The Statue of Oscar is a significant addition to Chester, Illinois, which is already home to a collection of granite statues featuring Popeye characters created by Elzie C. Segar. Since 2006, the city has been erecting new character statues each year to commemorate the comic strip series, with the Oscar Statue expected to be completed in 2022 and standing at Cole Street.

As you walk through Chester, a small town nestled along the Mississippi River, you cant help but notice the bronze statue of Popeye the Sailor Man in Elzie C. Segar Memorial Park. This park is not only the home to this iconic character, but it also houses the ongoing project known as the Popeye and Friends Character Trail. The goal of this project is to place granite statues representing Segars characters throughout the city, with the first granite statue, SweePea, unveiled in 2018.

The Statue of Oscar will join this impressive collection of character statues, adding yet another layer of nostalgia and charm to Chester. As you stand before these larger-than-life representations of beloved comic characters, you can almost hear the laughter and excitement that filled the streets when these stories first appeared in print.

With each new addition to this unique collection, the spirit of Elzie C. Segar lives on, inspiring both children and adults alike with his timeless tales of adventure, friendship, and courage. So whether youre a fan of Popeye or simply looking for an interesting destination to explore, Chester, Illinois, is sure to delight with its rich history and commitment to preserving the legacy of one of Americas most beloved comic artists.