Foofa

Foofa is an original character created for Kidville. She was the co-host of The Kidville House Show, but later got her own show, The Foofa Show.

Description
Foofa is the hosts' on-air sidekick. Foofa is unable to speak, and instead communicates through squeaking noises only those around her can understand. Foofa represents the viewers ("Kidvillelets") at home - she knows what they are seeing and what they know about. Originally, Foofa produced surprise eggs that were cracked open to link into segments. According to Mr. C in a Foofa Show on-demand promotional video, once Foofa was hatched from an egg, she started to dance.

History
When The Kidville House Show was still in development, Kidville's Andrew Beecham really wanted the puppet co-host to be an animal, and Betsy Oliphant suggested it be a fox because the block's title was a reference to eggs. Beecham didn't think preschoolers could connect well with foxes, so Kidville executives started to work with a designer to make sure that the character would be cute enough. After a few puppet design pitches (including a dancing turkey and a purple meerkat), the team settled on the final one, designed by Victoria Ellis, which was used.

Foofa's first ever appearance was in The Kidville House Show pilot. The Kidville House Show officially launched on June 24, 1997 (Kidville's 2nd anniversary), along with Get Up and Go with Silly Jilly.

On the block's first anniversary (as well as Kidville's 3rd anniversary), Kidville aired a special from 6PM to 9PM known as "Foofa's Big Birthday Surprise." The special featured children's band The Dream Jam Band, kids and characters such as Rumble the Racing Car saying happy birthday, and encouraged viewers to send in a birthday card or wish for Foofa herself.

Following the block's success, Kidville gave Foofa her first very own show, The Foofa Show, which premiered on November 1, 2002. Foofa has also gotten merchandise such as plush and backpacks on Shop Kidville.

2015 was when Foofa started to play a backseat to the hosts, making her appear lesser and getting replaced by Kidvillelets in segments.

Ever since The Kidville Preschool Block replaced Kidville House in 2007, Foofa started to be downplayed, even though she would occasionally appear in segments such as "Foofa at School."

Performer History

 * Squeaks provided by Gabriel Velez
 * Edward Popski
 * Jenn Santee
 * Scott McClennen - 2005 - 2006
 * Jackie Payton - 2005 - 2006
 * Kim Diaz - 2006
 * Matt Fornwald - 2006
 * Kevin Carlson - 1998 - 2004

Trivia

 * Her name was also used for a character in Five Nights at Freddy's.
 * According to Andrew Beecham, one of the reasons for her squeaking is because her puppeteer is an associate producer.
 * Her favorite color is red because it is hot, sassy, and vibrant.
 * Her favorite toy is a basket of eggs.
 * Her shell was orange with yellow and red polka dots.
 * The sound of her signature squeak is made with something called a "mosquito whistle."
 * Her favorite snack is popcorn.
 * Her favorite holiday is Halloween.
 * Her KHS opening was of her in school, a boy kissing her (which was also used in the Mila & Friends theme), and her running with real kids.