Rondeau is now home to a new unique wood carving.
World champion wood carver Mike Winia of Bothwell unveiled a carving that shows two giant turtles sitting in a canoe at Rondeau Joe's at the entrance to Rondeau Provincial Park on Thursday afternoon.
Winia said the turtle theme was a good fit for the area.
"Rondeau is known for their map turtles and snapping turtles. So, we incorporated that into a fun sculpture where people can interact with them and take pictures," said Winia.
Snapping turtles represent healing, wisdom, spirituality, health, safety, longevity, protection, and fertility in many cultures and Winia hopes the carving lifts public spirit and inspires hope.
"What we're doing is for communities and better living and inspiration and all of that kind of stuff, which a lot of us need nowadays with the way the world is going and the struggles that each and everyone of us actually deals with. It's just nice to see something that gives you a warm feeling," he said.
Winia also said he's working on future carving projects, adding the next wood carving is a 40 foot sculpture for Wallaceburg and one for Ridgetown, both to be unveiled at the end of June.
He said the plan is still to unveil unique wood carvings across the municipality, including a giant world-class wood carving monument on Highway 401 next year.
Winia noted he and other carvers from across Canada and the U.S. will be at Timberfest in Bothwell on June 5-8, 2025 with an auction on Sunday beginning at 1 p.m.
Winia added he will be live carving a wood sculpture at the Thamesville Threshing Festival next month as well to commemorate the festival's 50th anniversary.