When does a place marker become a symbol?
On Thursday evening of August 29th it was discovered the Elkton Arts Elk on the corner of Bridge and Main Street had gone missing. We put a notice up on Facebook and realized the majority of the venues located in Elkton’s Arts & Entertainment District were shocked to learn the mascot was lost… And that’s when I learned just how much that big blue elk means to this community.
Friends shared the info through social media… I received text messages relaying the shock people felt over big blue’s disappearance. When I woke up this morning I was surprised to discover C3ntral Tavern, Bower’s Law, The Teal Antler and Brookbend Interiors were offering rewards for information leading to the elks whereabouts.
The good news is Big Blue has been found! The not so good news is, someone vandalized him… They loosened the straps binding his hooves and pushes him over breaking one of his antlers. Fortunately Union Hospital (who owns both the elk and the property he sat upon) Facilities Management found him, scooped him up and are currently storing him until he can be repaired.
I’ve always known there’s something beyond special about this town and the people who live, work and own businesses here. The fact that SO many people were both concerned and outraged over a hunk of fiberglass in the shape of an elk means something a little bit more. It’s proof there’s a heart beating strong and steady in this community and that is something no vandal can destroy.
The Elkton Arts Elk (Big Blue) – Sat proudly on the corner of Bridge & Main Street, Welcoming Guests to the District.
