In the heart of Celina, Ohio, a new legend has emerged, towering 30 feet above the ground and greeting visitors with a whimsical presence. This isn’t just any statue; it’s ‘Nelson,’ a colossal wooden sculpture of Bigfoot that now stands as the latest landmark at the Mercer County Fairgrounds. Built by Bear Hollow Wood Carvers, a skilled chainsaw wood carving business from French Lick, Indiana, this new attraction has quickly become a symbol of local pride and community spirit.
From Concept to Reality: The Making of ‘Nelson’
The idea for the sculpture began in July 2023, as a creative effort between the Mercer County Fair Board and Bear Hollow Wood Carvers. According to Cara Muhlenkamp, fair manager at the Mercer County Fairgrounds, “We wanted something whimsical and welcoming that could serve as a new attraction for our fairgrounds. After considering various options, including a chicken or a nod to the region’s dairy industry, we settled on Bigfoot—an icon that symbolizes both mystery and playfulness” (The Daily Standard, April 13, 2024). The fairgrounds were looking for a unique piece to enhance Mercer County’s reputation as a destination for visitors, building on existing attractions like the lake, Boardwalk, and downtown Celina.
The project officially began on April 5, 2024, to coincide with the Total Solar Eclipse festival, a major event hosted at the fairgrounds. Over the course of just five days, a team of nine carvers from seven different states worked around the clock to transform raw lumber into a giant work of art. The carvers included Jason Emmons, Ethan Emmons, Lucas Pennington, Andrew Mallon, Roark Phillips, Bubba Daniel, Ken Braun Jr., Joe Stebbing, and Ken Tynan. Each brought unique skills and experience to the project, having participated in similar carvings across the country (WANE, April 11, 2024).
The team utilized approximately 300 feet of treated 2’x4′ boards for the structure’s framework and over 5,000 feet of Poplar wood to create Bigfoot’s “hair.” The head alone, weighing between 600 and 700 pounds, was carved separately and carefully hoisted into place (Mercer County Fair Board). Locally harvested catalpa wood, known for its rot-resistant properties, was also used to ensure the durability of the sculpture. “We wanted to ensure the sculpture would stand the test of time, both as an artwork and a symbol of our community’s creativity,” said Jason Emmons, co-owner of Bear Hollow Wood Carvers (WANE, April 11, 2024).
A Community Effort and an Immediate Hit
From the moment of its inception, ‘Nelson’ was embraced enthusiastically by the community. The sculpture quickly gained a permanent home at the main gate of the Mercer County Fairgrounds, where it now welcomes visitors from near and far. “Our hope is that it brings enjoyment to our community,” Muhlenkamp notes. “Celina has become much more of a destination location with the lake, Boardwalk, downtown, and so many other attractions. We wanted to contribute to that excitement and do our part” (The Daily Standard, April 13, 2024).
Even before its completion, ‘Nelson’ began attracting attention. Just days after its unveiling, visitors from states as far away as Indiana and Michigan traveled to the fairgrounds to see the new landmark. “He is already doing his job,” Muhlenkamp added, referring to the excitement and increased visitor traffic (The Daily Standard, April 13, 2024).
The project was further bolstered by local support, including a significant contribution from Springer & Sons Tree Services of Celina, which donated part of the lumber used in the construction. The sculpture ended up being larger than initially planned, requiring more materials than anticipated. “The community has been fantastic in stepping up to help,” Muhlenkamp explained (The Daily Standard, June 14, 2024).
The Big Reveal: Naming the Giant
The sculpture, initially referred to as “the Giant,” was finally given a name on June 14, 2024, after a spirited community naming contest. Residents were invited to suggest names via a poll on the fairground’s Facebook page. The winning name, ‘Nelson,’ quickly gained traction and became an endearing part of local culture. “We thought it was neat,” Muhlenkamp says. “During the voting, it just kept winning” (The Daily Standard, June 14, 2024).
Other name contenders included Chip, Winston, Ollie, Glen, Theo, and Hugh, but ‘Nelson’ resonated most with the community. The name has since been emblazoned on dedicated signage, and a range of merchandise has been developed to celebrate the beloved Bigfoot (Mercer County Fair Board). To maintain engagement and promote ‘Nelson’ as a continuing attraction, the fairgrounds plan to host various events, including trivia contests and photo opportunities (Mercer County Fair Board).
Creating a Lasting Icon for Mercer County
‘Nelson’ now stands not only as a unique tourist attraction but also as a symbol of Mercer County’s ambition, creativity, and collaborative spirit. “Our aim was to create something that people would come to see and enjoy, contributing to the area’s status as a destination,” Muhlenkamp emphasizes. “We’ve already seen an increase in foot traffic from states away, and the momentum doesn’t seem to be slowing down” (The Daily Standard, June 14, 2024).
To enhance the visitor experience, the fairgrounds are investing in landscaping around ‘Nelson,’ with plans for flower beds and designated photo spots. A wooden fence will also be added to prevent climbing while allowing the public to get closer to appreciate the intricate details. “It is important that it isn’t inviting for folks to climb on the giant,” Muhlenkamp explained. “We want the public to see all of the little details” (The Daily Standard, April 13, 2024).
A Celebration of Artistry and Community Spirit
‘Nelson’ is more than just a new attraction; it is a celebration of chainsaw carving as an art form and a testament to the skills of the Bear Hollow Wood Carvers team. Jason Emmons, reflecting on the project, noted, “When we were little kids, we never dreamed of doing something like this. But here we are, putting something like this together. It’s a fantastic feeling to know that we’ve created something so many people will enjoy” (WANE, April 11, 2024).
This towering figure at the Mercer County Fairgrounds represents a new chapter in local pride and storytelling, standing as a permanent reminder of what a community can achieve when it comes together with a shared vision. Whether you’re a local or a visitor passing through, ‘Nelson’ is ready to offer a warm, larger-than-life welcome to all who come to see him.
Sources
- WDTN. “‘Bear Hollow Wood Carvers’ Build Stands Tall at Mercer County Fairgrounds.” April 12, 2024.
- WANE. “‘Giant’ Wooden Sculpture Takes Over Mercer County Fairgrounds.” April 11, 2024.
- The Daily Standard. “Bigfoot Spotted in Celina.” April 13, 2024.
- The Daily Standard. “Local ‘Sasquatch’ Now Has a Name.” June 14, 2024.
- Mercer County Fair Board. “Eclipse Big Build.” Mercer County Fair Board.
- Mercer County Fair Board. “Fairgrounds Attraction: Visit Our ‘Giant’!” Mercer County Fair Board.
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