While driving through the community of Maidstone visitors notice rocks, boulders and stones.
They hold house numbers, decorate gardens and now the biggest one of all welcomes everyone who enters the town on the main road in from the north.
A few years ago the town council decided they wanted a slogan and logo to identify the town and tie it together. A promotions committee was formed and a contest was held. As entries were received rocks and stones dominated the sketches and proposals.
A slogan promoting small town friendliness and big town services was chosen and the search for the perfect rock and location began. Some wanted the rock to be installed on the highway but a location on town-owned land was chosen just north of the first residential neighbourhood.
The site is decorated with a huge self watering flower pot, spruce trees and a solar light. The project involved the Town of Maidstone, the RM of Eldon and the Maidstone Chamber of Commerce and a dedication was held and plaque installed last week.
Connie McCulloch, the current mayor and member of the promotions committee was joined by Joan Smith and Keith Schwartz, who were also on the committee at the dedication as they thanked those involved in the project.
Schwartz donated the huge rock that was moved from his land north of town by Davis Construction. The jack pad the rock sits on was built by Canadian Natural Resources and the artwork was done by Peelers Sandblasting and Refinishing.
The rock offers a photo opportunity and lets everyone know exactly where they are.
