‘Unique’ attraction
Giant troll sculptures coming to Warren County in 2027
Previous trolls created by Thomas Dambo are pictured.
Previous trolls created by Thomas Dambo are pictured.
Photos submitted to the Times Observer Thomas Dambo in his barn with various projects
Previous trolls created by Thomas Dambo are pictured.
Previous trolls created by Thomas Dambo are pictured.
Photos submitted to the Times Observer Thomas Dambo in his barn with various projects
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Two giant troll sculptures created by internationally recognized Danish environmental artist Thomas Dambo are coming to Warren County in fall 2027, members of the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry (WCCBI) announced.
The sculptures will be part of a larger six-troll regional installation designed to create a connected tourism experience and encourage visitors to explore communities throughout the region.
The Warren County project is being managed by WCCBI, in partnership with private investors and community organizations.
Dambo is known for creating massive sculptures from reclaimed and recycled materials, often using discarded wood and other locally sourced materials. His larger-than-life trolls combine art, storytelling and environmental awareness and have become tourism attractions in communities around the world.
WCCBI President and CEO Antoinetta Lindell said the project is intended to attract visitors from outside the county while encouraging them to spend time at local restaurants, hotels, retailers, recreational attractions and other businesses.
"We are working as a region to create a unique tourism attraction that people will travel to see," Lindell said in a news release. "Our goal is to bring those visitors here, encourage them to stay longer and introduce them to everything our communities have to offer."
The project is expected to generate new visitor spending and provide additional opportunities for destination marketing, media attention and social media exposure for Warren County.
The Warren County installations are being funded through private investment and philanthropic contributions.
WCCBI credited Whirley-DrinkWorks!, the Richard T. Betts Family Foundation and the Defrees Family Memorial Fund with providing early financial support that helped move the project forward.
"Their support gave us the ability to move from an idea to a project that will create a lasting tourism asset for Warren County," said Jenny Phillips, marketing director for Warren Worx and WCCBI.
A public fundraising opportunity also is planned, giving individuals, families, businesses and organizations the chance to contribute to the project.
Donations will be voluntary and will help support the trolls and their 10-year installation. WCCBI said recognition opportunities for contributors will be announced later.
"This is a tremendous example of private investment in Warren County's future," Lindell said. "We are grateful to those who are making this project possible and excited to allow the broader community to be part of something that will be here for at least the next 10 years."
The two Warren County trolls are scheduled to be installed in late 2027 as part of the six-troll regional project.
Additional details about the sculptures, their locations and the public donation campaign are expected to be announced in the coming months.