Adirondack Mac meets with children Saturday at Mt. Van Hovenberg after his debut as the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games mascot. (Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games)

LAKE PLACID — There was a six-foot tall moose at Mount Van Hoevenberg on Saturday — a fuzzy, friendly moose wearing a hat and scarf who is looking to familiarize himself with the area.

On Friday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the arrival of Adirondack Mac, a moose mascot representing the Adirondacks at the 2023 FISU World University Games in Lake Placid.

Mac was designed by Kristina Ingerowski, of Farmington.

Her mascot was chosen out of 150 submissions coming from 35 counties in the state. Following a public vote on the I LOVE NY website, 10 designs advanced to a selection committee with members representing academia, government, tourism and athletics.

Ingerowski, a Fashion Institute of Technology sophomore, will receive a $5,000 cash prize for her winning design.

“It is an honor to have my mascot design chosen,” she said in a statement. “Adirondack Mac is special to me because I have spent a lot of time over the years with my grandparents and family who live in Lake Placid. I wanted to capture the majestic beauty and character of the Adirondack region. There’s nothing more charming than an Adirondack moose to represent and celebrate this spirit of friendly athletic competition in Lake Placid.”

“We proudly welcome Adirondack Mac as the mascot that will best represent the North Country for these Games,” Lake Placid Mayor Art Devlin said in a statement.

“New York State has a proud legacy of hosting international competitions, and we look forward to welcoming college athletes and coaches from around the world to Lake Placid and the Adirondacks for the FISU World University Games in 2023,” Hochul said in a statement. “The mascot design competition was a unique way to showcase the talent and creativity of New Yorkers, and I want to congratulate Kristina Ingerowski on her winning design.”

He was welcomed by hundreds of people at the Mt. Van Hoevenberg’s Open House and Job Fair Saturday as they explored the new Mountain Pass Lodge, rode the new mountain coaster, and learned about upcoming events at the Olympic Regional Development Authority’s Lake Placid venues.

The FISU World University Games, an international sports and cultural event staged every two years in a different city, will be held in Lake Placid in 2021 from Jan. 12 to 22. The event is expected to draw 2,500 collegiate athletes and coaches for competitions in various disciplines including alpine, freestyle and cross-country skiing, biathlon, speed skating, curling, figure skating, hockey, short track speed skating and snowboarding. The Games will utilize many sports facilities throughout the North Country region, including the Olympic venues managed by ORDA.

A press release from Hochul’s office says Mac “has a personality as big as the namesake region.”

“During the winter, Mac can be seen on the slopes of Whiteface and Gore Mountains or skating around Herb Brooks Arena, while the summers include training with some of the best athletes at the area’s world-class facilities,” the release reads. “Mac has been known to relax, too, by exploring the many shops and unique restaurants throughout the North Country communities; hiking to some favorite fall foliage spots; and wading into any of the area’s lakes and waterways to enjoy some fishing and swimming.”

“The moose represents the best of what New Yorkers and the participating athletes have in common: strength, courage and determination.”

Mac will embark on a tour around New York, raising awareness of the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games and the North Country region, showing up at various events and activities. On Nov. 26 he’ll be at Whiteface Mountain and on Nov. 27 he’ll be at Gore Mountain.

Fans can follow Adirondack Mac on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #adirondackmac.