The Daily Standard
Story Archive
Mercer County Fairground's resident 30-foot-tall bigfoot has officially been named Nelson.
CELINA- Mercer County Fairground's hulking homage to the legendary Bigfoot has been named Nelson.
The moniker was revealed earlier this week on the fair's Facebook page. It was suggested by community members via a Facebook poll.
"We thought it was neat," said fair manager Cara Muhlenkamp. "During the voting, it just kept winning."
Other contenders for the 30-foot-tall, 18-foot-wide attraction's name were Chip, Winston, Ollie, Glen, Theo and Hugh.
Fair officials hope Nelson enhances Mercer County's reputation as a hub of growth and excitement.
"Our hope is that it brings enjoyment to our community," Muhlenkamp had said. "We also hope that it is a fun thing for folks to travel to see. The lake, Boardwalk, downtown and so many locations outside of Celina have made us a destination location. We want to contribute and do our part."
Visitors from Terre Haute, Indiana, and Michigan have journeyed to the fairgrounds to see Nelson since he was installed.
"We are seeing folks coming from states away just to see him," she had said. "The foot traffic doesn't seem to be slowing down at all."
Bear Hollow Wood Carvers of French Lick, Indiana, were hard at work creating the permanent Bigfoot from April 5-8 during the total solar eclipse festival at the fairgrounds.
Muhlenkamp said the fair board and wood carvers have been planning the project since July 2023.
Other than the addition of signage and Nelson merchandise vending, the attraction is complete. A sidewalk and wooden fence were also installed this week with a contribution from the Celina Moose.
"It is important that it isn't inviting for folks to climb on the giant," she had said. "A fence will be added that will give the public the opportunity to walk around and be much closer. We want the public to see all of the little details."
Springer & Sons Tree Services of Celina donated a portion of the lumber used for the project, as Muhlenkamp said the sculpture grew to be larger than anticipated after the carvers came on scene.
The head alone weighs between 600 to 700 pounds. It was carved separate from the body and hoisted to the top of the sculpture.
"It has been tremendous," Muhlenkamp said of the project. "The community support has been fantastic."
