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Inflatable Mascot Attracts Travelers to Scenic Minnesota City

Little Ole Inflatable Viking Mascot at Visitor CenterInflatable 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!


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What Others Say About Landmark Creations


“The likeness to our company mascot was amazing. We used the balloon at the Winn Dixie Home & Garden show ... and we have had rave reviews.”

- Christy Bernard, Tony Chachere’s

"Our tunnel was also a great addition to our pre-game tradition: the Wildcat walk. Our city shuts down three blocks of downtown, and we have hundreds of fans lining the streets with a police escort, while we walk to the stadium."

- Sam Baker, Head Football Coach at Waconia High School

"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 TRULY appreciate your service and excellent workmanship. We look forward to working with you all in the future!"

- Amanda Frith, Dalton Agency

"The inflatable arch allows for safe and easy setup and takedown. People have raved about the arch and have made requests to have it at their events."

- Karen Klevesahl, SMET Construction

"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