Inflatable Mascot Attracts Travelers to Scenic Minnesota City

Inflatable Mascot Takes Iconic Viking Warrior on the Road

For over 50 years, Big Ole has welcomed visitors to Alexandria, Minnesota. Towering 28 feet high, the fiberglass Viking warrior holds a shield inscribed with the city's claim to fame: "Alexandria, Birthplace of America."

Birthplace? That's right. Norsemen first visited the area in 1362, over 100 years before Columbus. As a symbol of this rich history, Big Ole promotes Alexandria to prospective visitors. However, his reach is limited: The beloved Viking is firmly attached to his base on the shore of Lake Agnes. He's not going anywhere, but…

Little Ole, a 14-foot, inflatable mascot looks like the original and is travel-ready. Like Big Ole, the smaller version boasts brawny muscles, a bristling beard, and an authentic winged helmet. Unlike the larger statue, Little Ole can travel to events, parades, and expos, where he can spread the word about scenic (and historic) Alexandria.

Why was Landmark chosen to create Little Ole? According to Explore Alexandria Tourism Development Coordinator Kristen Faber, "They were very quick to respond, were genuinely nice and easy to work with, they offered reasonable pricing, and helped us capture a dream."

So far, Little Ole has been a huge hit at trade shows and there’s more to come. "We are launching a social media campaign this summer centered around finding Little Ole," reports Faber. Let's raise our helmets to that!

Featured in Landmarketing Issue 59

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What Others Say About Landmark Creations

“[The inflatable arch] created a wonderful backdrop to brand our events, capture our sponsors in the photos used by the participants, and made it easy to travel down the coast of California without taking up too much space on our trucks.”

- Amy Daugherty, California Coast Classic

"Since they were purchased, these Sonic areas have attracted a great deal of attention when using the cup at the store or at special events in the community. [...] You have been excellent to do business with, always letting us know about any special deals and shipping the items quickly so we can start putting them to work. I appreciate your attention to our group of Sonics and for handling your business in a very professional manner, always delivering any information I need when making a decision. Here is a special thanks, with a "cherry on top."

- Mason-Harrison, Jarrard Enterprises

"Landmark created two inflatable Truman the Tigers for us, and they were incredibly easy to work with, as well as very affordable."

- Michelle Froese, Missouri University

"The inflatables have been a great success at shows, seminars and especially at pet shops where they help us to coordinate Iams Co. weekends that allow us to promote and increase sales of our products."

-The IAMS Company

"The speed of production was remarkable. We now have eight Hot Stuff balloons that will travel all over the USA to invite people to try our great-tasting pizza."

- B. Eble, Hot Stuff Foods

"We had the inflatable hockey player out in front of the coliseum and it caused such a crowd! Thanks for the professional job you and your company did for me!"

- Scott Adams, Liquid Box Inc.