The Story Behind Monty the Longmonster
Welcome to Longmont! Around here, we’re proud to be Longmonsters. And who knows? You might just be one at heart, too. Plenty of people come to visit and discover they fit right in. We’re happy to welcome you into the Longmonster family!
The term actually started about 26 years ago with a local bus called the Longmontster. This bright green bus featured monster legs painted beneath its windows, giving it a look that was hard to miss. The design was a little polarizing at the time, but the name stuck around long after the bus itself faded from the spotlight. Over time, what began as an unusual bus name became something much bigger: a playful, slightly snarky nickname for the people who call Longmont home.
The name gained a little extra recognition in 2018, when the City of Longmont received the prestigious All-America City Award from the National Civic League. During the city's presentation to the selection committee, presenters used the term “Longmonster” to describe local residents. The panel paused to ask for clarification, intrigued by the unusual and memorable name. It was a fitting moment for a word that captures the independent spirit, personality, and sense of community that make Longmont unique.
Today, the Longmonster has taken on a life of its own, including a happy, quirky monster named Monty.
Monty’s journey to becoming Visit Longmont’s mascot included a little friendly competition. In 2023, Visit Longmont invited residents to help decide what a city mascot should look like and represent. The community was encouraged to submit ideas, and around 70 entries poured in between October and November.
Three finalists emerged: Monty the Longmonster, Sir Monty Longs Peak, and Sweetie Ms. Sugar Beet. Each reflected a different part of Longmont’s identity, from the playful personality behind the Longmonster name to the area's iconic mountain and agricultural roots.
The community was then invited to vote for its favorite. Monty the Longmonster quickly took the lead and eventually won the popular vote. The contest was designed to build awareness of Longmont while giving residents a voice in creating a mascot that felt distinctly their own.
The result was Monty, a friendly Longmonster who celebrates Longmont’s character, creativity, and community pride. He represents a name that locals have made their own, now brought to life as a welcoming face for visitors and residents alike.
What started as a bright green bus has grown into a beloved piece of local identity. Around here, being a Longmonster isn't about being scary. It's about having a sense of humor, embracing what makes our community different, and being proud to call Longmont home. And Monty? Monty's just happy to be part of the fun!