View source for Biology:Wahpper

{{Infobox artwork
| image = Wahpeton catfish.jpg
| caption = Wahpper in 2017
| artist = Dave Oswald
| year = 1997
| subject = [[Biology:Channel catfish|channel catfish]]
| dimensions = {{Convert|40|feet}} long x {{Convert|12|feet}} high
| weight = {{convert|50,000|lbs}}
}}
'''"Wahpper"''' is a 40-foot long fiberglass sculpture of a catfish beside the Red River of the North in Wahpeton, North Dakota, United States.

{{coord|46|17|20|N|96|35|49|W|format=dms|display=title|type:landmark_region:US-ND}}

==Description and history==
Wahpper can be found at the north end of Wahpeton, on the banks of the Red River within the Kidder Dam Recreation Area.<ref name="Vatnsdal2019">{{cite news |last1=Vatnsdal |first1=Emma |title=Unique roadside attractions, including geographical center of North America, are just a short drive away |url=https://www.westfargopioneer.com/lifestyle/travel/2410820-Unique-roadside-attractions-including-geographical-center-of-North-America-are-just-a-short-drive-away |accessdate=31 July 2020 |work=West Fargo Pioneer |date=16 June 2019}}</ref> The sculpture is 40 feet long, 12 feet tall (including its pedestal) and weighs more than 5,000 pounds.<ref name=Vatnsdal2019 />

Wahpeton's Visitor's Committee (now the Convention and Visitors Bureau) viewed a giant sculpture as a good way to market the town and its natural resources.<ref name=Betz2019 /> The Red River is formed by the Bois de Sioux and Otter Tail Rivers, and the headwaters is in Wahpeton; people come from multiple states to fish the river's abundant [[Biology:Channel catfish|channel catfish]].<ref name=Betz2019 /> $12,000 was raised to create the sculpture, which was raised by multiple organizations, including the Wahpeton Visitors Committee, the Wahpeton Park Board, and local businesses.<ref name="Betz2019">{{cite news |last1=Betz |first1=Katie |title=A 'Wahpper' of a tale |url=https://www.wahpetondailynews.com/news/a-wahpper-of-a-tale/article_5951c58a-83dc-11e9-a54d-2b1dd46f395f.html |accessdate=31 July 2020 |work=Daily News |date=1 June 2019 |location=Wahpeton, North Dakota}}</ref> It was placed at the site on August 3, 1997, with a opening celebration that included serving catfish to guests.<ref name=Betz2019 />

The artist was Dave Oswold, the same sculptor that created other fiberglass creations such as Salem Sue in New Salem, North Dakota and the 143-foot long sculpture of a muskie at the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward, Wisconsin.<ref name=Betz2019 /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Grantier |first1=Virginia |title=How now, black and white cow? |url=https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/how-now-black-and-white-cow/article_9a7a58b3-f699-5064-b7f3-c65fec5c2dc2.html |accessdate=31 July 2020 |work=Bismarck Tribune |date=24 September 2004}}</ref> The Wahpeton sculpture is credited as the world's largest sculpture of a catfish,<ref name=Betz2019 /> however, there is a larger catfish statue in Dunnville, Ontario standing at 50 feet long and 27 feet high.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dunnvillemudcat.home.blog/|title=Dunnville Mudcat|website=Dunnville Mudcat|accessdate=31 March 2023}}</ref> The fish's name, "Wahpper," is a playful nod towards a very big fish, or a "whopper," combined with the town's name.<ref name=Betz2019 /> During the river's spring flooding, the sculpture is surrounded by water, giving the impression the fish is swimming.<ref name=Vatnsdal2019 /><ref>{{cite web |title=Wahpeton, North Dakota: World's Largest Catfish |url=https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/836 |website=Roadside America |accessdate=31 July 2020}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Siluriformes]]

{{Sourceattribution|Wahpper}}