“Spin the Bear” Keepsake
Once a year during Upper Arlington’s beloved Fourth of July parade, multiple cries of “Spin the Bear!" ring out—each answered by the Upper Arlington Civic Association's volunteer directors literally running in circles. This time-honored tradition, shown below from UA's July 4, 2018 centennial year parade, captures the spirit that defines what many call the best day in UA.
In 2026, we mark a major milestone: the 100th time our Upper Arlington community will come together to celebrate Independence Day.
Celebrate with this special keepsake—honoring the joyful chants of “Spin the Bear!” as the iconic inflatable golden bear makes its way down Northwest Boulevard during our July 4th parade.
Made of sturdy metal
The lobster clip is perfect for holiday hanging, a backpack decoration, a keychain, a fidget toy, or be creative!
Measures 2.5” diameter, 4.25” total height with lobster clip
Bear spins freely on its axis
This “Spin the Bear” tradition dates back nearly to the debut of the inflatable bear, which first appeared in the 1985 Upper Arlington July 4th parade.
Throughout the year, the UACA’s golden bear makes special appearances—at UAHS home football games, the UACA’s Golden Bear Scare, and other community events. But the famous “Spin the Bear” moment happens only once a year, during July 4th!
School Mascot:
Upper Arlington’s school mascot has been the Golden Bear since 1928 when the Upper Arlington Schools formed a committee to select an athletic team name. After reviewing mascot names in a college guide, high schoolers Wayne Geissinger and Dallas Head—with Dallas’ father, Depew—proposed the Golden Bears as “attractive and durable.” It was the winning proposal.
First references are found in the 1928 Norwester yearbook, when sports teams were named as the “Golden Bears.” The 1929 yearbook featured a golden bear on its cover.
Courtesy of the Upper Arlington Public Library’s UA Archives site.
The original school colors – orange & black – were replaced with today’s “Gold & Black” in 1941 to align with the Golden Bear mascot.
The bear hunt:
Our high school houses a 500 lb., nine-foot tall Alaskan Brown Bear donated in 1956 by Jimmy Crum, a UA resident and well-known sportscaster. Jimmy went on a hunt to Kodiak Island, Alaska in May 1956 with Dick Von Maur and Denver Simmons to record a television series about hunting Kodiak bears. The 13-week series aired starting in June of 1956.
baby bear:
In 2022, the Upper Arlington Civic Association purchased a “baby bear” inflatable to more easily have the bear make appearances in smaller spaces. (Photo courtesy of UACA).
