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Show Feature SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 1 1, 2000 V'Bg 1 Sm J roarina w By Barbara Pyles Rachel and Gordon Vickers have brought bears to Kanab. The adorable critters hang out in the familys front yard, doing their own thing. So, stop by Rachels Critters at 265 North 300 West (North Hwy. 89) and see how friendly and lovable her bears can be. You can even adopt one of these charming critters and bring it home the same day. These delightful bears, from Bitterroot Valley, weigh between seven and 200 pounds. They are more inclined to look lovable than to give bear hugs. Its creativity with a chainsaw! Many people find it hard to believe that a chainsaw, with a reputation for hacking, can create realistic bear carvings. The Vickers of Ogden, formerly of Hamilton, Montana, moved their business to Kanab, with exclusive rights to sell Montana Products on September 9. Our beautifully detailed bears come in a variety of sizes and shapes. No two are exactly alike, says Rachel. Rachels critters make great a product that is worth the conversation pieces! One or more money that they are paying. of her critters can add warmth According to Rachel, the bears home. to and character go through a seven-steprocess. your They can be displayed indoors The process starts with green tall cottonwood trees that have, or outdoors. A three-foo- t chainsaw bear is perfect for hold-in- g mostly, fallen into river bottoms. Due to the size and characterflags, flowers or signs. Rachels bears can proudly spot- istics of the chosen tree, the artlight your lawn, porch, patio or ist figures out the puzzle. (The garden, plus they make ideal body of the bear and hair lines echo gifts. The critters do not have to are done with a be ordered. Theyre sold right on chainsaw). Next the wood is soaked in linseed oil, then dried site. The pieces created by artist out. Now the wood is ready for the Gary Thayer of Corvallis, Montana, owner of Montana Prod- talented detail artists who give ucts, have names such as Kinki each bear their facial expresBear, Lazy, Goofy, Kiss my At- sions. Using Dremel tools, the titude, Fishing Bear and Bear in artist skillfully carves out the Stump. The Lazy Bear was fea- ears and nose, then he drills tured on TVs QVC shopping holes for the eyes. network four years ago. They After the bear's are burned sold 237 Lazy Bears irilessthan with a blow torch for color, they two minutes. send them to the clean up detail. few Now a there the little critters are ready are good Although for on market the the products today spray shop where they Moncover them with five coats of that are originals, we at tana Products take pride in the marine spar varnish to protect uniqueness of each piece, says the wood from getting worn. The Thayer. I believe in giving the last step is to pop the marble customer 100 satisfaction and eyes into the bear. It has taken between seven and 10 days to create each bear. There are many chainsaw artists out there, but none can p 14-in- ch Gary Thayer, artist and owner of Montana Products, and Rachel Vickers, proprieter of Rachels Critters. Photo by Barbara Pyles. compare with our bears. I say the highway before they got a this not with a haughty chance to hibernate. Later, he proudness, but because I am very met Gordon and Rachel in proud of our product, says Hamilton, Montana and ap- Rachel. proached them about selling his comes a bear birth with product. They thought it was a Every certificate and feeding and care bear of an idea. instructions. According to Gordon and Rachel started Thayer, his bears are in every selling bears on November 10, state in the United States and 1998 from an empty lot in Ogden, UT. Within five minutes, they many comers of the world. Thayer first introduced the sold their first bear. They also business about five years ago. sold bears in the Salt Lake area, He sold 22 bears out of the back (Sandy and Murray) and then in of his pickup truck on the side of Logan Canyon, Bear Lake and from a customized Wells Cargo trailer. We Why settle in Kanab? belieye this would be a good lo- Save with South Central's cation, because tourist pass through the area the entire year and not just in the summer months, says Rachel. Long Dastaoce Attention all you bear enthusiasts! plus Local Customer ' Competitive Rates I Reliable Quality 1-- .Capital Credits I Only One Bill Its an Investment in the area to improve your local service! Around November 15, the Vickers will pack up their bears and take them to their Christmas location. So if you want to adopt one of these unique bears, you should hurry. Their Christmas location is in Sunset, Utah, off at the 338 exit. When they return, Rachel will sell her critters from their Kanab home, while Gordon works an undecided location. Each of these bears is unique and no two are exactly alike. They come a birth certificate, along with feeding and care instructions. with 15 w I m W1 mr Great buy in the Ranchos! $119,950 1941 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2 bath, on 34 acre. -- Call Merle today for more information. Want in town? $108,900 -- 1900 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2 bath. For more info better call Billie fast! Valley? Another great buy in Glendale! $84,500 -- 1300 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 1 bath. Call Kingsley today for more info! We've got lots of lots! Just for you! All over the county! Special needs! Just let us know! COLD WELL BANKER ADVANTAGE 435-644-26- 84 .Making Real Estate Real Easy. 01 907 An Equal Oppoiajnity Company CottMflBanfcarCorporiaon, EqudHouaaigOppariunfty of CcMaal Barter Raal EDM iCopoiallon. In Canada. 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