Garfield Comic Strip Inspires Regional Tourism Attraction in Indiana

Visitors from around the nation visit Grant County, Indiana in search of the Garfield statues scattered throughout the region. This unique attraction is a scavenger hunt of sorts, which includes stops in nine northeast Indiana communities. An audio tour and trail map created by the Grant County Visitors Bureau guide visitors from one town to the next to find festive statues of Garfield the Cat

The Garfield Trail is collaboration among the towns of Fairmount, Jonesboro, Gas City, Marion, Matthews, Sweetser, Swayzee and Van Buren. The project was initiated in honor of the Garfield cartoon creator, Jim Davis, who is an area native. Jim Davis grew up on a farm near Fairmount, Indiana. Davis created the Garfield character and founded Paws, Inc. in 1981. Today, Garfield is the most widely syndicated comic strip in the world. Over 200 million people in 63 countries read Garfield every day. Garfield the Cat is also the star of several books, movies, and a syndicated TV series.

Each brightly colored likeness of Garfield along the trail sports a different design representing the unique heritage and culture of the community in which it is located. The Garfield Trail has almost universal appeal. The Garfield Trail attracts visitors of all kinds to the area. Families with small children, tour groups, even motorcycle clubs enjoy searching for the statues. Each town included on the trail has interesting things to see and do. Visitors enjoy restaurants, shops and historic sites when they are in each town.

For more information about the Garfield Trail log on to fam.therealgc.com  or call the Grant County Visitors Bureau at 765-668-5435.  ¤

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