A relatively new city incorporated in 1961, Goose Creek is working to overcome its perception as a bedroom community without a traditional downtown. The Adopt a Goose Program provided an immediate way for it to build community identity. Local businesses can adopt a 4-foot fiberglass goose statue, uniquely painted by the Goose Creek Artists Guild and frequently themed to the business, for display throughout the city — driving economic development, resident relations and online engagement. 

Businesses apply online to sponsor a goose at a $2,000 price point to cover costs, followed by design work, painting, clear-coating and installation. As the project launched, city staff built community buzz using social media teases before revealing the first four geese in a surprise overnight installation. With the initial slate of geese installed, they offered an interactive scavenger hunt complete with local-business-focused promotions, which encouraged goose statue hunters to travel into businesses and take selfies with the geese for social media.  

The program emphasizes fun in everything from the designs to the avian puns — one installation carries the name of Vincent Van Goose — and the community has responded enthusiastically. Video campaigns across all social platforms received more than 30,000 views, with photo posts reaching about 40,000 Facebook and Instagram accounts. 

After its first year, the program has 25 geese completed. Some of the next steps include a GIS map project, trading cards — and, of course, more geese.  

Contact Adam Kelly at akelly@cityofgoosecreek.com or 843.937.1581.