World's Largest Catsup Bottle gets visit from giant Santa Claus!

December 1, 2000

Worlds Largest Santa Comes To The Worlds Largest Catsup Bottle!

   Theres some really BIG news coming out of Collinsville, Illinois! The Worlds Largest Catsup Bottle will soon be visited by the worlds largest Santa Claus -- and the jolly ole elf will literally be hanging around through the holidays!
   This giant Santa Claus will be sixteen feet tall and weigh-in at 400 pounds. Hell be made of steel, wrapped in garland and lights, and perched nearly 100 feet high as if climbing the leg of the landmark water tower.
   This is just another fun way to share the Catsup Bottle with the world!" said Judy DeMoisy, a spokesperson for the International Catsup Bottle Fan Club.
   DeMoisy said the idea of decorating the water tower for the holiday season was hatched a couple of years ago but only recently did everything start to snowball. Theres been great community response. Many people have been really enthusiastic about everything," she said.
J.C. and the Breakfast Club from KLOU radio in St. Louis did a live radio show broadcast. Home Furniture and Action Charter & Tour have donated funds, and none of it would have been possible without the financial support of Bob Herr and Herr Funeral Homes.
Thanks to teacher, Steve Roustio, over $1200 was raised from Collinsville High School students wishing to help out and be a part of the fun. Ken Coonley of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers said as a community service project the IBEW Local 309 will pay for the electrical work that needed to be done for the project.
Rod Reineck from Diversified Coatings will attach Santa," DeMoisy said, and Catsup Bottle owner Larry Eckert has been wonderfully cooperative to let us do this!"
This Santa is originating in Iowa (sorry, not the North Pole), and is expected to arrive on December 8. Installation date is yet to be determined but will be as soon as possible.
The Worlds Largest Catsup Bottle is a 170 foot high water tower built in 1949 and restored in 1995. It is world renown as an excellent example of 20th century roadside Americana and regularly garners national attention for Collinsville. For the complete history and the restoration story log on to www.catsupbottle.com. For more information please contact Judy at 618-345-5598.

CONTACT: Judy The Catsup Bottle Lady" DeMoisy
PO Box 1108 Collinsville, Illinois 62234-9108
phone: (618) 345-5598
fax: (618) 345-5699
LadyCatsup@catsupbottle.com
www.catsupbottle.com

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