Chesterfield officially debuts new mascot, designed by local artists
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Following months of anticipation and a community-wide voting process, Chesterfield County officially debuted its new mascot: Cole the Raccoon. Back in May, during spirit week celebrations that marked Chesterfield's 275th anniversary, county employees voted to narrow down potential mascot options to four picks: a chipmunk, a dog, a bear and a raccoon. Those options were then presented to the community, which voted between June 26 and July 10. No matter which mascot won the community's heart, their name was promised to be "Cole," as many of the involved employees wanted to tie the mascot to the county's "rich coal-mining history." The final design for Cole the Raccoon, Chesterfield County's new mascot. (Photo: Chesterfield County Government) The winning Cole the Raccoon was described during deliberations as "resourceful, skillful and adaptable," with the county noting he liked a good midnight snack. According to the county, Cole the Raccoon was the clear fan favorite. Of the over 3,000 votes cast, he earned over 1,000 of them. Following his victory, local artists Ross Trimmer and Mickael Broth were commissioned by the county to create Cole's final design -- with officials saying they worked "day in and day out" to perfect it. The county added that these two artists' work is already present in the community -- that being the Midlothian mural at Winterfield Crossing. "Thank you to Ross and Mickael for this incredible design of Cole that we’ve all fallen in love with," the county said. On Wednesday, Dec. 11, during Chesterfield's State of the County address, Cole made one of his first appearances. Now that he's officially debuted, Cole will be present at a variety of different county functions and events. You might see him hanging out with the county’s mobile information resource vehicle, or spending time at special county-run functions like the farmers market, Outdoor Fest and more. If you're looking to be one of the first to meet Cole, he'll be attending the Tacky Light Run on Saturday, Dec. 14.
VENN
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Following months of anticipation and a community-wide voting process, Chesterfield County officially debuted its new mascot: Cole the Raccoon.
Back in May, during spirit week celebrations that marked Chesterfield's 275th anniversary, county employees voted to narrow down potential mascot options to four picks: a chipmunk, a dog, a bear and a raccoon. Those options were then presented to the community, which voted between June 26 and July 10.
No matter which mascot won the community's heart, their name was promised to be "Cole," as many of the involved employees wanted to tie the mascot to the county's "rich coal-mining history."
The final design for Cole the Raccoon, Chesterfield County's new mascot. (Photo: Chesterfield County Government)
The winning Cole the Raccoon was described during deliberations as "resourceful, skillful and adaptable," with the county noting he liked a good midnight snack.
According to the county, Cole the Raccoon was the clear fan favorite. Of the over 3,000 votes cast, he earned over 1,000 of them.
Following his victory, local artists Ross Trimmer and Mickael Broth were commissioned by the county to create Cole's final design -- with officials saying they worked "day in and day out" to perfect it.
The county added that these two artists' work is already present in the community -- that being the Midlothian mural at Winterfield Crossing.
"Thank you to Ross and Mickael for this incredible design of Cole that we’ve all fallen in love with," the county said.
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, during Chesterfield's State of the County address, Cole made one of his first appearances.
Now that he's officially debuted, Cole will be present at a variety of different county functions and events. You might see him hanging out with the county’s mobile information resource vehicle, or spending time at special county-run functions like the farmers market, Outdoor Fest and more.
If you're looking to be one of the first to meet Cole, he'll be attending the Tacky Light Run on Saturday, Dec. 14.
