The Magic of Christmas at Disneyland in 1992 was a truly enchanting experience for visitors of all ages. From the moment guests entered the park, they were transported into a winter wonderland filled with festive decorations and holiday cheer. One of the highlights of the holiday season at Disneyland was the magical Christmas parade. Spectators lined the streets, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their favorite Disney characters on elaborately decorated floats. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and all their friends made appearances, dressed in their holiday best and spreading holiday cheer to everyone. The Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade featured dazzling performances by talented dancers and singers, accompanied by cheerful holiday music.

Michigan State’s Sparty is second-best college basketball mascot, survey says

Sparty is beloved by Michigan State fans. There’s no doubt about that.

Evidently, he’s also quite popular with the rest of America. Sparty, the muscular mascot of Michigan State athletics, was voted the second-best college basketball mascot, according to a survey conducted by the gambling website, Time2Play.

About 1,490 NCAA basketball fans across all 50 states were surveyed. They were asked to rate the 70 mascots from the schools whose men’s basketball programs have made the most NCAA tournament appearances. Respondents were 57% male and 43% female. The average age was 38.

Sparty ranked No. 2 with 3.64 stars, behind only the Oregon Duck at 3.86 stars. Jack the Bulldog (Georgetown), Ramses (North Carolina), Hook Em’ (Texas), Joe Bruin (UCLA), Albert Gator (Florida), Jonathan the Husky (UConn), Louie (Louisville) and Big Jay (Kansas) rounded out the Top 10.

Wisconsin’s Bucky Badger (3.01) was the only other Big Ten mascot to score over 3 out of 5. Iowa’s Herky the Hawk (2.90), Ohio State’s Brutus Buckeye (2.76), Maryland’s Testudo (2.57), and Purdue Pete (2.46) wrap up the entries for the oldest Division 1 conference in the nation.

Michigan, which doesn’t have an official mascot, was not considered. Friar Dom of Providence was ranked as the worst college basketball mascot.

According to the MSU Alumni Association, the first Sparty mascot appeared in 1955. It features a papier-mâché Spartan head made by Theta Xi fraternity brothers Donald Pais, Kenneth Roberts and Don Bauer. The head was six feet tall and weighed more than 60 pounds.

A staple at MSU sporting events, the current version of Sparty, described as “an approachable, fierce yet kind, man for all seasons” that “reflects the university’s strength and character” was introduced in 1982.

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The Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade featured dazzling performances by talented dancers and singers, accompanied by cheerful holiday music. The floats were adorned with twinkling lights and colorful decorations, capturing the spirit of Christmas. Children and adults alike were captivated by the sights and sounds of the parade, as it made its way through the park, spreading joy and happiness.

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Flushing grad reveals his secret identity as Michigan State’s “Sparty” mascot

EAST LANSING — Throughout his college tenure at Michigan State University, Jacob Rau led a double life: to his classmates and most of his friends, he was a physical therapy student working toward his degree.

But to a select few who knew his secret identity, he was the man behind MSU’s iconic mascot, Sparty.

Rau, a 2018 Flushing High School graduate, has portrayed Sparty since his freshman year at MSU—roaming the sidelines and bleachers at sporting events and bringing the school’s fearless yet lovable Spartan warrior character to life for fans.

Upon graduating from MSU this past weekend, Rau was finally allowed to reveal his role as Sparty. He also got to wear the boots from his Sparty costume to his graduation commencement—a ritual followed by many past Spartan mascots.

Per tradition, the role of Sparty is filled anonymously by students who keep their role a secret from their friends and fellow students for the duration of the assignment. Students who perform as the mascot are only allowed to disclose their identities upon graduation.

Jacob wearing the Sparty costume at an MSU football game. Photo provided

Rau, 23, said portraying Sparty has been a fun, fulfilling experience.

“Once I got to campus, I remember seeing in the dorm lobby that there was an advertisement for Sparty tryouts,” he said. “My sister said I should look into doing it. A couple weeks went by, and I decided to try out. It was a very cool opportunity and a great way to get involved more on campus.”

Rau performed as Sparty at more than 300 games and events throughout his college career. While Sparty is best known for pumping up school spirit at football and basketball games, most of Rau’s appearances as the mascot were outside the realm of athletics, including weddings, parades, fundraisers, tailgates, corporate events and alumni relations activities.

