The top of Howard the gnome is removed, followed by its head. After a threat of being torn-down, the long-time Nanoose Bay landmark will be heading to Galey Farms in Saanich.
The process to move a giant gnome from Nanoose Bay to Saanich is taking place one piece at a time Thursday.
Crews arrived at the Chevron Gas station in Nanoose Bay, removing sections of the 7.91-metre tall statue in preparation for its move south to Galey Farms.
It’s moving day for iconic Howard the Gnome. He’ll be travelling from #Nanoose Bay to #Saanich today @CHEK_News pic.twitter.com/Q3PucV1qP6
— Kendall Hanson (@Kendall_Hanson) May 9, 2019
Off with his head. Howard the Gnome in #Nanoose Bay has been beheaded #movingday Full story tonight on @CHEK_News by @AprilCHEK pic.twitter.com/dPmFaa4dGo
— Kendall Hanson (@Kendall_Hanson) May 9, 2019
Ron Hale built the gnome in 1998 for his family’s amusement park called Gnome Man’s Land, which was recorded as the world’s largest garden gnome by the Guinness Book of World Records.
It stayed on the property when the family tore the amusement park down and built a gas station, which eventually was sold to new ownership.
The current owner said in early March that they would tear Howard down as he was in disrepair unless he could find a new home.
After numerous expressions of interest came to Hale for a new home for Howard, the family announced the gnome would be going to Galey Farms, located at 4150 Blenkinsop Road.
READ MORE: Gnome place like home: World’s tallest gnome heading to Galey Farms in Saanich
Rob Galey, owner of Galey Farms, hopes to have it up by the fall. There are plans to make Howard wave at visitors as they come to the farm.
CHEK News
