Pelicans become a common sight

36 statues go up in Pelican Rapids

By Tom Hintgen (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Visitors to Pelican Rapids these days not only are seeing the large pelican statue positioned near the river on the east side of downtown. Thanks to members of the Pelican Pete Committee, smaller statues — 36 in all — are strategically placed around town and in rural areas.

Creation of the little pelicans took place this year as one way to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the big one — referred to as Pelican Pete. That statue built 50 years ago was the brainchild of Truman Strand, who in 1957 was a businessman in downtown Pelican Rapids. He’s best known as the owner of a hardware store which now is named ACE Hardware and is operated by his son, David.

Themes for the smaller pelicans constructed this year include such things as fish scales and beach decor — each with unique painting and a different shape.

Many of the pelicans are located downtown where tourists can see them along the sidewalks or in store fronts. Seven of the small birds are located outside the city limits.

Each location is marked on a map available to the Chamber of Commerce office, which is located in the downtown Historic City Hall building. The maps are free. A color book highlights each pelican, its artist and its background.

Two small pelicans are positioned at Pelican Lake — at Zorbaz and Fair Hills. To the east you’ll find one at Lida Greens Golf Course and heading south there’s a small pelican located at Lake Region Electric Cooperative.