A Gigantic Baby Stuns Drivers Along the Loop 303!

A striking mural along Loop 303 in Goodyear, Arizona, has captured the attention of passersby. This colorful depiction of the ‘Big Baby’, standing over 20 feet tall and sporting striped overalls while clutching an orange tractor, has become a beloved landmark in the West Valley.

Duncan Family Farms, co-founded by Kathleen Duncan and her husband nearly 40 years ago, is the creative force behind this whimsical artwork. The Duncans pioneered organic farming long before it gained popularity, initially starting with small fields of conventional produce. Their vision expanded to include educational experiences for children, reflecting their background in child development education.

“We wanted kids to understand where their food comes from,” Kathleen explained. The farm eventually hosted around 30,000 students each season, with excursions including a petting zoo and educational tours led by a team of 14 guides.

Facing restrictions on traditional advertising, Duncan sought an inventive solution. Inspired by murals she had seen in Salinas, California, she collaborated with artist John Cerney to create a mural that would engage children as they approached the farm. The concept? A giant baby, inspired by the film ‘Honey! I Blew Up the Kid’, set against a playful farm backdrop.

The mural project drew in family involvement. Kathleen became part of the artwork herself, depicted with a frying pan, while the baby model, Jaymee Lawton, was selected for her charm and resemblance to the character described by Cerney. Today, at 27, Lawton holds fond memories of the mural, despite not remembering its creation. Her family shares stories of the baby, which served as a local identifier for years.

The mural’s journey was not without challenges. It was removed in the early 2000s due to construction and spent over a decade in storage. The strong public response revealed just how much the community cherished the artwork. “Where’s the Big Baby?” became a common question during its absence.

Finally, the Big Baby found a new home on property owned by the Duncans off the Loop 303, a triumphant return celebrated not just by the Duncans but by the local community as well. Lawton now shares this quirky legacy with her own children, recreating family memories through photos with the iconic tractor.

For Kathleen, the mural represents more than just a marketing tool; it’s a symbol of community connection and the importance of preserving farmland amidst urban development. As she puts it, “We’ve always valued being part of the community, and the baby embodies that spirit.”

This mural stands not only as an artsy landmark but also as a testament to the rich history and close-knit relationships fostered by Duncan Family Farms, underscoring the significance of agriculture in the community.