SUNRIVER, OR -- Sunriver Resort hosts auditions Monday and Tuesday Takoda the Bear. Marketing Director Lindsay Borkowski tells KBND News Takoda first came to the resort as a 7' tall stuffed animal in the main lodge. "As you check in at the front desk, Takoda stands there and he quickly became the Director of Hugs because - what happened is that everybody just ran to Takoda, all the kids would hug his legs. Everybody started taking pictures to Takoda." That led to an idea to bring Takoda to life for the first time, this summer, "Running around the resort this summer, making special appearances, giving out hugs and spreading cheer."

The costume arrived about a month ago, allowing staff to test him out, "What we have found is those that have already been in this Takoda costume - myself included - you can’t help but smile when you’re in there."

Borkowski is looking for someone who can interact with guests, spread joy and appear at events, "The biggest challenge with Takoda - he doesn’t talk, so you have to be fairly animated and excited and able to show that energy and give off those welcoming vibes without being able to say a word." She says the right person will be a welcoming committee, "Somebody that just thinks this is something really fun, to be able to bring joy to others through a giant animal." Borkowski says prior mascot experience is a plus but not required.

Auditions are at Sunriver's Great Hall, Monday from 4 to 5 p.m. and Tuesday from 5 to 6 p.m.