
TOURISM
“It’s really not a fundraising campaign,” she explained.
“We charge about $2,000 per sign, which covers the cost of
design and construction. Each one comes with a 10-year warranty
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and should be easily touched up after that.
“It really is just an awareness campaign. Eventually we’ll
have a driving map so tourists can drive from sign to sign
and learn about the history. It will give visitors something
different to do while they are in the area and hopefully bring
more to the area,” Stapleton said.
IMPORTANCE OF CITRUS
Stapleton brainstormed with George Hamner Jr., president
of Indian River Exchange Packers Inc., during a promotional
night at the museum where Hamner shared some of his vast
collection of labels that his father had accumulated through
the years.
They had heard about a similar label tour underway in Polk
and Manatee counties in conjunction with the Florida Citrus
Hall of Fame. The hall of fame eventually wants every county >>
KERRY FIRTH PHOTOS
Colorful and artistic citrus labels were glued on the ends of packing crates
that were shipped around the country.
Heather Stapleton, executive director of Vero
Heritage Inc., which operates the Indian River
Citrus Museum, and George Hamner Jr., president
of Indian River Exchange Packers Inc., came
up with the tour idea during a promotional night
at the museum.
“You wouldn’t believe the interesting conversations
I have with people who visit the museum.
Many have memories of growing up here when
citrus was king. Others remember having citrus
shipped to them up north. There seems to be a
personal story with every citrus memory. I’m sure
the labels replicated on signs around town will
make them smile every time they see one.” — Heather Stapleton