New Texaco giant ‘Big A’ takes his place on historic Route 66 in Galena
GALENA, Kan. — A new Texaco giant is now in its new home on historic Route 66 in Galena.
Big A is his name and now sits just outside of Gear Head Curios.
He weighs around 12 hundred pounds and stands 22 feet tall, the giant is one of six left in existence after the rest of the 300 were destroyed.
A restoration team made sure the giant’s uniform and patches had a fresh coat of paint as well as his wrench.
The Big A name originated from Aaron Perry, curator of Gear Head Curios, which is a souvenir shop on Route 66.
Down to the birthmark, Big A’s head was modeled after Perry’s face, copying his goatee, a unique touch to the classic Texaco Big Friend in his green uniform.
“This kind of a showing is it’s a blessing. It’s really cool and I’m happy to do something. I say, this is it’s mine, but it’s for others to enjoy. And I think adding the giant is going to add an element to that and give one more thing for people to come out. A reason to come to southeast Kansas and reason to come to Galena and have a memory,” said Aaron Perry, curator of Gear Head Curios.
“This is a roadside attraction. This draws people from all over the world. So this is going to be huge for the economy of this town. Um, yeah. I mean, you could talk to people from all over the world every day on Route 66 because they come here every day,” said Stephanie Daggett, Route 66 Association of Texas vice president.
Families from across the Four States were able to check out the souvenirs– enjoy hot dogs and take pictures in front of the new attraction.
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