Celina, Ohio, the seat of Mercer County, isn’t far from the center line of the swath of totality that swept across the state during the solar eclipse of April 8, 2024. The original plan called for the new giant at the Mercer County Fairgrounds to be completed on the same day but the eclipse was preceded by heavy rain that resulted in a one-day delay. Any disappointment that caused was instantly erased when the 27-foot wooden sculpture was unveiled.

The sculpture is the work of Bear Hollow Wood Carvers of French Lick, Indiana, who had nine carvers from five different states on-site in the project. This is the second sculpture of similar size that Bear Hollow has constructed. The first was built a year ago in their hometown. There is a good overview of the Mercer County project here.

Having visited installations of Thomas Dambo’s trolls in Clermont, KY, and  Dayton, OH. I couldn’t help but make comparisons. They are quite similar in size and appearance. However, with “Wood Carvers” being part of the name, it’s not surprising that Bear Hollow’s creations have more carved details.

On the afternoon of the day I took these pictures, Mercer County Fair Manager Cara Muhlenkamp and Bear Hollow Wood Carvers co-owner Jason Emmons were on hand to give the giant a name  After two months of nominations and voting, the name Nelson won out over many others. I was not there for the announcement but do have a link to the video. In the picture of the hand in the previous panel, a glimpse can be had of what Muhlenkamp refers to as the “cutest little tushie” in the video.

I visited the giant on Tuesday by adding about thirty miles to my normal drive to Greenville. I also added a new name to my list of personally approved breakfast stops. The Bay Restaurant has good food, good service, a great view, and is conveniently located for both fishers and giant hunters.