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Dragon Max’s welcoming is mix of friendly, fiery responses




Main Street Uvalde program manager Susan Rios debuted a new cartoon dragon spokesman last week, thinking a coloring contest would be a great way to educate children about downtown Uvalde, but the action generated controversy with some locals adamant they would prefer a different character.

Rios and her nephew, Blake Ditto, created the downtown dragon character. The project of a character to help interest children in the history of downtown has been in the works for about two years, even as the program implemented other programs such as the painted bench downtown artwork installation.

Rios said the cartoon dragon was intended to engage the imagination of children in learning about the city of Uvalde’s historic downtown district.

A petition on Change.org, which can be located by visiting the website and searching for “Uvalde,” had more than 70 signatures as of Friday morning.

Detractors have commented on the petition and on social media saying a dragon represents evil and is in opposition to Christianity.

Change.org shows the petition was created by Lindsey Garza, but local resident Emma Trimble, in response to Uvalde City Councilman Ernest W. “Chip” King III, said she started the petition to oppose the dragon as a city mascot.

The petition, started Tuesday, asks to remove the dragon and replace it with a tree character. Petition organizers did not reply to a request for comments prior to the publication of this story.

“Max the dragon is not replacing any mascots and is not a new city logo,” Rios said. “He is a cartoon character we are using to help gain kids interest in downtown and its history. Sort of a spokes character like Woodsy the Owl or Smokey Bear.”

King took to social media to address the issue.

“The Main Street Program has been working hard to promote our downtown area and has been doing a great job,” King wrote.

“The Uvalde Grand Opera House was built in 1891, that’s 129 years ago. Since that time there has been a dragon on top of the copula that has been loved and all kinds of stories about how it came to be were told.”

Addressing religion-based objections, which King said some locals had expressed by stating dragons are devilish imagery, he said, “I can assure you this is not a city mascot and Max is a good dragon that does good things… He is a cute little dragon that can be used to engage our young population and cause a little fun.”

King asked that people be sure what they were standing for before signing a petition to remove the dragon.

Contest rules

The coloring contest is for children ages 3-9 and the last day to enter is Friday, Aug. 14.

“It’s time to let the kids in on the artistic fun. We are certain that there are lots of imaginative and creative youngsters out there and now is the time to showcase their vision and talent,” Rios said.

Rios said two winners will be chosen for the coloring contest, one aged 3-5, and one for children between the ages of 6-9 years old. Both will receive prize packages sponsored by Hillcrest Memorial Funeral Home and the family of Rogelio Muñoz.

The Uvalde Grand Opera House, whose renowned dragon that has guarded the building for almost 130 years provided inspiration for the cartoon dragon character, is also contributing to the prize package.

One entry may be made per child; entries must be received no later than the close of business on Friday; and entries must include the artist’s name and age on the back side of the coloring page and a release form signed by a parent or guardian.

Artists may use crayons, colored pencils, pastels or markers to implement their vision, but no glue, glitter, sequins or other adornments will be accepted.

Contestants may pick up a coloring sheet from the Uvalde Convention and Visitors Bureau office at 300 E. Main St., or ask for a digital version by emailing mainstreet@visituvalde.com.