Sardine Man

Trade show model of an oilskin clad fisherman holding a large can of sardines that reads "Sardines: Packed in Maine" and "Welcome to Sardineland." A much larger sized version has been used in lieu of a billboard to advertise Maine sardines. This sculpture/model was from the Maine Sardine Council, a State of Maine-funded marketing group that formed to promote Maine sardines in 1951. By the time it was dissolved in 2000, only 3 Maine packing plants were left. In 2006 there was one; it closed in 2010. Sardines in America dropped out of fashion in competition with other foods for the "fast" food market. They are still popular in Northern Europe and Canada.