As many Oklahomans spent a much-needed rainy day indoors last Saturday, either watching college football, having family time or just relaxing on a drizzly afternoon, Rumble woke early to do what he loves most and does best: spending time with Thunder fans around the state.

With Thunder Training Camp less than 48 hours away and with gray skies looming, even Rumble may have had to fight his first inclination to kick back with a warm cup of cocoa, curl up in his bison slippers and enjoy a nice day of rest at Chesapeake Energy Arena, but that’s not how Rumble rolls. Even with the rain he couldn’t resist getting out and having a day of fun with his fellow Thunder fans.

Hoping that the rain would hold off long enough for one of his favorite events to go off without a hitch, Rumble headed to Bricktown for the Buddy Walk, benefiting the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma. Rumble has taken part in this event before and just couldn’t miss it. You could tell right away Rumble was energized by all the amazing volunteers and walkers out in Bricktown for the walk – and, of course, being at an event with Thunder Girls always makes Rumble happy. After greeting guests for registration, it was time for Rumble to be on to his next event!

Rumble could keep a busy schedule just trying to help out at events for our great business partners – like the Sprite event he went to next, a meet-and-greet with some awesome fans on Northwest Expressway. There were the usual hugs, high fives, pictures and autographs, and the occasional tail-pulling too (not that Rumble encourages that!).

With a short break, Rumble did what any fun-loving, NBA-season-ready bison would do: he went straight back to Chesapeake Energy Arena and had a little dunk practice to get his hooves in motion. Practice makes perfect, even when you’re an incredibly talented bison.

Then another exciting event called Rumble’s name south of OKC, down at Newcastle Gaming Center. Under a tent in the rain is not the way most people (or bison) envision spending their Saturday afternoon, but so many awesome Thunder fans came out to this annual celebration that Rumble had a blast, taking pictures and signing autographs.

When he had finished greeting everyone at Newcastle, Rumble jumped in the Rumble Van and headed north to Edmond for his final event of the night, a birthday party … and we all know Rumble loves a good party!

In spite of the rain, Rumble entered in his usual fashion: he snuck up to the door, blasted music and air horns, burst inside and fired off some confetti to a house full of screaming Thunder fans! To his delight Rumble found cake – but this wasn’t just any cake; the party hosts had made a cake of his head. Though Rumble was taken aback for a moment, he recovered to take pictures, sign posters, give out party favors and be on his way.

With a full Saturday behind him, Rumble headed back south to Chesapeake Energy Arena … To what?

Possibly he finally got that warm cup of cocoa, put on those bison slippers and got a little bit of rest, dreaming of the upcoming season.

- Jon Brooks

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 9th, 2012 at 10:37 am and is filed under Rumble, Thunder Fans. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.