Bradford eyes $120k price tag for ‘world’s largest carrot’ installation

Holland Marsh Growers Association reveals a model of the proposed carrot statue to honour agriculture in Bradford, Ont. The projects was pitched to council on June 17, 2025. (Supplied)

Bradford is hoping to root itself in years of history, quite literally, with a towering 40-foot carrot.

Unveiled during a June 17 council meeting, a model of the proposed statue was presented as part of celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the Holland Marsh. If approved, the massive metal carrot could nearly double the height of the current world record-holder in Ohakune, New Zealand.

“This has been a dream for decades,” said Jody Mott, executive director of the Holland Marsh Growers’ Association, who presented the plan with longtime farmer and friend Ferguson Mobbs.

The proposed carrot would be handcrafted by Alex and Nathan Merango, a father-son duo of farmers and metalworkers who have worked in the marsh for decades.

Alex, 73, has been hoping to see this vision come to life for nearly half a century.

“For over 16 years, Alex has always said, ‘Jody, Jody, please. Let’s do this carrot,’” Mott said. “We’ve applied, tried to get the funding for the past 50 years. It’s been a dream. For the past 20 years, it’s been a dream of Ferguson’s. I would love to have this, because again, we are the soup and salad bowl of Canada and Ontario. One-point-six kilograms of carrots per Canadian come out of that Marsh.”

The marsh is one of the most fertile and vital agriculture areas in the country.

Designed to be a bold statement, the piece would be installed on a stretch of Holland Street West. It could rally people into the downtown core, something Mott said is even more important with the future bypass on the horizon.

Constructed from metal, the carrot will feature copper elements that could oxidize and turn green over time, adding a weathered character to the root vegetable.

The price tag? Around $100,000 to $120,000, but Mott said there are plans in the works to seek private donations. “I’m going to approach private funders myself. Ferguson’s going to keep me in line and keep me grounded,” Mott said.

Council responded with some questions about the long-term care and footings.

“My only concern is obviously the cost and maintenance,” councillor Joseph Giordano noted. “If it’s third-party funded, I’m okay with that, but we need a plan for asset management, inspections, and upkeep.”

Adding a few extra concerns, “Number one is the structural integrity obviously is important. The footings and foundations and whatnot... that has to be fully engineered, which you’ve given us assurance that you’re going to be working through, which is paramount for this to take place.”

Admiring the ambitious idea Giordano said, “I love the idea of the copper on the top. So, as it as it starts to age it gives it that green look. The steel from my engineering side of the things - we’re usually not allowed to let things rust or pit.”

Councillor Jonathan Scott chimed in, noting the artistic legacy potential of the massive metal vegetable. “I am a huge supporter of adding more public art to this town. We’ve had our murals, we have that beautiful sculpture through Summerlyn, and I think this is fantastic, subject to all the fundraising and the requirements that you’ve spoken to.”

“This is a tourist attraction piece too. It’s going to be great for our community, and I’m excited about it myself,” said Bradford Mayor James Leduc, echoing Scott’s sentiments. “I know there’s lots of people that are excited about this, so congratulations.”

Ultimately, council was in favor of the monumental project, asking the committee to return with a detailed plan.

Mayor James Leduc embraced the concept with humor, “We can plant it now and start to have it. We’ll pull the tarp off it on in October when it’s grown.”