A life-size bronze statue of cartoon character “Archie Andrews,” seated on a park bench, will be unveiled and dedicated to Meredith artist and resident, the late Bob Montana, on Thursday at noon in Community Park on Main Street.
The sculpture recognizes Montana for his exemplary citizenship and his many contributions to the life of the town. Montana lived in Meredith for 35 years before his untimely death in 1975 at age 54. He is known worldwide, says his daughter Lynn who still resides in Meredith “as the creator of the Archie characters.” He loved Meredith and used many scenes from the area, as well as town residents in his comic strips.
The statue was created by Valery Mahuchy of Sugar Hill, who will be present for the dedication. The statue was commissioned by the Greater Meredith Program and supported by area citizens as well as local and distant businesses and organizations. Major donors to the project are the Montana family, Meredith Village Savings Bank, Archie Comic Publications, Rusty McClear, Mill Falls, and Bob Lawton, owner and founder of the Funspot.
Visitors to the park will be able to sit next to Archie for photos; young children can sit on his lap.
Greater Meredith Program (GMP) is a nonprofit community development organization seeking to enhance economic vitality, historical and cultural heritage, and town-wide beautification. For more information about GMP or volunteer opportunities find us at greatermeredithprogram.com, on Facebook, gmp@greatermeredithprogram.com or 279-9015.