Travelers Might Say, What the Hay?

Just in time for homecoming and the 2023 Sugarbeet Festival, a hay sculpture turned up on September 27 just west of Alfalfa Road. Two stacked round bales feature the Sugarbeeter mascot head, black, orange, and white paint, and the message, "Go Beeters" on the base. Some twigs jut from the upper most bale to resemble a beet top.

Credit for the artwork goes to two 2015 Chinook High School graduates: Mariah (Swank) Kellam and Justin Kellam. The couple, who were married in 2019, currently farm East of Chinook. The sculpture sits in their stubble field on the south side of the road. Travelers of Highway 2 might be surprised when they see the figure and respond, "What the hay?"

"We have been painting hay bales every fall for a few years now," Mariah stated. "This year, we wanted to create something that was fun, light-hearted, and unique. Homecoming was right around the corner, so the Beeter mascot was an easy choice!"