Rob Galey figures Howard, the world’s tallest gnome, would be right at home on his family’s Blenkinsop Road farm amid a patch of giant fibreglass mushrooms, already colour-co-ordinated with the big elf.
“We would give him a full restoration and we definitely have the people to do it,” said Galey, whose farm already includes attractions such as a mock Egyptian sphinx, pirate ship and dinosaurs, along with a corn maze and railway.
At 7.91 metres high, Howard has been a beloved landmark at the side of the highway in Nanoose for more than two decades. But his owners have been told he must move from his home at the Nanoose Bay Town Pantry and Chevron station by the end of April or he will be demolished. Built more than 20 years ago by the late Ron Hale to advertise his theme park, which later closed, the gnome also needs repairs.
Early this month, the Hale family put out a call for a new home for Howard. Almost 100 offers flowed in, which have now been whittled down to five options on the Island.
Along with Galey Farms, they include the White River Resort in Sayward; Treasures, Curio and RV Park in Coombs; and the Log Cabin General Store and Fast Time Grand Prix go-kart track, both in Parksville.
On Monday night, five members of the family will meet to decide who will adopt Howard.
Bridget Matewish, Hale’s granddaughter, said discussions are ongoing with the five potential new owners to discuss everything from how to relocate Howard to his long-term upkeep. “We just want the best home for him.”
The gnome — named the world’s tallest by Guinness World Records in 2009 — attracted offers from as far away as the U.S. states of Georgia, Ohio, Oregon and Washington. Interested parties from Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and B.C. also contacted the family,
People with private estates asked for Howard, but the family wants the gnome to remain on public display, Matewish said.
Galey predicts Howard would be a “big hit” at Galey Farms, a combination of working farm and theme park, with moving attractions. Galey has big dreams for Howard: he wants to give him the power to wave his hands. “That’s what we do — we build props like that from scratch all the time,” said Galey, who calls Dave Gray, who works at the farm, the creative genius behind many of the displays.
Galey said he developed a fondness for the gnome years ago. Between 2002 and 2005, Galey organized winter motorcycle races at a nearby indoor area. Every day, he passed Howard.
“I always thought he was amazing. Someone really built him from the heart, that’s for sure.”
A total of $685 had been donated by Thursday evening toward a $15,000 restoration goal on a fundraising page set up by the family.
