Guardian Gus on Lake Morton

It all started simply with a Parade of Cows in Chicago in 1999, but soon the infectious act of towns erecting fiberglass fetishes in the name of charity spread across the United States. The latest victim to inflict the curse upon itself is Lakeland, Florida.

On October 5, 2002, a flock of 62 swans was placed at prominent points all over the city. Promoters of the Swansation event said the 5-foot-tall birds were meant to, "enrich cultural activity and positively impact the community." What they meant was that it was a cute way of raising money by ruffling some feathers.

Each bird had a corporate swansor. Major contributors were able to pick their bird's pose. When the flock is placed on the chopping block in April of 2003, the money from their sales will be donated to local non-profit groups.

Lakeland was not the first town in Florida to land the concept of arty animals. In May of 2002 Tampa had concluded a Tour of Turtles. Gainesville had already sunk its claws into a pile of painted gators. Orlando was stuck on chameleons while Ocala let loose a stampede of wild horses.

See more of this Swansational flock of birds!

So why did Lakeland choose swans? Historical records show Queen Elizabeth donated a pair of real swans to Lakeland in the mid-1950s. The birds, it would seem, continue to make a splash with the community. Who are we to squawk about it?

Update 5/03
43 swans were let loose to the highest bidder on April 25th, 2003. The auction raised a total of $220,000. An estimated 400 people flocked to put their bids in. While most statues went for about $4,500, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" took in $14,000, and that is hardly chicken scratch.

Swansation
various locations
Lakeland, FL
In the neighborhood - Dinosaur World