Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Thursday, June 23, 2016
(BEDFORD) - The Lawrence County bison is finished and will make its public debut during the Limestone Heritage Festival.
The 5-foot-tall, 8 foot-long fiberglass bison has been painted head to tail with scenes that capture the history of Lawrence County. It will visit local festivals around the county and will be on display through the summer and featured along the route of the Bicentennial Torch Relay that runs from September 9 to October 15.
In September the bison and many across the state will travel to Indianapolis for an exhibit at the Indiana State Fair. The Lawrence County bison will then be placed at its permanent home on a limestone platform on the Bedford Courthouse Square.
Bedford artist Debbie Patton spent about 100 hours covering the fiberglass bison with a collage of mini murals that represent local landmarks and activities including the Empire Quarry, Milwaukee Depot, Williams Covered Bridge, Milwaukee Trail, the courthouse sculpture of Miss Liberty, the Otis Park Band Shell and golf course, the county's astronaut heritage and scenes from Spring Mill State Park and Bluespring Caverns..
United Way of South Central Indiana, Bedford Federal Savings Bank, and German American Bank are responsible for bringing the bison to Bedford.
The bison once wandered Indiana and were so common that it has been included in the state seal since its earliest incarnation. While wild buffalo are long gone from the Hoosier State after being hunted to near-extinction nationwide in the 19th century, the land beast will make a comeback of sorts in 2016 to celebrate Indiana's 200th birthday.
Today, the bison will receive a clear coat to seal and protect the surface at Sipes Auto.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.