The City of Crossville has adopted a new mascot, Milo the Otter.
Downtown Crossville Board Member Caitlin Chamberlain said the otter was originally introduced in 2006 as the mascot for Cumberland County’s 150th birthday. Chamberlain said with otter statues around town, Crossville has a rich history with otters dating back to the 80s.
“A few river otters were brought up to the Cumberland Plateau from, I believe, Louisiana, to help repopulate the population here because they thrive here, and I think the river otter population here in Cumberland County was declining or showing some struggles,” Chamberlain said.
Chamberlain said the name Milo is a tribute to Cumberland County World War I Medal of Honor recipient Milo Lemert. Chamberlain said a mascot for the city of Crossville can help market the city.
“We have a lot of plans,” Chamberlain said. “In addition to like incorporating him into more city marketing materials, we would love to actually have a physical Milo the Otter mascot that can make appearances at public events, take pictures with the kids, maybe if we can get Bucky to come out, we can have a really great photo opp there with Milo and Bucky.”
Chamberlain said plans also could create merchandise and stuffed animals to sell and drive up tourism dollars. Chamberlain said having a city mascot is unique.
“I think it helps us stand apart,” Chamberlain said. “So at the end of the day, it’s just plain fun, and it’s just heartwarming and something that I am grateful everybody has been on board about this.”
Crossville City Council approved a resolution to make Milo the Otter the city’s official mascot at the council’s previous meeting. Chamberlain said to follow the city’s page and be on the lookout for when Milo might make his first flagship appearance.
