Hippo-mania is back and more fun than ever as Hutto prepares to celebrate its mascot on World Hippo Day, noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, in downtown Hutto.

The annual celebration will be larger than ever with live music, vendors, a kids’ zone and more!

How did the hippopotamus find its way into Hutto’s culture? There are many legends. The most popular is that one escaped from a circus train in 1915. It’s also said that it was nickname for the Hutto High School football team.

Hutto revers hippos. Last count there are between 5,000 to 10,000 concrete hippos proudly displayed in front of homes, shops and restaurants throughout the city. Then biggest is a seven-ton concrete hippo named Henrietta on East Street. You can find some them with the help of this interactive map. You can purchase your own hippo at many shops.

Want to join Hippo Nation? Purchase a new home in Flora. Our exciting master-planned community features gorgeous homes, lakes and trails. Under construction is Market Square, the heart of community fun and interactions with the Bloom House clubhouse, The Well resort-style pool, a fitness center, kids’ zone and more. Children attend Hutto ISD schools — making them hippos in training. Stop by today.