Reindeer creations line Nevada byways

Most people have heard of eight tiny reindeer, but there are about 300 decorating the front of businesses from Gardnerville to Reno in one of Nevada's largest art projects.

Jacks Valley Elementary School teacher Linda Nalder said "Willow" Bill Goulardt came into her classroom on Dec. 15 and worked with students to build the reindeer.

Nalder said Goulardt's goal is to be able to see one reindeer from every spot along the way.

Reindeer the children make are not for sale, but Goulardt does have some of the handmade creations for purchase.

In an interview appearing in the Nevada Appeal, Goulardt said he has worked with about 15,000 students from Reno to Gardnerville making willow reindeer.

He entertains them with holiday and outdoor adventure stories as he guides them through the process of creating the deer.

"It's never been about me," he said. "It's about the kids."

Goulardt is hoping to turn the students' work into the country's largest art project, at the same time "shedding light on alternative energy."

Eventually, he said, he would like to cover the 85 miles from Bordertown to Topaz, with a person being able to stand at one group of reindeer and see the next group.

He estimates it will take about 1,000 reindeer to complete the reindeer trail, and with the support of the children who've made them throughout the years, he sees nothing but success.

"There were 213 reindeer out there last year," he said. "Not one light bulb was stolen. Not one reindeer vandalized. That's incredible. They're watching out for their stuff, for their brothers' and sisters' stuff."