The Hammer made its official triumphant return after the Fourth of July festivities at the Plaza.
DJ Gavel (Mayor David Hagele) played the sculpture in, nailing it with tunes such as Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” and MC Hammer’s “Can’t Touch This.”
Artist Doug Unkrey was on hand to help celebrate his piece’s return, thanking the school for donating the log needed to replace the handle, which was never recovered after it was stolen. He also noted that the city’s support of local art has been heartening.
The city welcomed the public to touch The Hammer and handed out inflatable hammers and plastic hardhats to the crowd.Â
The Hammer had been stolen in October 2018 and the metal head was returned in April. For now, the sculpture will be stored overnight and brought out during the day for display, until the city is confident that the temptation has passed for any copycat giant carpenter thieves.
