The Northern Village of Denare Beach needed the public’s help to pick a name for their new mascot and they have spoken.
After a poll that ran from Nov. 21 - Dec. 2, area residents have decided to name their new smiling representative Billy the Beaver.
The public was asked to choose between four names. “Billy” beat out “Maple”, “Woody” and “A wi’t sis’” (Cree for “baby beaver”).
The mascot’s name was supposed to be revealed Nov. 17 during the village’s annual fall supper, but the village decided to get more public input.
The cartoon of a depiction of a beaver complete with a big, blunt tail first appeared during the pop-up market in the community in late August. The idea came up in the past year as a tourism initiative between the village and the Regional Economic Development Committee.
Crystal Banting, marketing coordinator for the Northern Village of Denare Beach, headed the project and had big plans for the beaver in September, when the “Name the Beaver” initiative was announced.
Village workers will move the beaver around the community, providing a handy backdrop for selfies, family photos and more.
“We’re hoping that we’re going to hide him around the community - probably in the summer months more than in the winter months. People can have their picture taken with him once they find him, then we’ll move them around to new spots,” Banting said, adding the brand may be expanded in the future.
“Eventually, we may have a sign put up. He’ll be a part of our website and we’ll have online videos.”
Drink cozies with a depiction of Billy are already for sale and were available at the Jingle Bells Craft Sale & Home Business Show Dec. 7.
-
with files from Eric Westhaver
