First decorative horses were displayed around Rochester, then benches, next - giant-sized golf balls.
One hundred golf balls on tees standing at5 feet tall will be showcased around the Greater Rochester region, including Buffalo and Syracuse, starting the spring of 2013. It's in celebration of the 95th PGA Championship being played at the Oak Hill Country Club in Pittsford.
Representatives from Dixon Schwabl and PGA of America announced the Golf Balls on Parade campaign Tuesday.
Local artists will design and paint the balls before being displayed in area parks, on city streets and in front of businesses. The managing partner of Dixon Schwabl, Howie Jacobson, says it's about bringing people out into the community.
"[To] get to know a certain part of our community that you've never been to before," Jacobson says. "Maybe having an ice cream sandwich, visiting a museum that you never been to. And the golf ball is the reason that it got you out to visit Rochester."
Wegmans, Abbots and Excellus have already purchased golf balls for $6,000 each. A portion of the proceeds will go to four local charities, which Hillside Work Scholarship Connection, Golisano children’s Hospital and Reach for the Green - a scholarship program for City School District students.
Sponsors are also able to choose an organization of their choice.
The 2013 PGA Championship begins August 8-11.