A new family of “Alley-Gators” has taken up residence in the alleys and sidewalks of downtown Hattiesburg, waiting to be discovered by tourists and locals as part of an ongoing scavenger hunt in the area.
The Alley-Gator Family is made up of 10 alligator sculptures placed throughout downtown, the idea of which was brought to Hattiesburg by Lisa S. Conn and her husband Richard. The couple was motivated while they were living in Greenville, South Carolina, by the “Mice on Main” event, which was a scavenger hunt based around seven bronze mice hidden throughout that city’s downtown.
“The mice were much smaller than what has been created here, but it was a hide-and-seek that lended itself to people discovering the downtown, because they’re looking for those mice,” said Lisa, who serves as marketing consultant for the Hattiesburg Convention Commission, which runs the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum and Alley. “So when Richard and I moved back to Hattiesburg full-time in 2019, we were just brainstorming what we could do that was fun while we were in Greenville.
“We thought it was a cool concept – it seems so simple, but yet it invigorated people discovering for the first time – or rediscovering – the downtown area who hadn’t been there in many years. Their downtown went through a revitalization much like ours has done over the years, and the ‘Mice on Main’ scavenger hunt was a part of that, so we wanted to create something that would be fun for the entire family.”
The bronze alligator sculptures were created by local sculptor Erik Eaves, who bought his first welding machine in his twenties and taught himself to weld. Each sculpture measures from eight inches to a foot in height and length.
The figures are part of the “Very Special Gator Hunt,” designed to lead scavenger hunters throughout downtown Hattiesburg.
The figures and hints to their hiding places are as follows:
- Alex can be found in the alley next to where concerts take place;
- Dad Andrew can be found behind Hattiesburg City Hall;
- Ann the Annihilator can be found next to a bank which offers easy fees;
- Mamma Asterid can be found near Blooms;
- Archie the Achiever is quick on the move looking for books to test his mind;
- Albi the Albino Gator can be found at Twin Forks Wine & Provisions;
- Uncle Ab can be found perfecting his poses while listening to music at The Jook;
- Baby Amaryllis can be found waiting at the Lucky Rabbit;
- Chef Alfredo can be found near a local restaurant with his chickens prepped; and
- Cousin Ace is an artis whose lunch breaks are spent at the city’s landmark food joint.
“It’s for grandparents, grandchildren, adults alike – it’s not geared just toward children,” Lisa said. “It’s about getting people out and walking our downtown.
“There are so many retail stores that have come online in the downtown area, so many restaurants, and the Saenger Theater has shows constantly – October is one of the busiest months, so it was a good time to roll it out.
“There’s so many great things – the Farmer’s Market, Live at Five – going on in downtown that we wanted people to rediscover. Maybe people that live in west Hattiesburg or Sumrall, we want them to come back and experience downtown, because to us, downtown is really the lifeblood of a community.”
The “Alley-Gator” Family was introduced October 21 at a kickoff event starting at the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum and Alley, to coincide with National Reptile Day.
“It was a great turnout (for the kickoff),” Lisa said. “The kids were so much fun. I was just amazed to see how many people embraced the project, and it was so much fun to see people throughout the day walking in areas that you wouldn’t see them normally, trying to follow the clues of the alligator hunt.”
“We just hope that through the years, it’s something that will grow. We hope when people bring their family, or when somebody comes back home from being away, that they will come downtown, look for the ‘Alley-Gators,’ learn more about downtown, support downtown, and be engaged and excited by our downtown.”
As a companionship piece to the “Alley-Gator” Family, a storybook titled See You Later Alley-Gator, written by Vicki Taylor and illustrated by Kari Zendejas, was published to tell the story of Alex Alley-Gator and his family. Each bronze sculpture of the alligators became an illustrated character in the book, which gives the reasons as to why each alligator is located at its particular site in downtown.
“We wanted children and adults alike to fall in love with the story,” Vicki said. “We all have families full of quirky personalities with different viewpoints, but those families are still filled with love and a desire for everyone to be together and home.”
Information on the Alley-Gator Family, clues for A Very Special Alley-Gator Hunt and access to purchase an Alley-Gator plush, the book SEE YOU LATER ALLEY-GATOR and an Alley-Gator Family t-shirt are available at https://www.hattiesburgpocketmuseum.com.
“This project has been a labor of love for all of those involved,” said Rick Taylor, executive director of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission. “To see the project grow from a singular concept to what we are unveiling today is a true testament to teamwork, collaboration and tenacity.
“We are thankful for the City of Hattiesburg and their support of this attraction, and for our downtown businesses for believing in our vision and plans for growth and entertainment in Hattiesburg.”
