. The work of caring for Tusk IV and V is shared between Keith and his wife Julie, their daughter Abbey, their son Chip and his wife Lori, and their four-year-old son (Keith and Julie’s grandson), Colt.
Tusk IV makes a two-hour trek up to Northwest Arkansas for every Razorback football game as well as select other Razorback athletics events throughout the year. Beloved by Razorback and opposing team fans of all ages, Tusk is always the center of attention when he makes an appearance at games or other special events. Through the years, he has traveled the state and throughout the region to appear at various locations including at bowl games, Razorback Clubs and even the Arkansas State Capitol.
Arkansas’ first live mascot, Tusk I was selected in 1997 and served as the Razorback mascot for eight years.
After spending four football seasons at the Little Rock Zoo, Tusk I was moved to the Tyson Foods Farm in Springdale in 2001. In 2002, Tusk I became the father to Tusk II. Tusk I passed away in 2004 and his son, Tusk II, was moved from the Tyson Farm to the Stokes Family Farm and served as the live mascot from 2005 until 2010.
Tusk III was the brother of Tusk II and both were second-generation Russian boars. Tusk III served for only one football season in 2010. Tusk IV is the son of Tusk II and took over as the official live mascot during the 2011 football season. He recently completed his seventh season.
In 2008, Razorback Athletics created the Tusk Fund to help provide financial assistance for the maintenance and upkeep of the live mascot program. Donations to the fund provide Tusk with improvements to his facilities and most of all, create a legacy program for guaranteeing the longevity of the Razorback live mascot program. Fans interested in supporting the Tusk Fund, can do so by clicking here.
The tradition of a live mascot predates the Tusk lineage, dating back to the 1960s with a series of hogs that have proudly represented Arkansas.
Tusk V, Razorback mascot, dies at age of 4
Tusk V is shown during an Arkansas football game against Alabama on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Fayetteville.
FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas’ mascot, Tusk V, died Sunday at his habitat in Dardanelle, according to a press release Tuesday from the UA athletics department.
The death was due to natural causes, according to the release. The Russian boar was born in April 2018 and had been in service since 2019 following the retirement of Tusk IV.
Tusk IV, who died in 2020 at the age of 9, bred Tusk V and Tusk VI, who will become the school’s next live mascot.
Chip Stokes, one of the caretakers at the Tusk habitat, said at the time of Tusk IV’s death that the life expectancies for the animals are typically 10-12 years.
The Tusk mascot lineage at Arkansas dates to 1997 when the Razorbacks began having live mascots at football games after a nearly 20-year hiatus. The UA set up a lineage funding program in 2008, and the animals are raised at the Stokes Family Farm in Dardanelle, about 120 miles from Fayetteville.
The Tusk mascots make appearances at Arkansas sporting events, including all home football games, as well as other Razorback-related events throughout the state.
In the 1960s and '70s a number of live mascots were used by the university. In 1977, a mascot named Big Red III escaped an exhibit near Eureka Springs and was shot by a farmer. The following year another live mascot, Ragnar, died in the small South Arkansas community of Leola after a spree in which he killed a coyote, a domestic pig and seven rattlesnakes, according to university records.
CORRECTION: Tusk IV died in 2020. The article originally had the incorrect year.
Tusk: the Razorback live mascot
The wild hogs known as razorbacks native to the Arkansas wilderness bear no resemblance to the typical barnyard pig of today. The untamed razorback hog was a lean, feral animal that was ill-tempered. It fought and defeated anything that crossed its path, man or beast. Turn of the 20th century outdoor magazines lauded the razorback as “the most intelligent of all the hogs and is likewise the most courageous. . . . He has a clear, farseeing eye.”
This was the mighty animal that inspired Hugo Bezdek to proclaim his team had fought “like a wild band of razorback hogs” against LSU in 1909. To read more on the Bezdek legend, click here.
Except for rare sightings in the Australian Outback, the Razorback only exists today in the form of Arkansas’ players and fans. A Russian boar, which closely resembles the wild hog of Bezdek’s day, currently serves as the official live mascot. He resides near campus, and attends all Arkansas home football games.
