What’s 17-feet-tall, bright orange, and lightly dusted with cheese? Why, it’s The Cheetle Hand Statue, of course! Erected in Cheadle, Alberta this week, the monolithic statue pays tribute to the Cheetos puff, raising its cheesy goodness to the sky. Perched atop three silver fingers, they are lovingly coated with cheetle- the official name for the dust left on your digits.
There’s something bizarre and enjoyable about a monument placed in a rural setting. Like the biggest ball of twine in Kansas, or the Cabazon dinosaurs in California, or that giant red pump off the Ventura freeway. They all give off that unique break from reality to enjoy something odd and out of place.
Pepsico Foods Canada placed the statue to make its mark in a rural space. There’s been a string of pop culture structures created recently. Two years ago, a seven-foot tall bronze Batman statue was placed in Burbank, California. For the little town of Cheadle, it will no doubt bring with it a small tourist boom. At least until November 4th, when the statue will move on.
James Gosteli, the president of the Cheadle Community Club, says “Cheadle is proud to be home to the Cheetle Hand Statue. Where else could the Cheetos brand honor the iconic Cheetle, if not here.” People are already stopping to take photos with the giant puff, possibly grabbing a bag of the dangerously cheesy snack while they’re at it.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your pals, pile in the car, and go take a gander at The Cheetle Hand Statue of Cheadle, Alberta before it’s gone!
