A Sasquatch statue outside the separate retailer Higher Love, located in Menominee, is at the center of controversy. The exhibit became a talking point at the city planning commission’s meeting this month, where certain community members argued that the faux beast could attract the attention of youth—with one resident advising the panel to “think about what mascots they see in our community and how they are impacting children.”
Karianne Lesperance, executive director of the Healthy Youth Coalition, also sent a letter to the commission that some students have “expressed concern about how these efforts may be normalizing use or influencing young people.”
Joni Moore, president of Higher Love, shared a different perspective.
“I would be in opposition to that,” she told The Eagle Herald. “This is not a cartoon character. Our Sasquatch that’s in front of the store is a little bit scary, so I don’t see how that’s targeting children at all.”
“Everybody loves Sasquatch,” she said. “And people in especially forested areas seem to identify with Sasquatch. He is an adventurous character and it’s really just Higher Love trying to have some fun.”
“Every time I go to a public meeting, there’s always a hater in the audience who just doesn’t like cannabis. That’s fine. People are entitled to their opinions. It just brings a little whimsy to a community and I think it’s all positive. I don’t see any problems at all.”
Michael Scholle, the code and zoning officer in Menominee, said he spoke with City Attorney Michael Celello and was advised that the Bigfoot statue doesn’t violate local laws on signage.
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