'Big Bruce' named Ontario's greatest roadside attraction
What has two horns, two eyes, two bulging nostrils and four cloven feet? “Big Bruce,” of course, Ontario’s Greatest Roadside Attraction.
“He took on some heavy weights. You start taking on the Wawa Goose and the Sudbury Nickel, you know you’re in the big leagues,” says Arran-Elderslie Deputy Mayor, Mark Davis.
“Big Bruce” beat out 16 other competitors to recently be named Ontario’s Greatest Roadside Attraction. A feather in the cap for the big bull, that’s stood out front of Arran-Elderslie headquarters in Chesley since 1980.
“He’s the perfect attraction for us, and now all of Ontario knows,” says Arran-Elderslie Mayor, Steve Hammell.
“Big Bruce” was discovered by Mark Davis’ father, Harvey, in the mid 70’s, during a trip to Wisconsin. Davis wanted the local cattlemen’s association to buy the 15 foot tall fibreglass bull, as a promotional tool for the 1976 International Plowing Match, to take place near Walkerton. At first, they balked at the $3,000 asking price.
“I can remember one day at breakfast, after a meeting, Dad said to me, I don’t think they’re going to go for it, but I’m going to just buy it myself,” says the younger Davis.
The cattlemen’s association bent and bought “Big Bruce” and Harvey Davis pulled him around Ontario to promote the plowing match. When Davis passed in 1980, “Big Bruce” was put on permanent display here in Chesley, in honour of the man who brought him to the region.
“The family is super pleased, but it’s great for Bruce County, Arran-Elderslie and the region,” says Davis.
Locals are hoping a provincial spotlight, though fleeting, might bring a few more people to town, to check out Ontario’s Greatest Roadside Attraction.
“It’s very common to see families stop here and take pictures. We expect even more people to do that, this fall and into next summer,” says Mayor Hammell.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.