Unique 'Bulldog Car' spotted throughout local cities in Kansas

ROSSVILLE (KSNT) - You may have heard of the "Weiner Mobile", but have you heard of the "Bulldog Car?"

A Rossville art teacher is following in his dad's footsteps with his artistic talents. Garrett Larson's father built the original bulldog statue outside the front doors of the high school back in 1985.

Larson had the idea to transform the Rossville junior/senior high school mascot into something much larger that people from all over are able to see. So, he decided to put the school mascot on wheels, turning it into a vehicle he can drive around.

"I wanted to make a large sculpture, but I've always been into cars," Larson said. "My dad and I are both into cars and I have built a lot of custom cars."

But, in this case, it had a double meaning.

"If someone said 'Hey, you can't build that here,' then I could move it somewhere else and keep the project going," Larson said.

Over the past couple of years, more than 50 students have helped Larson in the construction process, leaving behind a list of heartwarming memories. From getting paint everywhere to messaging him years later and reaching out if they see the car on the streets, these students have lot's of reasons to check back in on the Bulldog Car's journey.

If you are interested in seeing the Bulldog Car for yourself, Larson will be driving in Downtown Lawrence's "Art To Go" parade show on May 25, 2024.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.