KILLINGTON, Vt. (Sept. 23, 2008) Last fall, Hay Bale Bear at the Water Wheel Trading Company on Route 4 in Killington caused quite a stir. Forget rubber-necking for moose, bear and deer. Cars lined up in the breakdown lane so motorists could stop and take a picture with this gigantic bear playing the drum – created solely out of hay bales. Hay Bale Bear started a trend, and this fall dozens of business owners in Killington are following suit, erecting huge hay bale sculptures to celebrate fall foliage in Vermont.
"We have artists Denise Peront and January Meyer that are helping businesses in the creativity department with design, showing them options and then assisting with the actual building of the sculptures," said Bill Bauer, commissioner of the Killington Department of Economic Development and Tourism Commission and owner of the Summit Lodge. "We plan on building a St. Bernard at the Summit. I'm not quite sure how we're going to do it, but I have two huge four-foot round bales
sitting on my front lawn. It's fun to come together as a community to work on a project like this for our fall visitors to the area."
Bauer is hoping to have 15 to 20 sculptures throughout Killington this year. While businesses are asked to contribute to the purchase of the hay bales and materials, the Economic Development and Tourism Commission is subsidizing building the sculptures as part of an initiative to draw people to the area and showcase the community. Approximately 100 four-foot round bales and 100 square bales will be used to create the artistic sculptures.
Creating one of these giant art sculptures takes many volunteer workers, people with trucks, tractors and other equipment to move the large hay bales, and the artistic prowess to be creative (and not just copy Hay Bale Bear from last year!). The Killington business community is always up for a challenge however, regardless of the time frame (sculptures are to be done by Sept. 29 in time for peak foliage season).
"The timeframe to make this all work is very short," said Bauer, "but Killington is the sort of place where things can get done in a hurry if a good cause is at hand. We are a community that rallies together very well. These sculptures are simply going to be fantastic and for those who want great pictures, I'd advise bringing a wide angle lens. Some of the sculptures will be enormous!"
Be sure to visit the Killington Chamber of Commerce office for free Killington area publications and informational guides. For more Killington information visit the Killington town page in Vermont Living Magazine.
