Livestock is a familiar sight along rural Foothills County roads, but what you’ll see these days at the Holden family farm is sure to cause a double take.
Pat Holden and husband Darcy Wenaas recently built Barry the Barley Bull, a massive barley straw creation that’s intended to bring a few smiles to the neighbourhood.
“I just can't believe the reaction we're getting,” said Holden. “I thought it was funny, but everybody just loves him.”
Made out of two round bales and one square bale, creating Barry was a group effort as neighbours pitched in and Bruce Bamford, a longtime area resident who farms the 127-acre parcel, used his tractor to place the bales on a base.
Wenaas found the perfect tree branches to create longhorns, while Holden made eyes out of reflective vinyl so they’re illuminated by headlights at night. She also waterproofed Barry so he’s able to withstand the elements.
Holden, whose family has owned the farm for almost a century, came up with the idea after stumbling across a post online.
“I was just flipping through, and I saw something and I went, ‘Oh my God, we can do this.’”
The response has been heartwarming as neighbours have dropped by the farm just south of Granary Road to get their photos taken with Barry, while others have made the trek from further away to do the same.
"He's being very well received,” said Holden. “If people want to come and take pictures, we would love to have them.
“He casts a magnificent silhouette."
Barry isn’t just a harvest curiosity as Holden has plans to deck him out for Christmas, complete with a Santa hat, scarf and solar lights, so he can continue to be enjoyed.
Barry can be found across from 106006-242 Ave. W just around the corner from Granary Road.