Hay River (Oct 20/03) - Wawa has its giant goose, Sudbury has its enormous nickel.

Soon, Hay River will have its own colossal monument celebrating the town's heritage: a barge, complete with bush plane and fishing boat on top. Hay River Horticultural Society President June Eirikson, who is spearheading this initiative to put her town on the map, says she has secured a barge, generously donated from NTLC.

Now, she needs to find a plane and a boat.

"Two years ago I came up with the idea that Hay River needed something monumental to attract tourists," she said.

"Since then, I've read several articles saying we need something big. I sit back and laugh because if you want something big, boy do I have it," Eirikson said.

Providing the town and highway departments give their permission, the barge -- it measures 120 ft long, 30 ft wide and more than seven ft deep -- will be located at the old Pine Point junction where Highway 5 meets Highway 2.

Eirikson said the area will include picnic tables and will be planted with flowers.

Interpretive signs will be put up outlining the role transportation played in Hay River's development.

So, can anyone spare a plane or fishing boat?