I was born a Longmonster… and I hated it.

I was born and raised in Longmont, and like any other high school student I was certain I would never, ever, come back once I left. My friends and I called ourselves Longmonsters in school, not necessarily out of pride, but maybe because we thought it was clever. We did not invent this term- in fact, there once was a green RTD bus with mythical monster feet (mermaid tale, big foot, dragon, etc.) sprouting from the bottom of passenger windows. This free bus was called the “Longmonster”. Depending on who you ask, people either hated or loved the bus name, much like the disparate sentiments of a high schooler and her parents about Longmont itself.

After leaving, it only took me four years to realize how much I loved Longmont. I missed all the benefits of a growing and connected community: new and unique businesses, super-fast internet, multi-use trails, a growing food scene… I could go on. I was lucky enough to move back to Longmont in 2014 and can safely say that I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon. I started working at the Longmont Chamber in April of 2016, which has only deepened my appreciation of my hometown

In 2018, Leah Winkler designed the Longmonster icon for use at the Chamber.  Thanks to StickerGiant, we got our first run of Longmonster stickers for Unity in the Community in February 2018. These stickers were so popular that we started to create special edition ones for events. The term “Longmonster” was used as a community identity for citizens of Longmont during the All-American City presentation and piqued the interest of the judges. Longmont was named All-American City for the second time following that presentation, and I like to think that “Longmontster” had something to do with it.

All this raises the question: What is a Longmonster?

I think a Longmonster is anyone invested in, engaged with, and in love with the community and city of Longmont. Whether you were born and raised here, moved here, started a business downtown, volunteer at a local nonprofit, attend events here, or work to keep this growing community connected- you are a Longmonster.

This collective identity, that we are all Longmonsters, has real value. It is one of the intangible, immeasurable reasons Longmont has kept its small town feel. This community cares if people and businesses get involved. It’s because we’re proud to be Longmonsters, and know we’re better and stronger together.