Charleston welcomes new Charlie to the community

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Story Published: May 4, 2009 at 8:29 AM PST

By Kristina Nelson, KCBY News

CHARLESTON, Ore. - After losing their beloved Charlie the Tuna statue last year to a group of merry pranksters, the Charleston community welcomes a new addition on Saturday.

A little rain and wind didn't stop folks from coming out to celebrate the unveiling of a brand new Charlie statue at the foot of the Charleston Bridge.

The new Charlie, which is also referred to as the grandson because it's the third Charlie to be resurrected in Charleston, was created by an artist in Loon Lake.

Charleston Merchants Association President Rusty Shield, says the blue tuna represents the people and the spirit of the community.

"Originally Charleston was not Charleston, it was Charleytown. so Charlie, the only Charlie we know is Charlie the Tuna and he's known worldwide and why not keep up the legacy."

Shield says they've taken some extra measures to make sure this charlie stay puts.

"We've taken extra precautions, Charlie is attached to his cement pad now so he can't go spawning again. I think the ones that did this, matter of fact, i know, they've learned their lesson and it's been a lesson to everybody that you don't get away with pranks anymore like you used to.

And one thing that's different with this Charlie, he has arms that move.

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