Big Red Wagon Sculpture in Spokane, WA.
Located in Spokane Washington’s Riverfront Park and commissioned by the Jr. League of Spokane, this giant wagon is the work of artist Ken Spiering. According to an article from Washington’s Outer Limits:
… artist Ken Spiering’s ideas for a bronze sculpture had dried up – he knew it the instant he drew a sketch of a child urinating in a pond. So, after six weeks of struggling to devise the perfect piece of interactive public art, he gave in. He quit. But just days before the submission deadline, Spiering had another vision. This time, the child was pulling a red wagon. That’s it, he said to himself. A big red wagon. What could be a better symbol of childhood? He quickly devised a plan and submitted it.
We arrived in the middle of George Dubbya’s visit to Spokane for a $1,000/plate benefit for a local politician and all the hubub was just two blocks away from the lil’ red wagon. Luckily, after swimming through waves of protesters and supporters, the wagon was being enjoyed in its intended way – a hoard of kids were sliding and running and yelling and enjoying life at a really big wagon!
Built in 1990 from 26 tons of steel and reinforced concrete, the 12-foot-high, 27-foot-long Radio Flyer Wagon can hold as many as 300 people. Spiering worked six to seven days a week for a year building the $36,000 sculpture, for which he received a $30,000 commission.
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For those looking to relax and just enjoy the ocean, Kure Beach, North Carolina has everything to offer. With clean beaches, friendly people, and a real laid back attitude, Kure Beach is ideal for family fun. The crown jewel of this picturesque little town has to be the Kure Beach Fishing Pier. Built in 1923, it is the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic coast. From April to November this 712 foot pier offers fishing, fabulous views, and if you’re lucky, a new friend.
I am one of those fortunate enough to make a special friend at the pier. While enjoying the sights and smells of the ocean, I noticed a rather large pelican just sitting on a nearby table. He was looking for scraps I’m sure and was quite comfortable with all the people bustling by. I couldn’t resist this photo opportunity so I set to capturing him on film. After a few minutes and several up close shots, my pelican friend decided to take over as director. He flapped his wings and in the process knocked me in the head. I nearly lost my hat and my glasses. Needless to say I was a bit startled by his sudden outburst. I’ve always heard a picture is worth a thousand words and in this case a whack on the head!
Kure Beach Fishing Pier.com
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What do Dale Earnhardt and Pink Floyd have in common?
Before we get to the answer, let’s take trip to North Carolina and see Dale Earnhardt Plaza, a one-acre park in Dale’s home of Kannapolis. This is where Dale learned to drive fast and turn left around Idiot’s Circle, winning the hearts and minds (?) of the NASCAR-centric Southeast.
The center of the one-acre park showcases a 9-foot tall, 900-pound bronze statue of Dale created by Arizona artist Clyde Ross. Dale stands there, bigger than life, with his muscular arms crossed and a knowing grin on his face. Though not wearing his iconic sunglasses, he is sporting his 1970’s era, pornstar-style mustache. Surrounding Earnhardt are various subtle tributes to the number three, his seven Winston Cup Championship (smoke ‘em if you got ‘em) trophies and more.
As long as you’re in town and you’re a fan of Dale’s (why else would you be there?), you might at well visit some of the other Dale Earnhardt places of worship like the nearby Dale Earnhardt Tribute Center, located just one convenient block away from the plaza.
Oh, what do Dale and Pink Floyd have in common? Their last big hit was the wall!
Dale Earnhardt Plaza
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The Mona Lisa, made from Legos, at the Toy and Plastic Brick Museum in Bellaire, Ohio.
The “Toy and Plastic Brick Museum” in Bellaire, Ohio houses the world’s largest collection of Lego building sets. So, why isn’t it called the Lego Museum? Ask a lawyer. Apparently, Lego didn’t appreciate anybody else using its name for profit.
Sure, you can go to Legoland in California or see great Lego displays at Disneyland or Walt Disney World but that would be mundane. Why not spend just 10% of the price to get into Disneyland and see a bunch of old Lego building sets!? Uh, maybe you shouldn’t consider that value proposition too closely…
I think Legos were my favorite toy as a kid. How about you? What was your Lego masterpiece?
Toy and Plastic Brick Museum
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