Squirt the skunk, mascot of Beiseker, Alberta
Town mascots, interesting advertising and bizarre geographic oddities are a part of every Canadian Badlands roadtrip. On our last trip in southeastern Alberta we came across Drumheller’s Dinosaur (again), the Big Woman and Cornstalk in Taber, Gleichen’s Buffalo, Bow Island’s giant Bean Pot, Pinto the Bean, and its giant Putter, Vauxhall’s Spuds and Alix’s Alligator. We saw Mud Butte, a massive geographic landmark in the region’s Special Areas but missed the Badlands Guardian, one of Google Earth’s top 10 finds.
Donalda’s giant lamp
The world’s largest dinosaur is in Drumheller. That makes good sense since Drumheller is also home to the largest museum in the world devoted to palaeontology. The Donalda lamp symbolizes the village’s 900 lamps collection, and Taber’s cornstalk represents “Taber Corn” which Albertans rave about.
Coronation’s Crown
With a little digging, we also found Alix the Alligator‘s connection to Alix, Alberta. We’re still trying to figure out Squirt the Skunk‘s association with Beiseker, an early railway centre east of Calgary.
The ”Really Big Putter” in Bow Island
The massive, abandoned aqueduct near Brooks, Alberta
If you have any pictures of BIG THINGS in the Canadian Badlands to share, or if you know the Beiseker skunk connection, please drop us a line in the comments below, or send us a pic and we will be glad to link.
Bean Pot Water Tower in Bow Island
Big Woman at a gas station in Taber
Sammy and Samantha Spud, the potatoe farming mascots of Vauxhall, Alberta
Beiseker’s Mascot
BEISEKER –> “SQUIRT” – the skunk
Some years ago it was decided that the Village of Beiseker needed a mascot which would leave a lasting impression on tourists and identify our community in particular. A public contest was held inviting ideas and drawings for a mascot. As a result, “Squirt” the skunk was adopted. Once the fun-loving caricature of “Squirt” was developed, plans were put in place for the construction of a larger than life replica of our mascot. Our “Squirt” statue is located in our campground and stands 13 feet tall. As well as the statue attraction, we also have a mascot street character costume which is worn at community events. “Squirt” pins, key chains, t-shirts, hats, license plates, postcards and Beanie bags are available for sale.