"The Madison Winter Festival mascot reflects the unique features of the event -- friendship, passion for sports and recreation, dynamism and enthusiasm in a direct, new up-to-date way," explains the official program for the weekend event in downtown Madison. "The visual nature of Gentle Ben represents the two outdoor fitness elements of the winter: recreation and sports." And as has been already remarked upon, he also bears a striking resemblance to the Hamm's Beer bear; perhaps his older and sedate summertime cousin from our neighbor to the northwest.
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