Vandals deface iconic Radio Flyer in Riverfront Park | Crime

(Updated 1:47 p.m.) - It’s one of the most unusual incidents of graffiti seen in Riverfront Park. Last night, the iconic “Radio Flyer” red wagon was vandalized with religious messages. Crews spent the day cleaning up the mess, but the wagon won’t be the same.

“It’s very rare that we see vandalism based on religion,” Craig Butz, Riverfront Park manager, said. He continued, “This year has been worse than average. It’s going to cost us extra money.”

He expects the wagon will be re-painted next spring and will cost more than $3,000.

“We’ve only re-painted it once as general maintenance. We weren’t prepared to do this,” Butz added.

They’ll need to hire a sign painter to help out with the ornate writing and logos.

Even with the extensive vandalism, the wagon will remain open to the public.

The sculpture was created in 1989 by artist, Ken Spiering, for the Centennial Celebration of Children. Weighing 26 tons, it can hold as many as 300 people.

In 2010, Conan O’Brien, comedian and talk show host, met with dedicated fans at the wagon after his “The Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour” appearance. He simply said, “Meet me at the big red wagon.” And they did.

Photo Gallery: A KXLY employee passed by the red wagon early this morning and provided a collection of vandalism pictures.