Cuddly golden retriever character to represent the Beach

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After a month-long search, the Beach Business Improvement Area has chosen a new mascot.

The local business association received dozens of entries, many of which revolved around dogs, said chair Charles Cameron in a release.

"The BIA board wants to introduce a mascot that the community will embrace and one that will represent the spirit of the Beach," he said.

"About half of the voters suggested some type of dog such as Buddy the Golden Retriever or Boomer the Beach Beagle."

Local resident Martina Rowley submitted the winning entry for her golden retriever mascot. Her name was chosen out of a hat as several people had similar ideas.

"The winner said that she chose a golden retriever dog accompanied by a small toddler like Brian and Stewie of the show Family Guy, because dog and child represent the majority of Beach residents spot on," Cameron said.

Rowley will receive a gift basket valued at hundreds of dollars. Several local merchants including The Artisans, Pippin's Tea Company, Licks, Seagull Classics, Latitude for Living, Ella Minnow, Galactic Heros, EnduroSport, Binz, Bark and and Fitz, Rogers, Caribbean Foods, The Fox Theatre, Watchers Comics, Green Basil Thai and Mastermind, donated prizes and gift certificates.

The Beach BIA also awarded a prize for creativity to Hope Bergeron for her Beacon the Lighthouse mascot idea.

The local business association will now take the concept to a costume maker who will come up with a huggable mascot that represents the easy-going spirit of the Beach.

The new cuddly character mascot should be making the rounds at the upcoming Celebrate the Beach Festival and Reunion on Saturday, Sept. 27.