However, performing as Sparty wasn’t all fun and games for Rau, as it did require a great deal of physical exertion—and sweating—on his part. According to the

Michigan State alumni website, the buff and muscular Sparty stands about six feet tall with a 10XL helmet size and size 22 boots.

“With the costume, you’re carrying around an extra 40 pounds, and that’s just not something you’re used to walking around with,” Rau said. “It’s a learning curve.”

Rau said he worked hard to develop Sparty’s character and spark interaction with crowds.

“Sparty has his own personality, but everyone that portrays him has a different take and brings their own flavor,” he said. “Some of the people I used to work with would stay on the court or field and dance the whole time. That wasn’t me. During timeouts of a basketball game, I would go out and shoot up ‘air’ three-pointers and free throws and go up in the stands to mess with somebody.”

When he wasn’t running around in his costume, Rau was busy studying kinesiology with a concentration in athletic training and rehabilitation. Now that he’s received his degree, Rau said he’ll be pursuing a postgraduate program at either Western Michigan University or the University of Michigan.

At Flushing High School, Rau was a multisport athlete in football, baseball and track and field and served as the student council president. Rau didn’t portray Flushing’s Raider bird mascot when he was a student, but his older brother Justin proudly took on the role in 2015/2016.

Although his time as Sparty has come to an end, Rau said he’ll always treasure the experience.

“It’s the best part of your day because people get excited to see you,” he said. “All the fan interactions are awesome. People start dancing with you, or they’ll want pictures. It gives everybody, especially kids, something special to remember.”

To be a Sparty

In 1992, Larry Lage saw a unique job listing in a student newspaper. Then a college sophomore at Michigan State University, he met the listing’s sole hard-and-fast requirement of being a current student between the height of 5’10" and 6’2".

Lage decided to apply…

It’s one of the most exclusive and secretive clubs in the state. One of the hardest positions to attain. One of the most beloved sports mascots in America.

“I’d be a great Sparty,” Lage told his friends, who encouraged him to try out for the gig.

On the day of the audition, Lage considered bailing after waking up groggy from an epic collegiate-level afternoon nap. But his friends persuaded him to push on and endure.

“This isn’t about you!” said Lage’s buddy. “This is about all of us.”

“I had three minutes to do anything I wanted in the costume for a panel of judges,” said Lage. For his routine he chose a refined number he had polished years earlier for a high school talent competition.

“And so I did my beginning routine to Beastie Boys’ ‘Brass Monkey.’”

Lage brought that funky monkey energy to his performance, and made the first brutal cut from 25 aspiring Spartys to six finalists. After an interview with the panel of Sparty alums and alumni association reps, he became one of two Spartys selected for the year.

And he, as with all active Spartys, was sworn to secrecy.

He was sent away to mascot camp in Wisconsin, communing with other mascot greats such as Brutus the Buckeye, learning the ways of the mascot.

“They would teach that you have to over-exaggerate all of your movements to be as big as possible because you’re in this costume,” said Lage.

The Sparty costume consists of a big head, as with most school mascot costumes. But Lage said that’s where the similarities end. Most mascots essentially wear “pajamas” on their bodies. Meanwhile, Sparty straps on large boots, muscle-bound legs, a Spartan skirt and chest plate, muscle-y arms to match the girth of the legs, gloves and wrist cuffs. Then the Disney-esque head with a massive helmet.

Like Voltron, the pieces assemble as if to lead the universe of mascots.

When Lage donned the plushy muscles and hard chest plate of Sparty, he knew he wasn’t entering Spartan Stadium as a spectator.

“When you're Sparty, you're working, you know. You're there to entertain the crowd. You're not there to watch the game,” said Lage. “And you can't see well.”

Part of Sparty’s job is to go to pep rallies, parades, and other university events that mean interacting with the fans.

“Adults by and large. love Sparty,” said Lage. As for kids? “It’s either wonder and awe, or they’re freaked out.”

Now, Lage is part of a special alumni group; those who were Sparty. There are 66 members of a former-Sparty Facebook page; he meets up with other Spartys for a reunion every five years; and he’s happy to say there have been a few women Spartys beneath the big chin along the way.

