The iconic statue of Big Rock Brewery founder Ed McNally was stolen at the Big Rock Eddies, an awards ceremony for beer advertising, in early June.
Peter Fowler, a described “big fan” of Big Rock beer, came forward recently to admit that he and a friend stole the 2.4 metre, 23 kilogram statue from outside the Epcor Centre for the Performing Arts three weeks ago.
The brewery said they wanted to hear from the thief, promising not to lay charges if the statue was returned. After hiding Eddie in his garage, Fowler contacted the brewery to say he wanted to return the statue. No charges were laid.
Big Rock said the statue is “virtually priceless and irreplaceable” since the Calgary company that made the statue is no longer operating.
Fowler received a quantity of Big Rock Gopher lager for returning the statue in one piece.
Surveillance camera images from the night of the event show two men carrying the statue away. The statue, made from industrial-grade Styrofoam, is one of two made for the company for its events.
