DIXFIELD — A stronger, bigger and more resilient Bullrock arrived at the Village Green early Friday afternoon after more than a year of work to replace the town’s mascot.

The first Bullrock rotted from the inside after a few years, but this time, creator Ted Walker of Rumford took steps to prevent a similar demise.

The 9-foot tall, 1,500-pound moose is on a pedestal at the entrance to the Green along Route 2 near the village. It’s carved from pressure-treated wood, has some rubberized parts. It’s hollow but looks like a traditional wood carving.

Bullrock’s head is topped with a set of real moose antlers donated by a local hunter.

Norine Clarke, the driving force on the Dixfield Economic Development Council, said funding for the new moose came from insurance and large and small donations from area people.

A Welcome Bullrock party is set for 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 21, at the Village Green. A commemorative cake and punch will be served.

A stuffed moose created by Laurie Taylor and Moose Is Loose T-shirts designed by Hot Colors will be awarded to several of those attending who sign up at the event.

Bullrock was driven from Walker’s home on the Swain Road to its new home by Twin Rivers’ owner Alan Elliott and two employees. They used two of the company’s trucks to move the moose and other items needed to set it up at the Green.

Dixfield Police Department officer Anne Simmons-Edmunds provided an escort into town.

Copy the Story Link