Manhattan Farmer Uses Land To Create Another Work Of 'Ag Art'

MANHATTAN, IL — When Manhattan resident Dave Kestel made a giant American flag in the snow this past winter, people took notice. The images went viral, and Kestel promised there would be more of his agricultural art to follow.

Kestel did not disappoint his fans. He recently posted photos on Facebook and Twitter of his latest creation: an 840-foot-long cross in celebration of Easter.

"Happy Easter from our Farm!!," Kestel wrote in his post. "Hey Dad in Heaven, How does it look from up there? Someone with powers more than us gave me a tiny weather window this week to get this done!! I believe!!!"

Kestel said he created the cross April 11 using his tractor. He posted the photos to social media April 15. The photos have been viewed approximately 94,000 times on Twitter, and has gotten around 1,600 engagements on Facebook, Kestel said.

Kestel said he took advantage of some dry weather last week to create the cross because he didn't know if there would be another opportunity to do so before Easter. He said it took him a little under an hour to make the cross.

"I made the cross this year because so many people are pushing God aside, and this was reminder to people there is a higher power," Kestel told Patch.

Kestel's photos of his roughly 90-foot by 60-foot American flag he created in February went viral, gaining attention from local and national media. He said at the time that he was trying to help spread a little patriotism.

"Just like the snow flag I did in the winter, some people need a dose of being patriotic," Kestel said.

As far as what Kestel will create next, he said he still plans to make another American flag in the snow, only much, much bigger.

"Kirbys Bakery already got me the food coloring," he said.

Readers can view more of Kestel's photos on his Facebook page and Twitter account.

Related: Spreading A Little Patriotism: Snow Flag In Manhattan Goes Viral