Author: Eric Grundhauser / Source: Atlas Obscura
You need look no further than the rise of Gritty for proof that a costumed mascot can energize people. Partly, that’s because behind any good mascot’s cartoonish appearance or over-the-top behavior, there’s often a very real connection to the place or culture it represents.
In an effort to identify some of the best local mascots from all over the world, and learn more about their deep connections to the places they’re from, we recently asked Atlas Obscura readers to tell us about their favorites. The results got us psyched!Below, you’ll find a collection of some of our favorite reader submissions on the topic of local mascots. If you know of an amazing local mascot we missed, head over to our new user forums and tell us about it! Gooooooooooo MASCOTS!!!
Spuddy Buddy
“Spuddy Buddy is a joyful tuber, indeed. Idahoans pretend to get annoyed by tater references, but ultimately, we’re pretty proud of our delicious, starchy reputation, and Spuddy Buddy is adorable, fun, and smile-inducing. He comes in many sizes, including larger-than-life, and makes for a charming souvenir.” — Sarah Carrico, Boise, Idaho
Artie the Artichoke
“In the 1970s, students at Scottsdale Community College voted on a new team name: the Fighting Artichokes, decked out in pink and white uniforms. The school’s administration refused, but the vote was binding, and a second vote overwhelmingly supported keeping the Artichokes. Artie has endured for decades.
Recently, SCC changed their color scheme to a more…The post 8 Extremely Local Mascots That Are Worth Cheering For appeared first on FeedBox.