New Brunswick — If there’s one thing that drives up tourism in New Brunswick, it’s giant statues. Many New Brunswick towns are known only for their huge replicas of local industries — such as Nackawic’s big axe, Campbellton’s gigantic salmon, Plaster Rock’s giant cow, and soon, Shippigan’s extra large crab.
“We know there isn’t much else to do here that will make people want to stop as they drive by,” said Timon Mallet, Mayor of Shippigan.
“Having an oversized statue will motivate someone to pull over for a couple minutes to take a selfie, use the washroom, then continue on their long drive. It’s during those precious few minutes that we can entice them to stay longer by leaving some nice-looking tourism posters in the toilet stall.”
According to GNB tourism department data, some of the other statues currently in planning phases for spring of 2019 are:
- Bathurst: World’s Largest Retiree
- Saint John: World’s Largest Deranged Seagull
- Gagetown: World’s Largest Rifle
- Moncton: World’s Largest Car Dealership
- Fredericton: World’s Largest Hipster
- Perth-Andover: World’s Largest Flooded Basement
- Miramichi: World’s Largest Cigarette Butt
Critics argue that a giant statue as an attraction makes a town look desperate, and that New Brunswick will become oversaturated with the local landmarks.
“There’s nothing like driving by a small town and seeing a sign saying ‘Home of the World’s Largest Something-or-other’ — tells you right away that there is nothing else to that town whatsoever,” said long-haul truck driver Brent Jessop.
“If this trend of big things continues, that’s all this province will be known for,” said Woodstock resident Haillee McKeen.
“‘New Brunswick: World’s Largest Home of the World’s Largest.’ Doesn’t really have a ring to it.”
The Manatee should use “The World Funnies Blog” instead of “Saving the Endangered Truth”, just to keep the traditions of the Province.
The Manatee should use “The World Funniest Blog” instead of “Saving the Endangered Truth”, just to keep the traditions of the Province.