Why We Vote for Mascots Every Year

By Heather Taylor

Can you imagine a world without brand mascots?

As we celebrate the 2017 Madison Avenue Walk of Fame, we’re reminded of its previous recipients. Characters like the GEICO Gecko, Coca-Cola Polar Bears, Pillsbury Doughboy, and Tony the Tiger have all been past winners. These mascots, as well as the many others who have also won, share more in common than being successful brand campaigns. They’ve transcended the cultural landscape to become a part of our world.

We see them as trustworthy figures, familiar and comforting. These characters like to help us out in every aspect of our world from cooking in the kitchen to keeping our seat belts buckled and we welcome them into our lives. We can’t help but smile when we see them. They’ve touched our hearts and become our friends.

This year, we watch some of those friends celebrate major milestones. Carvel’s Fudgie the Whale, Lefty from Hamburger Helper, and Chuck E. Cheese are all having big birthdays. StarKist’s Charlie the Tuna is enjoying a major anniversary and Pualani from Hawaiian Airlines received a huge design refresh.

We want to see them receive top accolades for all these moments and more. By casting your vote, you have the power to give these characters a place in advertising history and enshrine them in our Walk of Fame forever.

Additionally, we want to see you pick your favorite slogan of the year. From classics like Mastercard’s “There are some things money can’t buy, for everything else there’s Mastercard” to newly revamped taglines like The Washington Post’s “Democracy dies in the dark,” this year’s nominees reflect our changing cultural landscape while paying tribute to iconic household phrases.

Cast your vote here for your favorite mascot and slogan that defined 2017. Polling ends Friday, September 22, 2017, with winners to be announced at Advertising Week on Monday, September 25, 2017.