Cincinnati’s most beloved starlet turns 1 on Jan. 24! Fiona the Hippo has captured the hearts of everyone in Cincinnati, and this is most evident by the number of birthday celebrations and events happening over the next few weeks! Show your #TeamFiona pride, Cincinnati!
Here are 11 ways to celebrate Fiona the Hippo’s Birthday in Cincinnati:
RSVP for Fiona’s Birthday Party at the Cincinnati Zoo
This is going to be a party for the books! Featuring hippo-themed activities, commemorative souvenirs, book signings, special Q+A sessions with Fiona’s caretakers, Graeter’s ice cream and more, Fiona’s First Birthday Party is guaranteed to be a blast! (Temps must be at least 50 degrees for the Guest of Honor to make an appearance, but this is definitely a day to show your #TeamFiona support!)
Can’t make it to the Zoo? Rookwood Pottery is hosting a party Jan. 27
Rookwood Pottery loves #TeamFiona. The studio debuted an adorable ornament for the holidays, and is releasing a birthday ceramic coaster that commemorates Fiona along with her parents. On Jan. 27 from 10 am-2 pm, head to the OTR studio for a hippo-rific bash, complete with a Cincy Shirts pop-up shop, artist signing, Fiona cupcakes from Busken and special presentation from Fiona’s friends at the Zoo.
Wear your #TeamFiona pride on your sleeve – literally!
Cincy Shirts has the best selection of #TeamFiona duds in the tristate — their “ugly” Christmas sweaters were legendary! For Fiona’s first birthday, the local clothier is offering a new print — order now and receive a FREE Fiona birthday temporary tattoo and a coupon card that is valid online or in-stores on a future purchase. (While supplies last.) The best part? All Team Fiona and Cincinnati Zoo products benefit the zoo directly in care for all their animals.
Make your own glass Fiona keepsake at Brazee Street Studios
Bring the kids to one of Brazee Studio’s family-friendly Glassroom sessions the week of Fiona’s birthday — there are sessions on Jan. 23 from 3-7 pm, Jan. 25 from 4-8 pm and Jan. 27 from 10 am-2 pm (on Jan. 27, celebrate Fiona’s birthday with a special Fiona cake!). In honor of Fiona’s birthday week, create two glass Fionas for just $75!
Buy a baker’s dozen of #TeamFiona cookies from Donna’s Gourmet Cookies or Busken Bakery
Busken’s Fiona-topped sugar cookies are available now in stores and through their website. Starting today and running through Jan. 24, Donna’s Gourmet Cookies (pictured) is offering three different Fiona-frosted cookies (including Fiona in a tutu!) to celebrate the hippo.
Go retro – pick up Hungry Hungry Hippo from King Arthur’s Court Toys!
Fact: hippos love to eat. Introduce your kids to this classic game from any parent-born-in-the-80’s childhood!
Go to Graeter’s
Graeter’s Chunky Chunky Hippo will be available online beginning Jan. 14 at Graeters.com. Starting on Jan. 17, you’ll also be able to pick up the flavor at Kroger, Whole Foods, Fresh Market and all of Graeter’s 53 shops in the Midwest. The ice cream features a toffee base filled with salted roasted peanuts and milk chocolate caramel truffles. The pint also includes a flattering new illustration of Fiona by Cincinnati artist Loren Long. Yum!
Pick up the ‘Fiona Bouquet’ from Kroger
In honor of the little hippo that could, Kroger is selling a special-edition Fiona bouquet. Beginning Jan 17, you can pick up the Fiona Birthday bouquet, which has purple irises and lilies with a picture tag of the beloved hippo. $1 of every bouquet sold will go to support the Zoo. Kroger also says they are selling single-packaged Busken cookies with Fiona pictures on them with .50 cents going to the Zoo.
Read all about Fiona’s first year in one of her books
Fiona isn’t just an Internet superstar, she’s also the subject of quite a few books! Check out the books published about #TeamFiona here. If you’re looking for a gift for the #TeamFiona fan in your life, be sure to order Blue Manatee’s hippo-themed FionaBox!
Follow The Fiona Show
Fiona is an Internet sensation, so you’d better believe she has her own show! Follow The Fiona Show for updates and video footage of the (not-so) little lady!
Watch the #TeamFiona special on WCPO
Originally airing Dec. 21, this hour-long special is a must for any #TeamFiona fan. Watch it here in its entirety!
