Some call him the protector, others call him the guardian or the tree spirit. Whatever its name, the branch ad hanging on a wire is a landmark that greets visitors to Osoyoos with its creepy presence.
Megan Bell calls him the Vineyard Monster. She loves the wine creature so much that she created a kids’ t-shirt dedicated to the iconic Osoyoos statue. The t-shirt is part of the launch of their new Lake + Wild clothing line.
“I moved to the Okanagan from Vancouver three years ago and just love it,” said Bell. “My clothes are about celebrating beautiful BC. I have few designs for on the go since I didn’t start until December 4th, but I hope I can expand over time.”
“Honestly, I see this guy go to work every day and I thought he had to wear a kid’s shirt! I have a one year old and thought it was great to get him a shirt with the ‘vineyard monster’ on it. “
The vineyard monster has been hanging off Highway 97 (from Oliver and Penticton) for more than 25 years. He stands high above vineyards with Lake Osoyoos behind him. There’s been a debate recently about whether anyone saw him. But the eyes may have been there all along.
There was a big debate recently on an Osoyoos Facebook page about what to call the wine / branch man. It’s definitely a popular landmark for locals. Of the more than 100 suggestions for the name, no consensus was reached. Some say the Guardian, others say the Phantom of the Vineyard, Monster, Bud the Cable Guy, Treesus, and more.
Bell was inspired by the Vineyard Monster for her new store Lake + Wild – an online clothing store.
“One thing I knew for sure, though, was that I wanted to create something of my own that would represent this beautiful place we live in,” Bell said of her clothing theme.
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Bell had been planning the Vineyard Monster t-shirt for months and then suddenly there was this social media buzz about him lately.
“I had a certain interest in adult sizes for the t-shirt. That is certainly out of the question. “
“I grew up with the Okanagan and I love those long, hot summer days, the beautiful lakes and the carefree attitude. When we looked at places to move to, the Okanagan was an easy choice,” Bell said of her newly remodeled website .
“We lived here for a few years before we officially settled in Osoyoos and decided to start our family. One thing that was important to me was raising my child in a place that had a sense of community and I can confidently say that Osoyoos has a strong, supportive community.
Megan Bell has launched her new clothing line Lake + Wild – an ode to beautiful BC and its city of Osoyoos. A t-shirt is from the famous vineyard monster hanging on wires on the way to Osoyoos. (Submitted)
“After I had my son, it went great and then COVID struck. So I spent a lot of time at home and isolated myself during my mat vacation. That’s when I came up with the idea of Lake + Wild, ”she explained.
She has made masks, word socks, hoodies, and crew neck sweaters with a love of BC theme
People can shop at Lakeandwild.com or find her on Facebook or Instagram @lakeandwild.
This is the protector, tree spirit or guardian of the vines who greets visitors to Osoyoos just off Highway 97. A mother from Osoyoos created a clothing line with a t-shirt to celebrate this popular landmark. (Facebook photo)
monique.Tamminga@pentictonwesternnews.com
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