Beavers Bend Marina’s first mascot Bowdie returns after customer vote

Beavers Bend Marina introduced its first-ever mascot, Bowdie, during the 2026 summer season in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, after customers chose his name in a vote that drew 350 ballots. The marina says Bowdie will return for the 2027 season after spending the summer greeting families and boaters on busy lake days.

Why it matters: - Beavers Bend Marina used a customer vote to shape a new guest experience, giving families a sense of ownership in the marina’s first mascot. - The move adds a family-focused touch to a busy lake destination and gives TopSide Marinas another way to build repeat visits. - Bowdie is set to return for the 2027 season, signaling the mascot is becoming part of the marina’s long-term identity.

What happened: - Beavers Bend Marina introduced Bowdie, its first-ever mascot, for the 2026 summer season in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. - Bowdie greeted children, posed for photos and cheered on boaters during the lake’s busiest summer weekends. - Customers named the mascot after a voting process that drew 350 votes. - Bowdie will return to Beavers Bend Marina for the 2027 season.

The details: - Stephen Lehn, CEO of TopSide Marinas, said the mascot idea was meant to make a day at the marina feel more special for children and families. - TopSide Marinas researched mascot design companies before partnering with Street Characters. - The design process took several rounds of renderings before the team settled on the final character. - Jenny LoBello, marketing director for TopSide Marinas, said the team wanted the mascot to feel friendly, a little goofy and instantly recognizable on the water. - Guests submitted name ideas, TopSide narrowed the list to three finalists, and customers voted on the winner. - Carr Freeman, general manager of Beavers Bend Marina, said children running down the dock to hug Bowdie became a regular summer scene.

Between the lines: - Letting customers name the mascot appears designed to deepen loyalty by making the experience feel participatory rather than promotional. - The rollout fits TopSide Marinas’ stated strategy of preserving what makes each property special while investing in guest experiences. - A mascot can also make the marina more memorable for families, especially during peak weekends when competition for attention is high.

What's next: - Bowdie’s return in 2027 gives Beavers Bend Marina another chance to build on the mascot’s first-season recognition. - TopSide Marinas is continuing to position guest-focused touches as part of its marina strategy across 15 U.S. lake marinas. - Marina owners interested in selling or partnering with TopSide can contact Thomas Joy at thomas@topsidemarinas.com.

The bottom line: - Bowdie turned a seasonal marina promotion into a customer-driven brand moment, and TopSide plans to bring him back.