September Memory Café: the carved trolls of Thomas Dambo
Benny the Beard Fisher sitting along the Manistique River in Germfask, Michigan. Benny measures about 30 feet long and 14 feet tall. Photo credit: Upper Peninsula Travel and Recreation Association.
submitted by Della Smith, Bethel Church
This month’s Bethel Church UCC Memory Café event at the Manchester Senior Center will be Wednesday, September 23 at 1pm and will feature Pat Vailliencourt describing her many trips to see the carved trolls of Thomas Dambo, a Danish sculpture artist.
Vailliencourt talked about the trolls:
Thomas Dambo is a Danish sculpture artist that grew up exposed to troll legends.
Early in the 2010s, Dambo started his “Trail of a Thousand Trolls” project, with a goal to build a thousand trolls from recycled materials all over the world.Today he has built about 200.
After approval and the design is created, the heads and feet are created in Denmark and shipped to the location.Dambo will bring his crew of about 11 to oversee the creation but depends upon local volunteers to actually build their troll. Utilizing downed trees, plastic and other recyclable material, the 25-30 feet “creature” is created.
About 4 years ago my dear friend in the UP took me and some friends to see “Benny the Beard Fisher”.We were hooked.Now each year our group of 5 gals plan a troll hunting trip.So far, I have seen about 20 in 8 states and 1 in Denmark. Each troll is named and has a story to tell about protecting mother earth and being kind to each other. It is hard to imagine the size and scope of these amazing trolls until you have actually stood beside one or sat on one of the toes.
Some are out in the open, some are hidden in the woods and you must follow the clues to find them.All are amazing. I am excited to share my troll stories at the Memory Café.
This event is open to all Manchester seniors and residents, and there is no cost to attend. Coffee and refreshments will be provided. Bring a friend — the more the merrier. Come reminisce, learn something new, and enjoy an afternoon celebrating how creativity can enrich your life. We’d love to see you there!
The Manchester Senior Center is located at 912 City Rd. Questions about the Senior Center? Call them at 734-212-3080.
Every fourth Wednesday of the month through October 2026, at 1 pm, Bethel Church UCC provides a Memory Café event at the center. For more information about the Memory Café, leave a message at the church office, 734-429-8530, or call the Hands for Local Missions lead, Betty Harper, at 734-218-2988.
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