From Iceland — Christmas Goat Felled By High Winds

Christmas Goat Felled By High Winds

Published November 9, 2011

The giant straw Christmas goat raised by IKEA in Garðabær was felled by heavy winds, but organisers have vowed to raise it again.
The Christmas goat, also known as the Gävle Goat, is a very recent Swedish tradition dating back to 1966. The giant straw animal often proves too tempting for vandals, and is known to be frequently set on fire, as has happened in Iceland.
While security measures were stepped up this year, nothing could have prepared Christmas goat organisers for the powerful winds which tore through Iceland on Monday. Among the victims was the goat itself.
While the winds did tear out some straw, the goat is not beyond repair, and organisers expect to have it raised again by noon today.
Interested parties can follow the trials, tribulations, and glory of the Christmas goat on its Facebook fan page.

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