Voters choose wing for silo mural

Red Wing Shoe has made a big impact on the area. And it’s about to get bigger.

Already home to the world’s largest boot, Red Wing soon will have another giant symbol representing the city drawn from the company.

The Red Wing Shoe logo was chosen by popular vote to be the wing painted on the silos near Levee Park. The mural will be visible to those on the river, driving from Wisconsin, flying from the Red Wing airport and more.

Out of the total of 1,607 votes for a favorite wing, the Red Wing Shoe logo came in first over two other designs with 46 percent, or 774 votes. Red Wing Pottery’s wing came in second with 571 votes, 34 percent of the vote, and Red Wing Construction’s wing took third place with 262 votes, or 16 percent.

Red Wing in Bloom received $9,000 in funding from the Red Wing Area Fund and other help to complete the project.

The muralist is Kyle Holdridge of Minneapolis, who has done other work including Target Field’s Kirby Puckett mural.

Work is expected to start in early June, organizers said.

RWIB members chose the top three wings from an array of others that are used by groups, businesses and organizations throughout the city. They decided to let the community take it from there.

The public had a chance to vote for their favorite wing on the Republican Eagle’s website for two weeks, ending last Wednesday.

The group had tried to get funding during the city’s Idea Slam, but wasn’t among the top projects chosen. But members were able to find money from other sources.

Red Wing in Bloom works to beautify the town and promote and enhance the community, members said.

Organizers hope the wing painting is only the first piece of a more expansive mural project.

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