Duncan Family Farms brought some much-needed cheer to the Southwest Valley this week, installing its iconic 1990s-era Big Baby cutout on farm property at Loop 303 and Camelback Road in Goodyear.
The 20-foot-tall cutout created in 1998 by artist John Cerney of Salinas, California, features a smiling toddler playing with a tractor. She stood for years on Cotton Lane north of Interstate 10.
“She was the marker for the exit when we were open to the public for farm tours back in the ’90s,” the Duncan family wrote on its Facebook page Dec. 21. “When the freeway expansion occurred, she had to be taken down and was missed by many! We knew we would eventually find a new home, so we had her restored and this weekend placed her in her new location off the 303 at Camelback. If you are passing by, take a picture and tag with #DuncanFamilyFarmsBigBaby to help spread the news that she is back in the West Valley!”
People responded with joy at the news. The announcement post generated more than 200 comments and 700 shares.
“I almost drove off the side of the freeway on Saturday when I drove by the Big Baby! I screamed, ‘OMG the Big Baby’s back!’ I was so excited!!” Jennifer Frueh wrote. “Great way to ring in 2021! Thanks Duncan Family Farms! Love the farm family!
“Jennifer Frueh lol me too!!! I was so excited I started honking like crazy lol!!!” Sarah Gorospe added.
“I was so excited to see big baby again! It was always my reminder that I was almost home when we lived in Waddell,” Jessie Phillips wrote. “Thank you for bringing such an important landmark back.”
For one commenter, the return of the Big Baby is personal.
“Shout out to my darling daughter Jaymee Lawton for sitting in as the Big Baby model for this 23 years ago!” Kandi Lawton wrote, adding a heart eyes emoji.
Both mother and daughter posted photos of the now grown up model in front of the cutout as it was being assembled.
“We are so overwhelmed by the responses we have been getting from all of you about your memories and excitement for the having the Big Baby back in the West Valley,” the family posted Dec. 23. “It makes us very happy to know the joy she brings everyone!
The farming operation at 17072 W. Indian School Road in Goodyear had several cutouts, including a chicken near the Duncan Family Farms market.
“That chicken actually is still around and is standing at the offices of Hickman’s Farms in Buckeye,” the family posted.
According to the farm’s website, fourth-generation farmer Arnott Duncan and his wife, Kathleen, began their farming operation in 1985. Today, they grow a variety of organic lettuces, greens and vegetables shipped to processors throughout the U.S. as well as Canada and United Kingdom.
In addition to Arizona, they have farms in California, Oregon and New York. For more information, visit duncanfamilyfarms.com.
For more information about the artist, visit johncerneymurals.com.
Kelly O’Sullivan can be reached at kosullivan@newszap.com or 760-963-1697.
Kelly O’Sullivan News Editor | Litchfield Park& Goodyear @AzNewsmedia
Kelly O’Sullivan is a longtime journalist who joined Independent Newsmedia in January 2020, after returning to the Valley from Twentynine Palms, California, where she worked for eight years as a communications specialist for the U.S. Marine Corps. When she’s not covering stories of interest to Litchfield Park, Goodyear and other Southwest Valley residents, she stays busy rediscovering Arizona and photographing its spectacular landscapes and wildlife.
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