That’s one big fish

This is a projected view of what the fiberglass fisherman and fish duo will look like mounted outside Mad Dan's Restaurant, 200 E. Main St., Twin Lakes. (Submitted graphic)
This is a projected view of what the fiberglass fisherman and fish duo will look like mounted outside Mad Dan’s Restaurant, 200 E. Main St., Twin Lakes. (Submitted graphic)

Village OKs iconic statues for Twin Lakes restaurant

By Bethe Croy

Staff Writer

The Twin Lakes Village Board approved a request to allow a large fisherman and fish statue to be mounted on top of Mad Dan’s Restaurant during a special board meeting Monday evening.

The 14-foot-long fish and the 12-foot-tall fisherman fiberglass duo are a well-known icon to many people familiar with the former Fisherman’s Dude Ranch in Des Plaines, Ill, which opened in 1956 and closed down in 1997.

Ken Perl, owner of Mad Dan’s 200 E. Main Street, said he used to fish there when he was younger. He said many people in the Twin Lakes area are familiar with the Fisherman’s Dude Ranch.

“I think it will bring attraction to the town,” Perl said.

He said he believes it will be very well accepted in the village, and he is not expecting any conflicts.

An exchange between two Village trustees during the special board meeting proves the size and nature of the statues certainly spark a conversation.

“What kind of fish is that?” Trustee Tom Connolly asked.

“It’s one big ugly fish is what it is,” Trustee Barbara Andres responded.

Regardless of the various opinions on the statues, it is expected to attract attention and generate interest from potential visitors.

“I definitely think it could serve as a new landmark for the village,” Village Administrator Jennifer Frederick said.

The statues have a certain historical and iconic element that the community can appreciate, Frederick said.

“We always welcome new customers into our village,” she added.

The fisherman and the fish, weighing in at 350 pounds and 425 pounds, respectively, will be mounted on cemented steel pipes outside the restaurant to advertise its fish fry.

“We’re famous for our fish fry, so I think it’s going to help promote that,” Perl said.

He said the fisherman and fish are being touched up at the moment and should be mounted within a month.

Mad Dan’s Restaurant has been in the area for about 31 years, relocating from just off the lake to the current Main Street location about eight years ago.


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