Happy Rock, Roadside attraction in Gladstone, Canada.
Happy Rock is an oversized artistic figure on Highway 16 in Gladstone that shows a person enjoying water and leisure. The colorful sculpture with a raised hand appears designed to welcome travelers passing through the region.
The monument originated from a design contest held by the Chamber of Commerce in 1984 to represent the town's spirit. Its completion in 1993 marked the result of local initiatives aimed at developing tourism in Gladstone.
The name references the rock formations in the area that held meaning for the community. Today, visitors can see how the figure has become a symbol that locals and travelers identify with the town's identity.
The sculpture sits on the northeast side of Highway 16 and is easy to spot from the road while traveling. Visitors can pull over to stop, walk around the figure, and check out the visitor information area nearby.
The figure appeared on a Canadian commemorative stamp in 2010, highlighting its significance as a national tourist attraction. This honor demonstrates how a local project can become recognized across an entire country.
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