Brandon Crow’s world is constantly changing.
However, unlike most of us, Brandon has the power to make his world whatever he wants it to be.
Brandon’s “world” is a 48 ft. long landscape of a farm and its rural setting including roads, utilities and even crops.
It’s been a labour of love for the 18-year-old Thamesville teen for the past eight years. For the past five, Mike Pishl of Dresden has joined him in the ongoing project.
Brandon said he has more than 600 pieces in the display that took up more than six tables at the 15th annual Chatham-Kent Toy Show at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre Sunday.
Although many of the pieces in the display (miniature farm implements and some buildings) have been purchased, others such as utility poles, grain elevators and even a crop of corn, are made by hand.
“It’s a combination,” he said. “We do what we can ourselves but we’ve added things we’ve bought.”
He said most people viewing the display are impressed with the detail, down to the road markings on the highway that runs along its front.
Organizer Carl Sterling said the show attracted 1,400 people, a significant increase from last year.
“People were very happy. We had more than 140 tables of exhibits from across Southwestern Ontario,” he said. “Vendors are already booking for next year.”
He praised staff at the centre, particularly Carol Summers. “We get great co-operation from Carol and it makes things so much easier.”
Local 4-H club members play a key roll in helping set up and take down exhibits. “Our vendors receive first-class treatment and they appreciate it.”
Proceeds from the show are divided between the 4H program and Outreach for Hunger. Sterling said the amount of the donation should be known within the next few weeks.
