LOCALadk Magazine
Issue link: https://localadkmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1263803
42 Summer 2020 LOCALadk Magazine LOCALadk A visit to the Enchanted Forest was always a high- light of my summer. I remember riding in the chairs that seemed to soar over the park while music belted out "It's a Small World (After All)." The song stuck in my head for days. I remember the bumper cars, the high-flying circus act, my brothers get- ting raccoon skin hats in the souvenir shop, and of course, having our picture taken with the giant statue of Paul Bunyan. Paul Bunyan has greeted Enchanted Forest guests since 1956, and has had his picture taken thousands of times. He is an icon of the park and special care and attention are given to him ever y year. This year's makeover consisted of building a structure around him that was then covered in plastic to make a space that could be used during bad weather. Long-time Enchanted Forest team members Yvonne Mekkri and Sandy Duguay are talented artists who take their job seriously and work throughout the year to make sure figures like Paul Bunyan look their best. This past winter they removed the paint, sanded, and worked with fiberglass to enhance some of the statue's details, especially on his knuckles. He was then re-painted and polished, and will be ready to greet guests this summer. We stopped by this winter to see the transfor- mation, and after walking through hip deep snow we entered under the shelter around him. We were impressed to see how much work and care was in- volved. The working conditions were ver y tight and chilly, but safety was paramount. It was obvious how proud Yvonne and Sandy were of their work, and how much they enjoy what they do. This summer as you go to Enchanted Forest Water Safari enjoy the new water rides as well as the rest of the park, and when you get your picture taken with Paul take time to notice the detailed work— and give a shout out to Yvonne and Sandy. Things have changed since 1956 —it costs more than $1 now—but Paul Bunyan has remained strong and steadfast. Paul Bunyan's Makeover By Anne Brewer Photos provided