It has been very interesting to hear some people’s reaction to the somewhat notorious “chicken racing” sign on Highway 16.
The mayor called about doing a story on the sign to help people understand where it came from and what the intention was behind it.
Apparently he was tired of having to deal with the phone calls complaining about it from local residents.
It got me to thinking, now why would people have a problem with the sign? What possible reason would people have to criticize a whimsical sign promoting their community?
Perhaps it is the large amount of bad press the small community has generated in the past two years.
So are people concerned the sign makes the community look like a bunch of chicken-racing fools?
This, on top of the negative stories in the provincial and national press are perhaps a bit much for people to take.
But why would a clearly funny sign make anyone think badly of Fort St. James?
The sign makes you wonder, creates curiosity and because it is different, I argue it sticks with you, planting a seed which may help to draw people up the road, which should be the goal.
I would argue the people who have a problem with the sign have a bigger problem than the sign — a much bigger problem. They take themselves far too seriously.
Lacking a sense of humour is no laughing matter.
In all fairness, having a chip on your shoulder about the place you live does in no way make it more appealing to people, instead enjoy where you live and have a bit of a chuckle about some of its little idiosyncrasies.
If you appreciate the great place you live, why be defensive about it and why get your beak out of joint over a little chicken race?
Perhaps those concerned about it should head on over to the historic site in July this year and get in on the chicken racing action, it’s a lot more fun than you might think.
Then when you drive by the sign in the future, instead of clucking in disapproval, perhaps you’ll have a good laugh, which really is the best medicine after all.
