In late April 2024, SLAGA put out a call for members to design entries for a new mascot and/or submit name choices, because a mascot helps engage the caching community and invites an atmosphere of fun on future announcements and merchandise. Fantastically, the SLAGA community answered that call! Over a dozen unique mascot designs were submitted and numerous names.
By July, all entries were submitted and it was time for the larger membership to vote. Those votes have all been tallied now, and the SLAGA board is ready to announce the new mascot/name and the mascot designer! A reminder, as a condition of entry, is that this winning mascot/name now becomes the property of SLAGA.
But before the big reveal, the board wishes to extend a huge THANK YOU to all those that participated by either submitting a design, a name, or by voting for the official mascot. The designer's 'award' is recognition and notoriety for years to come for having designed the now official SLAGA mascot.
So without further ado, the new SLAGA MASCOT AND NAME and the designer is:
LOUIE THE LION
Sincere thanks and huge congratulations to Laurie Elfrank (Denmother) for her appealing Lion mascot design, and to numerous geocachers who submitted the great name "LOUIE," which so well suits the new mascot and our SLAGA home of St. Louis.
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It hasn't eluded this journalist either that a lion not only symbolizes strength, courage and nobility, but also bonding, pride, guidance, and a positive and powerful time in life. And in my opinion, many of these characteristics are relatable to what SLAGA as an organization and a community of geocachers strives to represent. By hosting events, members bond as cachers and friends. By conducting trainings, SLAGA provides guidance for those wanting to learn about geocaching. Providing CITO services makes a positive difference in the environment within our neighboring cities and parks. SLAGA is a proud organization of active and intriguing geocachers, and I, for one, take pride in welcoming Louie to the SLAGA family.