Bumpity facts for kids
Bumpity was a popular children's television show that aired locally in Portland, Oregon. It was shown on the ABC channel KATU from 1971 to 1985. The main hosts were a friendly green character named Bumpity and his sidekick, a red and purple striped worm named Fred. The show was known for being gentle and fun for kids and their parents.
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Meet Bumpity and Friends
Bumpity was a green character who looked like a "bump on a lawn." Many people thought he looked like a frog. He had one special tooth. His best friend was Fred, a red and purple striped worm. Some children thought Fred was a snake. Fred never spoke words, but he made squeaky sounds. He called these sounds "High Worm." Other friends on the show included Digger Mole and Scotty MacThistle.
How the Show Started
A person who worked at the TV station, Bob Griggs, had an idea for a puppet show. He wanted to create a show that was friendly for families and educational. This idea came after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) asked local TV stations to make more morning programs for children.
Bob Griggs created the first characters for less than three dollars. The TV station liked his idea. The show quickly became very popular with both children and their parents. People loved the show because it was easy to watch and had a gentle feeling.
Special Guests on the Show
"Bumpity Park" often had special guests. Librarians from the Multnomah County Library visited often. They would bring children's books and read them aloud to the viewers.
Bumpity also welcomed other helpful people to the show. These guests included police officers, dentists, clog dancers, and magicians. These guests helped teach kids about safety, health, and fun activities.
Bumpity Returns Documentary
In 2001, two people named Crispin and Patrick Rosenkranz made a short movie about Bumpity. It was called "Bumpity Returns." You can find this video on their website or borrow it from the Multnomah County Library.
The documentary includes interviews with Bob Griggs, who created the show. It also features other people who worked on the program. You can even see an interview with Bumpity himself! The movie also shows clips from the original television show.
