Syracuse University mascot Otto the Orange brings school spirit to the DMV booth during opening day at the Great New York State Fair

New York – Opening Day at the Great New York State Fair brought a familiar face to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles booth as Otto the Orange, the beloved mascot of Syracuse University, stopped by to meet visitors and take part in a special license plate presentation.

Otto appeared at the DMV booth Wednesday, drawing attention from fairgoers who had the opportunity to see the Syracuse University mascot up close. Joining Otto for the appearance was Acting DMV Commissioner Christian Jackstadt, a Syracuse University graduate and longtime supporter of the school.

The visit included a presentation that connected Syracuse University tradition with one of New York’s most recognizable symbols for drivers. Jackstadt presented Otto with a special commemorative license plate carrying the Syracuse University logo. The plate is similar to one available for Syracuse alumni and fans who want to show their school pride on their vehicles.

Syracuse University supporters have been able to purchase the special plate since 2006. The timing of Otto’s new plate was especially fitting because the mascot recently received another unique addition to their collection of transportation-related items — an Ottomobile.

Read also: Two Mahopac men arrested after investigators say juvenile dispute escalated into physical altercations in Somers

The Ottomobile has become another way for the university mascot to stand out while traveling around and making appearances. At the fair, the license plate presentation offered a lighthearted moment that tied the vehicle, the university and the DMV’s specialty plate program together.

Otto and Jackstadt did more than simply pose for the presentation. They also handed out a limited number of souvenir plates featuring Otto the Orange. Some of the plates were signed, giving visitors an opportunity to take home a keepsake from the opening day event. Photos with Otto were also part of the appearance, adding to the festive atmosphere at the fair.

“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.”

For Syracuse University fans, Otto’s popularity goes well beyond the school’s campus in Central New York. The mascot has built a large following over the years and has become one of the better-known college mascots in the country.

That popularity was recognized in 2023, when Otto was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. The selection came after Otto received more than 19,000 votes from people in 67 countries. The support was not limited to the United States. Votes came from countries including Canada, Chile, Finland, New Zealand, South Africa and South Korea.

Read also: RIT joins $37.5 million NSF-funded Quantum Leap Challenge Institute focused on advancing practical quantum error correction and education

Otto’s national profile continued to grow this year. The mascot was nominated for Best College Mascot as part of the USA TODAY Sports Readers’ Choice Awards. On Wednesday, it was announced that Otto finished among the top three in the competition, another indication of the mascot’s wide appeal.

Although Otto has been a familiar part of Syracuse athletics for decades, the character’s history goes back to the early 1980s. Otto first appeared on the sidelines during that period before officially becoming Syracuse University’s mascot in 1995.

The DMV’s appearance with Otto also gave fair visitors a chance to learn about the state’s specialty license plates. New York drivers have more than 200 plate options available, allowing them to support organizations, causes and interests while displaying something personal on their vehicles.

Among those choices is a license plate dedicated to the Great New York State Fair itself. Drivers can also create personalized plates by selecting their own combination of letters and numbers, subject to the state’s requirements.

The DMV will remain part of the fair throughout its entire run, from Wednesday, August 26, through Labor Day on Monday, September 7. Its mobile office is located inside the Center of Progress Building at the New York State Fairgrounds.

The temporary DMV location is designed to provide practical services as well as information for fair visitors. Customers can take an eye test, get assistance with more than 70 DMV online transactions and receive help scheduling an appointment at a DMV office or arranging a road test.

Fairgoers can also pick up souvenir license plates celebrating the New York State Fair while supplies last.

For many visitors, however, Otto’s appearance offered something different from the usual DMV experience. Instead of simply stopping by for a government service, fairgoers had a chance to meet a nationally recognized college mascot, take photographs and, for some, leave with a signed souvenir.

The event brought together two very different parts of New York life — state government services and college sports tradition. With Otto’s appearance, the DMV booth became one of the places at the fair where visitors could handle everyday business while also enjoying a bit of Syracuse pride.

Otto remains active beyond appearances at sporting events and public gatherings. The mascot also maintains official social media accounts, allowing fans to follow Otto’s activities throughout the year.

The Syracuse University mascot’s visit to the DMV booth was therefore more than a quick stop during the fair’s opening day. It highlighted Otto’s continued popularity, celebrated Syracuse connections within state government and introduced fair visitors to the wide range of specialty plates available through the New York DMV.