Generations of children in the New Orleans area grew up with this bigger than lifesize papier mache figure known as Mr. Bingle. He heralded in the Christmas season for a large department story and the jingle that sounded when he was introduced was "Jingle, Jangle, Jingle, here comes Mr. Bingle, with a message from Kris Kringle." He was created by a New Orleanian and the voice behind the image was also local. There are all sizes of stuffed Mr. Bingle's and almost every New Orleanian of all ages has one.
The department store went out of business and Mr. Bingle lived in a warehouse for a long time.
Earlier this year he was given to City Park for its traditional "Christmas in the Oaks" which draws 400,000 people on its driving and walking tour through the lighted ancient oaks.
Because of Hurricane Katrina's damage this year's Celebration has been greatly scaled down and will be limited to a walking tour only through the Botanical Garden. Mr. Bingle will be the star of the show and was brought to the Botanical Garden this week and is anxiously waiting to greet the guests when the event opens next week.