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‘PAW Patrol’ a big hit with youngsters
By Sean Barron
AUSTINTOWN
A big smile crossed 4-year-old Reagan White’s face when she realized her Saturday routine would be anything but routine.
“They were surprised to come,” said Reagan’s mother, Alexis White of Austintown, who also was referring to Reagan’s brother, Grant, 2. “Reagan jumped up and down; she was very excited.”
So, what was the surprise and all of the excitement for the two youngsters?
It was being able to spend part of their morning at a special 5-and-under session with their favorite PAW Patrol mascots, all of whom made a three-hour appearance Saturday morning at Skate Zone Family Fun Center, 5420 Mahoning Ave.
Reagan and Grant were among the dozens of children who came with their parents or relatives and enjoyed being able to visit, interact and have their pictures taken with the six mascots from “PAW Patrol,” a popular animated, interactive TV series that debuted in 2013 and is on Nickelodeon.
The episodes are centered on a boy named Ryder, who leads the pack of rescue dogs that work together on various missions to protect a community called Adventure Bay. Each character is named after the traits and talents it possesses based on real-life professions. For example one of the dogs named Marshall has firefighting abilities.
Alexis said her daughter’s favorite PAW Patrol character is Rocky, a 6-year-old mixed-breed pup that is keen on recycling.
For his part, Grant didn’t seem to have a favorite mascot, though he made his appreciation for them known by sporting a PAW Patrol T-shirt. He also wasn’t camera shy when it came to posing with the tall mascots.
Marshall is top dog in the eyes of 2-year-old Johnny Loew of Boardman, who came with his father, John Loew.
“It’s his favorite show,” John said of his son, who also loves model cars, playing on his swing set and spending time outdoors. “He watches it daily, and we tape a lot of his favorite shows.”
John, who works as director of a home-care company, praised his son for his own abilities and talents.
“He’s very sweet. He’s one of those kids who hears a thing one time and knows it forever,” John continued, adding his son also has become adept at knowing his colors, shapes and numbers.
It wasn’t long before a long line formed for the youngsters to be photographed with the popular guests of honor.
Waiting patiently at times and exploring the area at others was 2-year-old Shelbee Bryner of Youngstown, who came with her aunt, Denise Watkins, also of Youngstown.
After meeting the mascots, Shelbee didn’t leave the popular indoor-and-outdoor skating arena empty-handed. She took home a handful of PAW Patrol dolls.