WINONA LAKE — “Beachy,” Winona Lake’s Indiana Bicentennial Bison, has placed third in the Indiana State Fair “Bison-tennial” competition.

In celebration of Indiana’s Bicentennial, cities and towns statewide were asked to purchase and decorate bison sculptures, inspired by the bison on the state seal. Each town or city was then encouraged to decorate its bison in a way unique to it.

Living up to its name, “Beachy” sports a pair of swim trunks with pictures symbolizing various aspects of Winona Lake. Around its middle is a life preserver and over its eyes is a pair of goggles. To complete the ensemble, “Beachy” wears a set of flippers and stands on a pier.

Fulton County took first place with its bison, which sports images of the county historical society’s round barn and the county’s courthouse. Coming in second was DeKalb County’s bison. Honorable mention went to Knox County, St. Joseph County by Logan Community Resources, Jasper County and Porter County by Portage Township Schools.

Three bison were also chosen for people’s choice awards, including Martin County, first place; Jasper County, second place; and Fulton County, third place.

A total of 25 bison were entered in the contest and were on display throughout the duration of the Indiana State Fair. “Beachy” will return to Winona Lake early next week and will go on permanent display on the beach near the park.

A team consisting of Rick Swaim, Steve Perry and Joy Lohse painted “Beachy.”