Syracuse University Mascot Otto The Orange Visits DMV Booth At The Great New York State Fair
Mascot Hall of Fame Member joins DMV Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt, an SU alum, at DMV booth
On Opening Day at the Great New York State Fair, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles played host to a special guest.
Otto the Orange, the mascot for Syracuse University, appeared at the DMV booth Wednesday. Acting DMV Commissioner Christian Jackstadt, a graduate of Syracuse University, joined them there and presented Otto with a special commemorative license plate featuring the Syracuse University logo, similar to the plate SU alums and fans have been purchasing to put on their own vehicles since 2006. The timing for the plate presentation is perfect since Otto recently acquired their very own Ottomobile.
Otto and Acting Commissioner Jackstadt also handed out a limited number of ‘Otto the Orange’ souvenir plates, signed souvenir plates and posed for photos.
“Like Governor Kathy Hochul, I am a proud SU alum. I am very happy that Otto the Orange joined DMV at our booth and greeted our customers,” Jackstadt said. “The partnership between Otto and DMV is a win for all New Yorkers visiting the Great New York State Fair.”
Otto is an immensely popular figure, on campus and off. Otto was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2023 after receiving more than 19,000 votes from 67 countries. They received votes from around the world including from Canada, Chile, Finland, New Zealand, South Africa and South Korea.
Otto was nominated this year as Best College Mascot as part of USA TODAY Sports Readers’ Choice Awards. It was announced today they placed in the top three.
Originally appearing on the sidelines for the first time in the early 1980s, Otto became the university’s official mascot in 1995. You can learn more fun facts about Otto on the SU website.
Just like Otto, DMV customers have more than 200 other options to get their own special license plates, including one that pays tribute to the New York State Fair itself. In addition to choosing a particular picture or cause plate, you can also personalize your plate with a combination of letters and numbers you pick as well.
DMV will have a booth at the fair throughout its run from Wednesday, August 26, through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. The DMV’s mobile office will be located in the Center of Progress Building on the New York State Fairgrounds.
Customers can take an eye test, get assistance with more than 70 DMV online transactions, or receive help to schedule an office reservation or road test. Souvenir plates honoring the fair will also be available while supplies last.
Otto is active on social media. They have their own Instagram account, Facebook page, and X account.
For more information about DMV, visit the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website, or follow the DMV conversation online on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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