Nearly three years in the making, the World’s Largest Bowie Knife sculpture was lifted into place Monday morning, and will be formally unveiled to the public at noon on Thursday.

Standing 20-feet-by-6-inches, the uniquely shaped stainless steel Bowie Knife blade stands erect at a slight angle in its three-foot high base located at Pelham Park. The hilt is brass with a handle of wood.

Around the base will be granite tiles and plaques honoring those who donated to the project, which was completely funded by private donations in a project coordinated by the Bowie Chamber of Commerce.

Bowie Knife Committee Chairmen Van Baize and Bryan Brown were ecstatic to watch the project they have worried and sweated over during the last three years come to life.

As they watched the knife placed in its base, Baize turned to Brown and said “we did it,” with big smiles and a hearty hug. Brown said it was a moment of great joy.

“The look on everyone’s face, the cars stopped on the side of the road, the kids watching in awe at the size of this huge knife. We did it, but it wasn’t easy, but great things rarely are. Moving forward we believe this is just the beginning,” said Brown.

It is the hope the Bowie Knife will be a tourist draw as it is developed and promoted by the Bowie Chamber of Commerce. During the installation Monday, President Jim Gilbow counted more than 20 vehicles that stopped at the curbside to take a photo.

The public is invited to attend an unveiling at noon on April 7. Brown said a formal dedication will be planned for later in June. Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.