Big plans are happening after continued attention from the Jimmy Kimmel Live show has left the town of Dildo abuzz. Literally.
The American TV host’s bid to become the tongue-in-cheek mayor of the town was just the beginning, with closely guarded plans for bigger things to come in Dildo in the next few days.
Still big (and closely guarded) plans are afoot for the small town for the next few days.
Local workers are hard at it for the next appearance on the show. pic.twitter.com/BnRfY5akdv
— Andrew Hawthorn @ VOCM (@HawthornVOCM) August 14, 2019
Dildo isn’t just a funny name—it’s a community with homes and history, and while the people here are the first to make a sly joke, there are mixed feelings as to how their home is being presented on the world stage.
However, it isn’t just the attention of millions the Kimmel show is bringing. Members of the community are fully involved in the process, with US dollars flowing in to power the production, along with the tourists.
Kimmel launched his campaign on his show last night. He says he will be flexible but firm.
Here at Kimmel Campaign HQ, locals are pitching in hoping the new mayor, if elected, might be able to import some Hollywood weather up here. pic.twitter.com/hDkmU8mLED
— Andrew Hawthorn @ VOCM (@HawthornVOCM) August 14, 2019
It looks like there may be some competition to become the tongue-in-cheek mayor of Dildo.
Jimmy Kimmel launched his campaign last night, but some people in Dildo have made up banners calling for Matt Damon to go after the job.
It's standing room only at the local spots in Dildo.
VOCM's @JGrimesVOCM talks about the local business impact with Lionel Rodrigues of @DildoBrewingCo. pic.twitter.com/KzAjIY4jYD
— Andrew Hawthorn @ VOCM (@HawthornVOCM) August 14, 2019
Karine McDonald, the owner of Dildo Cove Coffee and Crafts, says business has been way up ever since Kimmel first mentioned Dildo. The cafe is Kimmel’s campaign headquarters.
She says the exposure has been good for all businesses—and she knows what she would like to see from Kimmel.
McDonald hopes that he at least brings some good weather with him.
Kallie is a pooch from St. John's who is very much enjoying the weather in Dildo.
There are hundreds of people (and dogs) here to see what all the fuss is about. pic.twitter.com/vGuPWxmhEg
— Andrew Hawthorn @ VOCM (@HawthornVOCM) August 14, 2019
Dildo resident John Reid meanwhile, wears the pride he has for his community on his sleeve.
In the 1980s, a campaign was started to have the town’s name changed. While it did pick up some momentum, the traditional name prevailed, despite the modern implications.
The lyrics are clear about how he felt about those efforts. “I said now friend I will not sign to change its precious name. I hope that every person here, they will feel the same.”
Reid penned the Dildo Song, to express his pride in the town and its unusual name.
“For God will travel with us, wherever we may go, and He will never laugh or joke about the name Dildo.”
