Wahpper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wahpper |
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Wahpper in 2017
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| Artist | Dave Oswald |
| Year | 1997 |
| Subject | channel catfish |
| Dimensions | 40 feet (12 m) long x 12 feet (3.7 m) high |
| Weight | 50,000 pounds (23,000 kg) |
"Wahpper" is a 40-foot long fiberglass catfish located at the Kidder Recreation Area in Wahpeton, North Dakota.
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Meet Wahpper: A Giant Catfish!
Wahpper is a huge catfish statue in Wahpeton, North Dakota. You can find this giant fish at the north end of town. It sits right by the Red River in the Kidder Dam Recreation Area. This amazing sculpture is 40 feet long and 12 feet tall. That's like a four-story building! It weighs more than 5,000 pounds.
Why a Giant Catfish?
The people of Wahpeton wanted a fun way to show off their town. They also wanted to highlight the great fishing in the Red River. Many people come from different states to fish for channel catfish here. So, a giant catfish statue seemed like a perfect idea!
Local groups and businesses helped raise $12,000 to build Wahpper. The statue was put in place on August 3, 1997. To celebrate, they even served catfish to everyone who came to the opening party!
Who Built Wahpper?
The artist who created Wahpper is Dave Oswald. He is famous for making other large fiberglass sculptures. Some of his other big works include Salem Sue, a giant cow in New Salem, North Dakota. He also made a huge 143-foot-long muskie fish statue. You can see that one at the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward, Wisconsin.
Is Wahpper the Biggest?
Wahpper is known as the world's largest sculpture of a catfish. However, there is an even bigger catfish statue in Dunnville, Ontario, Canada. That one is 50 feet long and 27 feet high! Still, Wahpper is a super impressive sight.
What's in a Name?
The name "Wahpper" is a fun mix of two words. It comes from "whopper," which means something very big. It also includes "Wahpeton," the name of the town. So, "Wahpper" means a "big fish from Wahpeton"!
When the Red River floods in the spring, Wahpper gets surrounded by water. It looks like the giant fish is actually swimming! It's a cool sight to see.
