Hobey the Bear hails from Eveleth, MN, home to everything Minnesota and especially hockey! Hobey was actually named after the Hobey Baker award, a great achievement in the world of hockey. Before coming to the Water Park of America, Hobey spent his time wandering the North Woods, fishing and picking berries, one of his favorite foods!

Even though he is a Minnesota bear, he isn't a cold weather fan. He dreamt of white sandy beaches and warm, humid temps. The Water Park of America ended up being the perfect place to hibernate! Hobey has become the face of the water park not only because he LOVES to surf on the FlowRider, or because his favorite ride is the 10-story family raft ride, but because he makes sure everyone leaves with a smile on their face!

It took Hobey almost a year to complete his team, February 2nd to be exact. Several years ago, the people of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania evicted Garry for showing up one week early and declaring 6 more weeks of winter.

Garry quickly hitchhiked his way across the country and was dropped off in Bloomington, Minnesota just in time for Groundhog's Day. On this particular day, Garry was enjoying himself at Water Park of America when someone mentioned it was February 2nd. He quickly retreated to Camp Many Point and tried to hide in the kitchen. About that time, Hobey was there looking for a light snack. Garry was in such a hurry to find a place to burrow away that he knocked down a large bag of popcorn from the top shelf. The popcorn fell right in to Hobey's lap. It was a match made in the kitchen.

Hobey's proudest moment was the day he met Ollie the Otter. Ollie was fishing for food along the banks of the Minnesota River when Hobey first noticed him. He couldn't believe how fast and efficient he was at pulling scrumptious critters out of the water. Hobey quickly introduced himself and inquired about Ollie's astounding skills. Ollie confidently assured Hobey that he could catch fish in a bath tub. A new friendship was born.

Hobey invited Ollie to Water Park of America to put him to the test. If Ollie could pull fish out of the Lazy River, Hobey would never have to worry about another meal again. Hobey was amazed when Ollie started pulling walleyes and perch out of the river and his 2nd character was quickly offered the job.

Roxi was the first mascot Hobey hired, most say because she was such a light eater. Hobey only conducted business during his lunch hour and when Roxi didn't finish her meal, Hobey hired her soon after they met. He would have hired her on the spot but he was busy finishing her lunch.

Roxi is known for being the happiest Raccoon in Minnesota. Because she is gainfully employed at Water Park of America, she doesn't have to pilferage through garbage cans late at night and therefore she is no longer nocturnal. At night she gets to sleep in a nice warm bed just below the FlowRider at Water Park of America and during the day she spends most of her lunch hours with Hobey.