Signs of the Times - Christ of the Ozarks, Kerusso Activewear and Coke
July 2002
Postcards from Eureka Springs: Christ of the Ozarks, Kerusso Activewear and Coke
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"The seven-story * Christ of the Ozarks Statue continues to be one of the most visited attractions in the Ozarks. Standing 67 feet high, the statue overlooks the picturesque Victorian village of Eureka Springs [Arkansas]. Ample free parking is available for cars, motor coaches and buses.

This majestic statue, completed and dedicated in 1966, was sculpted by the late Emmett Sullivan, who was one of the sculptors of Mount Rushmore. It is open to the public 24 hours a day each day of the year without charge."

Note: There are many stories about why Christ of the Ozarks statue has no feet. Here is Risa Mire's account taken from Roadside America:

I work and live in Branson, Missouri (close to Eureka Springs) and I heard the following information which may or may not be true about the Christ of the Ozarks Statue.
You will note that the Christ of the Ozarks statue has no feet. In the original plans the statue was drawn with feet. But upon construction it was decided to leave the feet off. Why, you ask? Well, apparently, because the statue was to be built on a hill, if the feet were left on...the height of the statue would exceed the aircraft warning limits and Jesus would have had to have a little red light on the top of his head.

Apparently, aesthetically, they opted to lose the feet rather than have poor JC suffer the indignity of going through eternity sporting a red blinking beanie. [Risa Mire, 08/12/2000]

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To and from Christ of the Ozarks, you can stop by the factory outlet for Christian T-Shirts and Kerusso Activewear "to proclaim the good news."

Below is a sampling of what we found in the shop.

"In response to the 9th Circuit Court declaring the Pledge of Allegiance as unconstitutional, Kerusso has proudly released this design entitled "I PLEDGE"."

Compare the commercial trappings of Christianwear above with the Christmas trappings of Coca Cola from Mazatlan below. Who do you think comes off better? Kerusso or Coke?

Please send your thoughts to george@loper.org where the most representative comments will be placed on my web site with full attribution.

Comments? Questions? Write me at george@loper.org.