Today, Larry Lage is a sports reporter with the Associated Press, and he occasionally faces doubts that he can be an objective journalist during Michigan State games. But he insists he doesn’t care who wins MSU games.

“I root for my [adolescent] son’s teams. When I watch my daughter dance, I cry. When I go cover a game [for work] I do not care who wins,” he said.

But he does care how Sparty performs.

“I want Sparty to represent well.”

You can listen to Lage’s interview with Stateside above to hear more about the mascot experience. This interview was conducted by Laura Weber-Davis, who, as a Michigan State alum, is completely incapable of being objective about Sparty.

At Michigan State, Students Protect Their Mascot From Mischievous Rivals

Legend has it that some University of Michigan fans defaced the statue sometime in the 1960s, and that led to members of the Michigan State University band and other students, sitting vigil. Alec Gerstenberger/WKAR hide caption

Legend has it that some University of Michigan fans defaced the statue sometime in the 1960s, and that led to members of the Michigan State University band and other students, sitting vigil.

Members of the Michigan State University marching band are braving below freezing temperatures to take part in "Sparty Watch" — a more than 50-year-old protection scheme devised to fend off attacks on MSU's beloved mascot, The Spartan, in advance of their rivalry football game on Saturday.

It's 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, and 22 degrees. Twenty members of the MSU marching band and color guard are huddled outside in the snow flanking the 9-foot bronze statue.

Education

In addition to the parade, Disneyland offered a variety of special events and entertainment throughout the holiday season. The nightly lighting of the Christmas tree in Main Street, USA was a memorable sight to behold. The towering tree, adorned with thousands of sparkling lights, served as a symbol of hope and joy. Visitors could also enjoy special holiday-themed shows and performances, such as "A Christmas Fantasy" and "Believe...In Holiday Magic." These shows combined the magic of Disney with the spirit of Christmas, creating unforgettable memories for all who experienced them. Of course, no visit to Disneyland during the Christmas season would be complete without a visit to Santa Claus. Children had the opportunity to meet Santa and share their Christmas wishes with him in person. This added an extra touch of magic and excitement to the holiday experience at Disneyland. Overall, the Magic of Christmas at Disneyland in 1992 was a magical and unforgettable experience. From the festive decorations to the enchanting parades and shows, the park truly captured the joy and spirit of the holiday season. It was a time when dreams came true and memories were made, creating a truly magical Christmas experience for all who visited Disneyland..

Reviews for "Relive the Joy and Magic of Disneyland's Christmas Extravaganza in 1992"

1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Magic of Christmas at Disneyland 1992". The whole show felt lackluster and uninspired. The performances were mediocre at best, and the costumes and set design were underwhelming. I was expecting a grand, magical experience, but all I got was a half-hearted attempt at holiday cheer. Save your money and skip this one.

2. Sarah - 1 star - "The Magic of Christmas at Disneyland 1992" was a complete letdown. The show felt outdated and out of touch with modern times. The songs were cheesy and the choreography was awkward. It lacked the charm and enchantment that I associate with Disney. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this disappointing Christmas extravaganza.

3. Mike - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "The Magic of Christmas at Disneyland 1992" but it fell flat for me. The performances were uninspiring and the storyline was cliché. The whole show felt rushed and poorly executed. It didn't capture the essence of Christmas or the Disney magic that I was hoping for. Overall, it was a disappointing experience that left me feeling underwhelmed.

4. Emily - 2 stars - "The Magic of Christmas at Disneyland 1992" was a letdown. The production value was low, and it seemed like the performers weren't fully invested in their roles. The whole show lacked energy and excitement. It felt like a generic Christmas production rather than a special Disney experience. I left feeling disappointed and wishing I had spent my time and money on something else.

5. David - 1 star - "The Magic of Christmas at Disneyland 1992" was a complete disaster. The singing was off-key, the dancing was out of sync, and the overall production was just plain bad. It felt like a low-budget community theater performance rather than something you would expect from Disney. I would strongly advise against wasting your time or money on this subpar Christmas show.

Uncover the Secrets of Disneyland's Christmas Celebration in 1992