Tusk IV, a Russian boar, which closely resembles the wild hog of Hugo Bezdek’s day, currently serves as the official live mascot. Tusk IV is cared for by the Stokes family of Dardanelle, Ark., and travels to home games and special events for the Razorbacks. Tusk IV is supported by the legacy program known as the Tusk Fund, and fans can participate by sending their support in care of the Razorback Foundation, Inc. Tusk IV enters his first full season in 2011 after debuting at the 2011 Allstate Sugar Bowl. He follows Tusk III, who is retired and still living on the Stokes’ farm.
There are only a handful of universities which maintain a live mascot program, and the outpouring of support for the current Tusk from the Razorback fan base is the primary reason why the University of Arkansas continues the tradition.
The tradition of a live mascot prior to Tusk dates back to the 1960s with a series of hogs that have proudly represented Arkansas. In addition to appearances at games, they have gained a reputation for fierce behavior.
Big Red III escaped from an exhibit near Eureka Springs in the summer of 1977 and ravaged the countryside before being gunned down by an irate farmer. Another live mascot, Ragnar, was a wild hog captured in south Arkansas by Leola farmer Bill Robinson. Before Ragnar’s spree was done, the mighty animal had killed a coyote, a 450-pound domestic pig and seven rattlesnakes. Ragnar died in 1978 of unknown causes.
This has led people to engage in various rituals and practices to maximize the benefits of the Harvest Moon. One common belief is that the Harvest Moon can amplify the potency of spells and rituals. Witches and practitioners of magic often use this time to cast spells for abundance, prosperity, and success.
They believe that the moon's energy can magnify their intentions and bring about positive outcomes in their lives. In addition to its magical properties, the Harvest Moon also has practical significance in agriculture. The extended period of bright moonlight during the autumn season allows farmers to work late into the night, harvesting their crops. This has earned the full moon its name, as it plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful harvest. The Harvest Moon also holds cultural and symbolic significance in many societies. It is often associated with the celebration of the harvest and the bountifulness of nature. Festivals and gatherings are held during this time, where communities come together to give thanks for the abundance of the land. While the idea of the Harvest Moon possessing magical powers may be rooted in myth and folklore, its influence on human culture is undeniable. Whether it is through rituals and spells or the celebration of the harvest, the Harvest Moon holds a special place in the hearts and minds of people around the world. It serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the power of the natural world..
Reviews for "Celebrating the harvest moon across the globe"
1. Joanne - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Harvest Moon Magically Mekod." The gameplay was repetitive and lackluster, and there were many bugs and glitches that interfered with my gaming experience. The storyline was also weak and predictable, and I found it hard to immerse myself in the game world. Overall, I feel like this installment in the Harvest Moon franchise failed to bring anything new or exciting to the table.
2. Michael - 1 star - I regret purchasing "Harvest Moon Magically Mekod." The graphics were outdated and the controls were clunky and unresponsive. The character development was shallow, and the relationships with the NPCs felt forced and artificial. Additionally, the pace of the game was extremely slow, making it difficult to stay engaged. I would not recommend this game to any fans of the series or anyone looking for an enjoyable gaming experience.
3. Emma - 3 stars - Although "Harvest Moon Magically Mekod" had some redeeming qualities, overall, I did not enjoy it as much as I had hoped. The gameplay mechanics were confusing and poorly explained, leaving me frustrated and unsure of what to do next. The lack of variety in activities and events also left me feeling bored and uninterested. While the art style and music were charming, they were not enough to make up for the lackluster gameplay. Overall, I found the game to be underwhelming and would caution potential players to approach it with caution.
4. David - 2.5 stars - "Harvest Moon Magically Mekod" fell short of my expectations. The game lacked depth and failed to deliver a compelling storyline. The characters felt one-dimensional and the interactions with them were repetitive and uninspiring. The farming mechanics were also lackluster and didn't offer much of a challenge. Overall, I was left feeling unimpressed with this installment in the Harvest Moon series and would not recommend it to avid gamers looking for a captivating experience.