Giant Inflatable Mascot Bull Beefs Up Rotary Club Fundraising

Giant Inflatable Mascot "Steers" Visitors to Annual Fundraiser

Every spring, the Rotary Club of Fairhope, Alabama, hosts its annual Steak Cook-Off, a popular outdoor event featuring juicy, sizzling ribeyes; steak-grilling competitions; foot-stompin' live entertainment; dancing in the streets... and a whole lot of good family fun.

As the Rotary Club's major fundraiser, the Cook-Off serves a vital purpose, crucial to the entire community. That's why the nonprofit organization constantly seeks new ways to build greater promotional "buzz" before the Cook-Off's mid-May date.

To that end, Rotary Club President Elect Dr. Andy Tubertini turned to Landmark Creations. At Dr. Tubertini's request, Landmark created a giant inflatable mascot – a colorful 60-lb. bull, standing 6 feet high, 4.2 feet wide, and 11.3 feet long.

Dubbed Big Ben in memory of a charter Rotary Club member, the inflatable bull has already created a stir. This past December he rode the Rotary Club float during the Fairhope Christmas parade. Plus, he made a special appearance at the Club's annual pancake breakfast.

According to Dr. Tubertini, Big Ben will also play a key part in a social media raffle. "Take your picture with the bull," Dr. Tubertini explains, "tag a friend and share to be entered to win free tickets to the [Cook-Off.]"

So far the beefy inflatable has been a big hit with the public, sparking excitement wherever he goes and garnering positive press coverage.

Why did the Rotary Club choose Landmark to build its inflatable mascot? For three reasons, per Dr. Tubertini: Landmark is an American company; its other inflatables are premium quality; and its pricing is "a great deal."

Featured in Landmarketing Issue 61

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What Others Say About Landmark Creations

"[There was] fun, excitement, and encouragement for everyone to actually walk under/through [the arch] and it worked. We have cheerleaders and small children at the finish line by the arch handing out stickers, saying ‘I did it.’ Before we had the arch, [people] would straggle in anywhere."

- Jackie Allen, March of Dimes

“[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

“We knew Landmark was the only company that would be able to understand our vision and work to make it come to life.”

- P. Donaldson, American Cancer Society

"We usually have to keep the arch up for at least 30 minutes after our races since so many people want to get their photos taken with it!"

- Art Boulet, Muddy Monk

“The setup is so easy. We have had event tents and other promotional items in the past that were a nightmare to set up and break down. The inflatable is now the easiest part of the setup, and probably the most identifiable.”

- Vaughan Cutillo, Montauk Brewing Company

“The huge cereal bag could be seen from anywhere and was a nice draw to gather people to the tents we had set up.”

- Anika Hage, WatersMolitor