As you stroll through German Village, be sure to check out the Polar Club at 877 South Third Street!
Brad Henry & Phillip Lerche
Brad Henry & Phillip Lerche
The idea for the Polar Club started a few years ago as a development project of Squirrel Village World Headquarters, a destination that appears on Google Maps. It began as a small fairy garden operation, but thanks to the inspiration of Kauffman Development Group, plans were extended, and operations were drafted that include seasonal changes. The facilities are updated and adapted to reflect each season.
http://subeesews.blogspot.com/2011/03/my-tame-tailless-squirrel-stubbie.html
When COVID hit, everyone but the squirrels started working remotely and a decision was made to expand the plans and get a little more elaborate. In 2020, the Grinch made a brief appearance around the holidays, but true to heart he packed up his sled and moved to hills...I believe he is now residing in Hocking Hills.
This gave us the idea to come up with something a little more creative and hip. We started drafting plans in late October. Nubbin, the local squirrel with no tail on Third Street was a big inspiration. Despite not having a tail, he is a hard core nut collector and enjoys his downtime with a cold frothy beer.
This gave us the idea to come up with something a little more creative and hip. We started drafting plans in late October. Nubbin, the local squirrel with no tail on Third Street was a big inspiration. Despite not having a tail, he is a hard core nut collector and enjoys his downtime with a cold frothy beer.
We started by evaluating a few supplies left over from Franklinton Pride, primarily a kiddie pool that was to be used to ice beer. This is where the idea came to employ penguins who would turn the pool into an ice-skating rink and open a disco that serves only local craft beers. We bought supplies and started the construction of the bar using LED lighting to create an outdoor club atmosphere.
The LED lighting. Fun for children too!
Land Grant, Wolf’s Ridge and North Parsons provided additional promotional materials. The bouncer is the polar bear in the tree who loves the cold and the penguins. She went on to create a real North Pole, South Pole connection.
A few weeks ago, we worked with a local food artisan to add a food truck. We began by converting a Christmas trailer into the Wild Planet Sardine’s Taco Truck. This has been a big hit with the penguins, and there is always a line. Feedback is that Wild Planet has the most stellar sardines.
As for what’s next, we've been in discussion with Michael McCoy from IHEARTRADIO to bring in Dave & Jimmy from WNCI for a morning show block party. We’re also talking with the Columbus Blue Jackets about adding ice hockey. A question was posed about a conflict with the penguins and the Blue Jackets. The Polar Club penguins are true Blue Jacket fans at heart. Negotiations are still underway so stay tuned.
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Brad, Phillip and neighbors enjoying the Polar Club!
CONNECT Polar Club Issue XIV
