Vulcan and Vesta
Vulcan and Vesta were the official mascots for the 2022 World Games. Presented by O’Neal Industries, in partnership with the Vulcan Park and Museum, the mascots were revealed one year before the opening ceremony on July 7, 2021.
Vulcan was inspired by the Vulcan statue, depicting the Roman god of fire and forge. He is paired with Vesta, the Roman goddess of hearth and home.
The mascots' clothes, a faux-leather apron for Vulcan and a linen tunic for Vesta, were designed by Mariah Gullatte of Princess Closet Designs in Harvest, Madison County, who submitted a proposal through the World of Opportunity Vendor Program. Their outfits incorporate the World Games logo and are tied with sashes in the World Games colors of green, yellow, blue and red.
A photograph by Blair Ramsay of Vesta making an appearance at I Love America Night appeared on the cover of the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce's 2023-2024 edition of Vestavia Hills Living alongside the caption "New City Mascot Makes Her Debut." An item inside explained the connection of the Greek goddess with the suburb's history and said that "Vesta will make appearances at upcoming community events throughout the year." In response to social media posts panning the report, Vestavia Hills City Council member George Pierce denied that the city had adopted a costumed mascot.
References
- "The World Games 2022 celebrates ticket launch, one year countdown." (July 7, 2021) Business Wire
- "Local fashion designer creates costumes for the Vulcan & Vesta official mascots of The World Games 2022." (July 16, 2021) Speakin' Out News
- Tuggle, Charlotte (n.d.) "Auburn Apparel, Hospitality Alumna Mariah Gullatte Designs Costumes for 2022 World Games Mascots". Auburn University College of Human Sciences.
- Gore, Leada "World Games Birmingham 2022: Who are mascots Vulcan and Vesta?." (July 6, 2022) The Birmingham News
- Koplowitz, Howard (September 1, 2023) "No, Vestavia Hills didn’t adopt ‘frightening’ World Games mascot Vesta as city symbol, lawmaker says." AL.com
- "A Mascot for Vestavia Hills" (2023–2024) Vestavia Hills Living, p. 10
External links
- Mascots at twg2022.com